A COOKBOOK written by Basingstoke-based former Gurkha soldier and chef Pemba Lama has been shortlisted in the World Food Awards’ new 2013 category, World Cook Book.

The Ultimate Nepalese Cook Book has, since being published last year, been endorsed by Gurkha campaigner actress Joanna Lumley, and signed by the Dalai Lama.

Pemba has cooked with celebrity chef Madhur Jaffrey in his Basingstoke home, and, more recently, for the launch of the Soldiers’ Charity Big Curry at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust receives a donation from every book sold.

Dad-of-two Pemba said: “It is an absolute honour and thrill to have my cook book selected up with some of the big names in the culinary world.

“To win would be beyond my wildest dreams and would give Nepalese cuisine the global boost that it so deserves!”

Vote for Pemba online now at worldfoodawards.com/cookbook-of-the-year.

The Ultimate Nepalese Cook Book is available from Grierson Publications online at theultimatenepalesecookbook.com.