Finalists for the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the curry industry’, have been announced across various regions of the UK. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in Asian hospitality, with its Grand Finale set to take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Finalists Named Across the UK
Among the establishments vying for top honours is Eastern Spice in Ipswich, which has been shortlisted for Regional Takeaway of the Year in the East Anglia category. According to the Ipswich Star, Eastern Spice, located on Woodbridge Road, serves a variety of curries including masala, balti, and vindaloo, alongside classic sides.
North Wales will see four eateries compete for the Regional Restaurant of the Year title. As reported by North Wales Live, the nominees are Ijazz Indian Cuisine in Wrexham, Pwllheli Tandoori Restaurant in Pwllheli, Sima Tandoori in Porthmadog, and Valley Spice in Corwen.
In Surrey, four restaurants have reached the final of the regional awards. These include The New Anarkali in East Molesey, known for its Indian restaurant and tandoori oven dishes, and The New Khyber, which prides itself on traditional dishes like Tandoori Chicken and Special Chicken Biryani, as highlighted by Surrey Live. Also shortlisted are a family restaurant near Guildford, offering modern and traditional Bangladeshi and Indian sub-continental dishes including vegetarian and vegan options, and another small, family-run establishment led by a chef with 25 years of culinary experience, including work with Michelin chefs.
About the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards 2026
The ARTA 2026 Grand Finale is scheduled for Monday, October 12, at the London Hilton on Park Lane. The event will be hosted by BBC journalist Samantha Simmonds and comedian Paul Sinha, bringing together leading Asian restaurateurs, MPs, dignitaries, and celebrities to celebrate culinary excellence.
This year, over 1,250 restaurants and takeaways across the UK were nominated by diners and food enthusiasts, with many entries submitted through ChefOnline, ARTA’s strategic partner. The awards will recognise top establishments at both regional and national levels across categories such as Pan Asian Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Takeaway of the Year, Turkish Restaurant of the Year, Street Food Restaurant of the Year, and National Newcomer of the Year.
Mohammed Munim, Founder and CEO of ARTA, congratulated all finalists, stating: "Being a finalist is a remarkable achievement and reflects the passion, resilience and dedication of the businesses shaping Asian hospitality across the UK." He also noted the vital role Asian restaurants and takeaways play in communities and the wider UK hospitality industry, particularly at a time of rising employment costs, inflation, and increasing overheads. For more on the broader UK food scene, readers might recall James Martin’s Enduring Connection to Bolton Food Festival, or recent news such as the Food Safety Dept. Boosts Hygiene Checks at Colleges. Concerns within the industry are not new, as seen with Auditors Raising Doubts Over Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck.