Curry has a funny way of bringing people together, doesn’t it? A Friday night takeaway, a family meal out, or even just a quick bite at lunchtime, it’s part of the routine for millions of people across the UK. But then, there are those curries that stop you in your tracks. The ones you remember. That’s where the Curry Chef Awards come in.
The awards are part of ARTA, the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, and if you’ve heard people calling them the Curry Oscars, well, that’s because in this industry, they really are that big. Winning one isn’t just about having a nice shiny plaque for the wall. It’s about showing your customers, your staff, and the whole country that your food isn’t just good, it’s special.
Why bother with awards anyway?
Look, you’ve got bills to pay, staff to manage, and customers to keep happy. Entering for awards might feel like an extra hassle. But here’s the thing: when you or your chef gets recognised, people notice.
Locals who might usually stick to the same few curry houses suddenly want to try yours. Bloggers might write about you. Local press loves covering stories like “hometown chef wins national award.” Even customers who’ve been with you for years start telling their friends, “This place won an **ARTA curry award, you’ve got to try it.”
It’s not just vanity. It’s marketing you can’t buy.
What actually makes a winning curry?
It’s not about making it spicier than the place down the road. Judges aren’t trying to blow their heads off with a vindaloo. What they’re looking for is balance.
A curry where every mouthful has depth. Where the spices are layered properly. Where the presentation shows you care. And where the dish tells a bit of a story, your story.
Maybe it’s a family recipe you’ve perfected over the years. Maybe it’s a modern twist that uses local ingredients in a new way. Sometimes the simplest curries, when done flawlessly, are the ones that win.
The people behind the food
One thing that makes the Curry Chef Awards so important is that they celebrate the chefs themselves. Not just the restaurants, not just the brands, but the individuals.
A lot of these chefs didn’t walk straight into a head chef’s role. They started peeling onions, washing pots, or delivering food. They worked their way up, night after night, until they knew their spice blends inside out. That’s what these awards are really about, acknowledging the craft and the graft.
What happens if you win?
Well, you’ll probably be busier, for one. Takeaway orders often shoot up. Bookings increase. And it gives you a great story to tell, online, on your menus, even on the sign outside your restaurant.
It also lifts your team. Your staff can say, “I work at an award-winning curry house.” That makes them proud, and pride leads to better service. In an industry where keeping staff happy is tough, that’s worth a lot.
Why everyone calls them the Curry Oscars
It’s simple: they matter. Just like an Oscar in film means the actor is the best of the best, an ARTA award tells people your food is in a different league.
And customers love that. They’ll travel further, they’ll queue longer, and they’ll talk about it to anyone who’ll listen. For a restaurant, that’s gold dust.
How you can get in the running
There’s no big secret here. Yes, your food has to be great. But consistency, service, and atmosphere all play a part. Judges notice whether you treat a midweek diner the same way you treat a packed Saturday night table.
If your staff are friendly, your menu is exciting, and your food has heart, you’re already halfway there.
Why ARTA stands apart
There are lots of restaurant awards around, but ARTA is the one people know about. It’s nationwide. It’s respected. Politicians, celebrities, and food writers show up to the ceremony.
Winning one isn’t just a local badge of honour. It puts you on the map across the UK. That’s why they’re often called the Oscars of the curry industry.
Final word
At the end of the day, the Curry Chef Awards aren’t just about who makes the best curry dish. They’re about celebrating the chefs and restaurants that give curry such a central place in British food culture.
If you’re in this business, you already know it’s a tough industry. Long hours, constant competition, rising costs. But when your food gets recognised on a stage like ARTA, it reminds you why you do it, and shows your customers that what you’re serving is something special.
And who knows? Next year, it might be your name they call out at the Curry Oscars.
FAQ: Curry Chef Awards
- What are the Curry Chef Awards?
They’re part of ARTA, celebrating the chefs and dishes that make the UK curry scene shine. - Why are they called the Curry Oscars?
Because they’re the most prestigious awards in the curry industry, much like the Oscars are in film. - Can small restaurants win?
Of course. Many winners are family-run curry houses, not just big names. - Does winning make a difference?
Yes, expect more customers, more press, and more recognition. - How is ARTA different from other restaurant awards?
It’s national, respected, and widely covered, giving winners exposure across the UK.
