The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025 (ARTA) lit up the London Hilton, Park Lane on 6th October 2025, uniting the nation’s most talented chefs, restaurateurs, and industry pioneers for an unforgettable evening celebrating the UK’s vibrant Pan-Asian culinary community.
Now widely recognised as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry”, ARTA continues to shine as the most prestigious event honouring excellence, innovation, and resilience across Britain’s Asian restaurant and takeaway scene.
A Night of Glamour, Recognition and Inspiration
This year’s ceremony drew an audience of celebrated chefs, industry leaders, MPs, dignitaries, and television personalities. Guests included Elma Pazar, Ella Wise, Harriet Mae Blackmore, Chantelle Houghton, Paige Chohan, Seema Jaiswal, and Manish Bhasin, while TV anchor Samantha Simmonds and magician Paul Martin co-hosted the spectacular evening.
Beyond the glitz, the night was a heartfelt recognition of dedication, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship that define Asian cuisine in the UK.
Celebrating the Best in the Business
This year’s Champion of Champions title was claimed by Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge, Belfast, whose culinary flair and consistency continue to inspire excellence across the industry.
RISHI’S in Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar, Hackbridge, Wallington, secured the coveted National Chef of the Year, while Kaani Kaana, Chelmsford, took home National Takeaway of the Year. The Bombay, Swanley, earned the title of Newcomer of the Year, and My Delhi Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, was crowned Streetfood Restaurant of the Year.
Regional and Category Winners
Japanese Restaurant of the Year: Maneki Ramen, Worcester
Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year: Yakitori House, East Kilbride, Glasgow
Turkish Restaurant of the Year: Troia, Southbank, London
European Restaurant of the Year: Tarana Bar & Indian Restaurant, Las Palmas, Spain
Regional Winners:
- Northern Ireland Restaurant of the Year: Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge, Belfast
- South Wales Restaurant of the Year: 1988 Indian Restaurant, Sully, Penarth
- North Wales Restaurant of the Year: Junction Tandoori Restaurant, Llandudno Junction
- South West Restaurant of the Year: Royal Jaipur, Landford, Salisbury
- North East Restaurant of the Year: Soho Tavern, Gateshead
- West Midlands Restaurant of the Year: Tamarind, Balsall Common, Coventry
- North West Restaurant of the Year: Wild Ginger Restaurant, Littleborough
- Surrey Restaurant of the Year: Bay Leaves, Epsom
- East Midlands Restaurant of the Year: Spice Lounge, Brackley
- East Anglia Restaurant of the Year: Shilpa Indian Restaurant, Papworth Everard, Cambridge
- South Central Restaurant of the Year: The Paradise Balti House, Petersfield
- Kent Restaurant of the Year: The Bombay, Orpington, Green Street Green
- Essex Restaurant of the Year: Kelvedon Spice, Kelvedon, Colchester
- South London Restaurant of the Year: Saka Maka, Hither Green, London
- City & East London Restaurant of the Year: Bengal Village, London
- North London Restaurant of the Year: Taste of Goa, Finsbury Park, London
- Hertfordshire Restaurant of the Year: Raj of India, Welwyn Garden City
- Sussex Restaurant of the Year: Tamasha, Lindfield, Haywards Heath
- Scotland Restaurant of the Year: Masala Twist, Glasgow
- Central & West London Restaurant of the Year: BKC – Biryani Kebab Chai, Marble Arch, Tyburnia, London
Chef of the Year Awards
- South Central Chef of the Year: Jalpari of Woodley, Reading
- Kent Chef of the Year: Spice Village Indian Restaurant, Longfield
- West Midlands Chef of the Year: Alessi Indian Restaurant & Bar, Audley, Stoke-on-Trent
- North East Chef of the Year: Jolsha, Middlesbrough
- Wales Chef of the Year: Raj Kitchen, Swansea
- North West Chef of the Year: Junoon, Helsby, Frodsham
- East Midlands Chef of the Year: Mowglis, Beachampton, Milton Keynes
- Essex Chef of the Year: Cinnamon, North Weald Bassett, Epping
- East Anglia Chef of the Year: Pipasha Restaurant, Cambridge
- Surrey Chef of the Year: RISHI’S in Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar, Hackbridge, Wallington
- Sussex Chef of the Year: Darchini, Horsham
- Hertfordshire Chef of the Year: Jomidar Mahal, Littleport, Cambridge
Takeaway of the Year Awards
- Essex: Kaani Kaana, Chelmsford
- Hertfordshire: ChilliGo, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross
- Surrey: Jalsha Indian Takeaway, Ashford
- East Anglia: Urbanchai, Cambridge
- Wales: Saffron Kitchen, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran
- South West: Black Peppers, Bristol
- West Midlands: Spice Nation, Hollywood, Birmingham
- Scotland: Gurkha Kitchen, Fraserburgh
- Kent: Sher-E-Bangla Indian Takeaway, Longfield
- East Midlands: Shipon Tandoori, Chesterfield
- South London: Samrat, London
- North West: River Beal Indian Takeaway, Milnrow, Rochdale
A Tribute to Resilience and Innovation
Speaking at the event, ARTA Founder Mohammed Munim said:
“Heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists of ARTA 2025 – the outstanding Pan-Asian restaurants, takeaways, and chefs who continue to set the benchmark for excellence in the UK’s hospitality scene. Your dedication and passion bring extraordinary flavours and experiences to diners nationwide.”
He also reflected on the industry’s resilience, noting the challenges of rising costs, labour shortages, and immigration changes affecting skilled chef recruitment. Despite these hurdles, he praised the creativity and perseverance of restaurateurs across the UK, describing them as “the heart and soul of Britain’s multicultural culinary heritage.”
Partners and Sponsors
ARTA 2025 proudly partnered with ChefOnline as its Strategic Partner, alongside DNA Payments, Super Pollo, Work Permit Cloud, and Cobra Beer as Associate Sponsors. Madhu’s served as the Catering Partner, supported by Cambridge Regional College, Squire Mile Insurance, Finology Finance Brokers, Lexpert Solicitors, and NRB Bank.
These partnerships reflect ARTA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Pan-Asian culinary sector and empowering restaurant businesses nationwide.
A Platform That Represents the Community
More than 1,250 businesses were nominated this year, with public votes and detailed reviews determining the finalists. ARTA’s two-phase judging process included analysis of TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, Food Hygiene Ratings, and a final round of expert evaluation.
As the only official awards celebrating Asian cuisine based on consumer feedback, ARTA continues to highlight the excellence, authenticity, and innovation shaping Britain’s dining landscape.
The evening was about celebrating a shared legacy of cultural diversity, craftsmanship, and community pride.
FAQ
- What are the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA)?
ARTA is the UK’s most prestigious platform celebrating excellence in Pan-Asian cuisine, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry.” - When and where was ARTA 2025 held?
The ceremony took place on October 6, 2025, at the London Hilton, Park Lane. - Who won the Champion of Champions title?
The 2025 Champion of Champions was Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge in Belfast. - How are winners selected?
Nominees are evaluated through a two-phase process that involves public nominations, online reviews, hygiene ratings, and assessment by an expert panel. - Who were ARTA’s key partners in 2025?
Strategic Partner ChefOnline led this year’s sponsorship, joined by DNA Payments, Super Pollo, Work Permit Cloud, Cobra Beer, and several supporting partners.
