SECRET succulent recipes have won a Widnes family restaurant a top national award.

Indian restaurant Vatikka, run by two brothers, has been named Restaurant of the Year in the English Curry Awards 2013.

Vatikka, which means ‘flower’, won 8,000 nominations and beat competition from big established restaurants in London, Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, Bradford and Surrey.

Mystery diners visited the restaurant as the prestigious award recognises the restaurant that serves the finest curry cuisine and atmosphere in England.

Owner Shinny Choudhury, aged 27, from Widnes, said: “It’s unbelievable. We’re absolutely overwhelmed.

“I’m really shocked that we beat restaurants all over the UK who have been trading much longer than us.”

Dad-of-two Shinny who loves cooking, only opened Vattika three years ago.

He put their success down to his 40-year-old brother, Kibs, who is head chef and creates imaginative, contemporary dishes.

Shinny, who has a three-year-old daughter and nine-month-old son, said: “Our food quality is in a different league.

“My brother is experimental. He has been in the trade since he was 16 and has secret tips. We’re always up for a challenge.

“We add our own touches and spices that give food that extra special flavour and a different twist.

“We both share a love and passion for food.

“We have our own signature collection using Malaysian spices and different ingredients.”

Shinny regularly runs charity nights and believes this award could help put Widnes on the map.

He said: “We enjoy working with our local community. We would like to thank our customers for all their support.

“We feel very proud to have represented Widnes and hope it will attract more visitors to our town. We will now be recognised all over the UK.

“This place will always be our baby but we now want to branch out.”