When you hear “British Food Awards”, your mind probably jumps to fine dining spots or fancy desserts you see on TV. But the truth is, curry has become such a huge part of Britain’s food story that it’s impossible to ignore. And that’s precisely what the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) are all about, shining the spotlight on the chefs and restaurants who make curry a proper national favourite.
Curry’s Big Moment in the British Food Scene
It’s remarkable to think how curry went from being a Friday night takeaway to one of Britain’s most-loved dishes. Whether it’s a creamy korma in Manchester or a spicy madras in Glasgow, curry has found its place on every menu and every dining table. The British Food Awards now have entire categories celebrating Asian food, a sign that things have truly changed.
ARTA, which many now refer to as the Oscars of the Curry Industry, is the big one, the award every curry chef secretly dreams of. These awards aren’t about who can throw in the most chillies or make the fanciest plate; they’re about passion, flavour, and the stories behind the food.
Why ARTA’s Asian Cuisine Awards Hit Different
ARTA isn’t just another Restaurant Award. It’s a movement that celebrates the best of Asian cuisine in the UK. When a restaurant gets nominated for the ARTA Asia Curry Award, it’s a big deal. It means they’ve nailed something that goes beyond good taste; it’s about identity, culture, and connection.
Winning an Asian cuisine award like this doesn’t just boost business; it says you’ve made your mark in a country that absolutely loves curry. For a restaurant owner, it’s like joining a small but powerful club of people redefining what the best curry in Asia tastes like, right here in Britain.
The People Behind the Spice
If you’ve ever met a top curry chef in Asia or here in the UK, you’ll know they live and breathe food. Most of them started cooking way before they even knew what a “restaurant award” was. Many come from families where recipes are passed down like treasure.
What makes ARTA winners stand out is how they respect those roots while keeping things fresh. Some are taking old family recipes and giving them a modern twist. Others are experimenting with vegan curries or British ingredients, but still keeping that deep, soulful Asian touch. That’s what the ARTA Asia Curry Award is about: being bold but staying authentic.
What Really Makes a Curry Worth an Award
Everyone loves to talk about the “perfect curry”, but what does that even mean? The truth is, every award-winning curry in Asia has its own personality. It’s not about showing off, it’s about how a dish makes people feel.
ARTA judges usually look for flavour that lingers. A curry that hits the tongue just right, not too hot, not too mild, and makes you want more. A great curry doesn’t have to be complicated either. It’s all about the balance between spice, aroma, and emotion. The best ones taste like home and surprise you at the same time.
So if you’re a restaurant owner thinking about your next menu, start with that idea. Cook with purpose. Cook like someone’s going to remember your dish for years.
Why Winning ARTA Matters More Than You Think
Getting recognised by ARTA is more than just a pat on the back. It’s validation that what you’re doing matters, that your food is connecting with people in a real way.
Restaurants that win these awards typically experience a significant transformation: increased bookings, more press, and greater respect. But what’s even better is the confidence it brings to your team. Everyone in your kitchen feels it. It’s a shared win that reminds you why you started in the first place.
The Oscars of the Curry Industry have a way of bringing people together. Chefs who’ve spent years cooking for small communities suddenly find themselves in front of national cameras, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Where Curry Awards Are Headed Next
Food trends come and go, but curry isn’t going anywhere. What’s changing is how it’s made and served. The new wave of chefs entering the ARTA Asia Curry Awards is not just great cooks; they’re tech-savvy, creative, and fearless. They’re blending flavours from across Asia and experimenting with British twists.
We’re even seeing more plant-based curries, healthier menus, and eco-friendly kitchens. It’s the future of Asian cuisine awards, and ARTA’s right at the centre of it all.
Thinking of Entering? Here’s a Bit of Advice
If you’re running a restaurant and you’ve been thinking about awards, go for it. But don’t do it just for the title. Build a story around your food. Let your menu reflect who you are. Judges notice when food has heart.
Consistency is another big one. Every curry that leaves your kitchen should taste like it’s award-worthy. Whether it’s a Tuesday lunch or a Saturday night rush, that standard has to stay the same.
And finally, don’t forget your community. The best restaurants aren’t just places to eat, they’re part of people’s lives. The ARTA Asia Curry Award often goes to chefs who care just as much about their customers as they do about their recipes.
FAQs
- What are the British Food Awards?
They’re part of the ARTA, an annual awards program that highlights the best of the UK food scene, from traditional British dishes to global influences like curry. - What is ARTA?
ARTA stands for the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, one of the biggest celebrations of Asian food talent in the UK. - Why are they called the Oscars of the Curry Industry?
Because of their prestige. ARTA brings together the best chefs and restaurants, honouring excellence the way the Oscars do for film. - How can my restaurant win an Asian Cuisine Award?
Focus on flavour, authenticity, consistency, and the experience you create for your diners. The judges love genuine passion. - What happens after winning a Curry Award?
You get more attention from customers, media, and the industry. It’s a huge confidence boost and a significant marketing advantage as well.
