Alhaj Noor Ali, also known as N.H. Miah, has led an inspiring life dedicated to the curry industry in the UK. Since arriving from Bangladesh in 1967 at just 13, he saw potential in the restaurant business, a field less explored at the time due to the dominance of the garments industry. His curiosity and ambition led him to work in a Coventry restaurant just at the age of 15, laying the foundation for his future.
In 1974, despite the small population in Croydon, Noor Ali opened his first restaurant, “Shaheen.” The restaurant quickly became popular, proving his decision to enter the restaurant business was right. Following the success of Shaheen, he went on to establish several more restaurants across the UK.
Realising the challenges faced by the industry, including issues with VAT and immigration, Noor Ali collaborated with colleagues to address these concerns. His efforts were instrumental in forming the British Bangladeshi Caterers Association (BBCA), a collective voice for Bangladeshi caterers in the UK. Through the BBCA, they could advocate for the industry more effectively.
Beyond his contributions to the curry industry, Noor Ali has been an active community leader. He served as the Chairman of the “Probashi Balagonj-Osmani Nagar Upozilla Shomity,” further demonstrating his commitment to helping others. His outstanding dedication has not gone unnoticed; he received the prestigious Arta’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Alhaj Noor Ali’s journey from a young immigrant to a respected leader in the UK curry industry and his community is truly remarkable. His unwavering spirit and dedication have made a significant impact, making him a cherished figure in the BBCA and beyond. We are grateful for his contributions and proud to have him as a guiding light in our efforts to support caterers.