When they called out 1988 Indian Restaurant at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2025, the room lit up. They stood up, big smiles all around, hugged each other, and you just knew this was a moment they’d remember for a long time.
Winning Regional Restaurant of the Year: South Wales Region isn’t something that happens by chance. It’s years of graft, long hours, busy kitchens, and a real love for good food and people. For anyone who’s eaten there, the win felt right.
What Makes ARTA Special
ARTA’s not just another award night. It’s the big one for the UK curry scene, the moment where chefs, owners, and teams get recognised for keeping British-Asian dining alive and exciting.
Every year, thousands of people vote, and then judges quietly visit restaurants, tasting, watching, and taking notes. The winners are those who do everything with heart, food, service, and atmosphere all have to click.
The 2025 ceremony was held at the London Hilton Park Lane, hosted by Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin. The energy in the room was electric, laughter, nerves, and that shared buzz of people who love food and community.
If you want to see the full winners’ list, here’s the link: Winners Of Asian Restaurant And Takeaway Awards 2025 Announced.
Why 1988 Indian Restaurant Stood Out
What makes 1988 Indian Restaurant South Wales special isn’t fancy plating or over-the-top décor. It’s that you walk in, and it just feels good. The food smells incredible, the team are friendly without being fake, and everything’s done with care.
The judges noticed it too, the balance of flavour, the service, and the way every detail’s looked after. You can tell they love what they do. That’s what ARTA is all about: passion that shows up on the plate.
A Look Inside the Kitchen
1988 Indian Restaurant started out with a straightforward goal: to serve proper Indian food that feels like home. Over time, they’ve built something real. Locals come back week after week, families bring their friends, and the place has become a part of South Wales’ food story.
The chefs keep things honest: fresh ingredients, slow cooking, and traditional techniques. There’s no shortcut to good curry, and they don’t try to take any. It’s that old-school way of cooking that gives their food real depth.
Dishes That Keep People Coming Back
If you’ve ever eaten there, you already know. The Paneer Tikka is rich and smoky with just the right kick. The Lamb Chops? Juicy, spiced to perfection, and cooked just long enough to melt. And then there’s the Tandoori King Prawn, one bite and you get why they’ve won awards.
These dishes have turned first-timers into regulars. No tricks, no gimmicks, just proper Indian cooking done right.
A Win for the Community Too
It’s not just the restaurant celebrating. The whole South Wales community is buzzing about it. The team at 1988 aren’t just good cooks, they’re locals who care. They’ve supported fundraisers, cultural events, and charities around town for years.
Their ARTA win feels like a win for everyone, a reminder that great things come out of small towns too. It’s put South Wales on the map again for top-quality Indian dining.
Recognition That Means Something
This award is proof that hard work, passion, and consistency get noticed. It also gives a nod to every small restaurant out there doing things the right way, quietly, proudly, and with love for the food.
As ARTA’s organisers said, these restaurants are the heartbeat of the UK’s Asian dining scene. They’ve kept the spirit of curry culture alive through generations.
FAQs – About 1988 Indian Restaurant’s ARTA Win
- What award did 1988 Indian Restaurant win?
They took home the Regional Restaurant of the Year: South Wales Region title at the ARTA 2025 awards. - Why did they win?
The judges loved their consistency, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality. The food speaks for itself, and the service makes you want to come back. - What dishes should I try first?
Go for the Paneer Tikka, Lamb Chops, or Tandoori King Prawn. They’re the ones everyone raves about. - Where can I visit them?
They’re based in South Wales, you can check their menu and book a table on their official website. - What is ARTA all about?
ARTA celebrates the best Asian restaurants and takeaways across the UK, highlighting creativity, quality, and community spirit in the food industry.
