There’s nothing quite like hearing someone say, “That was the best takeaway I’ve ever had.” Those little moments of praise stick with you, they remind you why you do what you do. Now imagine that same feeling, but on a bigger stage: your restaurant being named one of the top takeaway restaurants in the UK at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA). That’s the kind of recognition that can change everything.
The Takeaway Awards celebrate the dedication, passion, and people who pour their energy into feeding communities night after night. And if you’ve ever wondered how to go from being the local favourite to standing up there with the ARTA takeaway champions, you’re in the right place.
Why Takeaway Awards Actually Matter
Awards might not keep your ovens warm or your staff on time, but they do open doors. Being part of the best takeaway awards makes customers look at you differently. When they’re scrolling online for the best takeaway food, it’s that little “award-winning” tag that can make them stop and choose you over the shop next door.
And let’s be honest, in such a crowded market, you need every edge you can get. People want more than just food these days. They want trust, consistency, and a story. An award tells them you’ve got all three.
What ARTA Judges Care About
So how do judges decide who’s worthy of the big titles, like the so-called Curry Oscars or the Oscars of the curry industry? It’s not about having the biggest premises or a flashy budget. Here’s what they usually notice:
- Taste, time and again, not just a brilliant curry on a lucky day, but the same quality every time.
- Service that feels human, was the order right? Did it get there hot and on time? Did the customer feel looked after?
- Community spirit, restaurants that give back to the neighbourhood often stand out.
- Small touches of innovation, whether it’s eco-friendly packaging, a smoother ordering system, or a quirky new dish, it shows you’re moving forward.
It’s simple stuff, but it’s the kind of simple that’s hard to pull off night after night.
Steps Towards Becoming a Takeaway Champion
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to win awards, but you do need to care about the details. Here’s what makes a difference:
Stay Consistent
Big nights, quiet nights, staff shortages, none of it matters to the customer. They expect the same quality every time. That consistency is what judges are looking for too.
Listen Up
Feedback can sting, but it’s worth its weight in gold. Take it on board, respond to people, and make adjustments as needed. ARTA pay attention to what real customers are saying.
Nail the Little Things
Food is the star, but let’s not pretend the rest doesn’t matter. Clean packaging, a driver who smiles, and an online ordering system that doesn’t glitch – all of these factors add up to a customer choosing you again and again.
Share Your Story
Your food might be what brings people in, but your story is what makes them connect. Whether it’s recipes passed down in the family or how you started from a small kitchen, don’t be shy to let people in on it.
Don’t Miss the Chance
Plenty of great takeaways miss out simply because they didn’t bother entering. Keep an eye on award deadlines. Put yourself forward. Let your customers nominate you. Sometimes all it takes is asking.
Why Winning Feels Different
Winning an award changes how people see you, but it also changes how you see yourself and your team. There’s a buzz that comes with it.
- The local paper might write about you.
- More customers will want to give you a try.
- Your staff will feel proud, they’ll want to stick around.
- And down the line, it could even help you grow or expand.
FAQs
- How do I enter ARTA’s takeaway awards?
Head over to ARTA’s website, you can nominate yourself, and sometimes customers can nominate you too. - Do independents stand a chance?
Absolutely. Some of the most celebrated winners are family-run takeaways that put their heart into the food and the service. - Is there a cost involved?
Nominations are usually free. Some parts of the process may involve a fee, but consider it a marketing investment that pays for itself. - Why are they called the Curry Oscars?
Because the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards are the biggest deal in the industry, the Oscars, but for curry. - Can an award help me online?
Yes. Being award-winning makes you stand out in searches and gives people a reason to click on your restaurant first.
Final Word
Being named the Takeaway Restaurant of the Year doesn’t just land in your lap. It comes from the long nights, the attention to detail, and the care you put into every order. The ARTA takeaway champions prove each year that passion and consistency matter more than size or budget.
So keep doing what you do best, cooking food that makes people happy, treating customers like they matter, and putting yourself forward when awards season comes. The next time someone mentions the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, it could be your name they’re celebrating. And that’s a moment worth chasing.
