When the lights dimmed at the Hilton London Park Lane on 6 October 2025, all eyes turned towards one name — RISHI’S, the culinary jewel nestled inside the Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar. Amid a night celebrating the finest Asian and curry restaurants across the UK, RISHI’S claimed one of the evening’s highest honours: National Chef of the Year at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2025.
For diners and food enthusiasts who follow the UK food awards circuit, this win cements RISHI’S as one of the country’s top destinations for award-winning curry restaurants.
About ARTA
Celebrating Culinary Excellence
Known as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry,” the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) is among the most prestigious food awards in the UK. Each year, it honours chefs and restaurants that go above and beyond in serving outstanding Asian cuisine. It’s not just about great food, it’s about consistency, innovation, and contribution to the community.
The event has become a major highlight on the UK restaurant awards calendar, drawing in hundreds of nominations from across England, Scotland, and Wales.
How the Winners Are Chosen
ARTA’s judging process blends public engagement with expert evaluation. Restaurants are nominated by the public, reviewed for quality and customer satisfaction, and then shortlisted based on hygiene ratings, online feedback, and culinary merit. The finalists undergo regional cook-offs before facing a distinguished judging panel at the national level.
Context Within the Awards Landscape
ARTA sits alongside other notable honours like the British Curry Awards and the Asian Curry Awards, but with a wider lens. It celebrates chefs and restaurants from all corners of Asia—India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and beyond. It recognises not only fine dining but also best takeaway awards and curry champion awards, making it one of the most inclusive events in the restaurant awards UK scene.
Event Highlights
The 2025 ceremony took place at the Hilton London Park Lane, bringing together more than 1,200 guests, including chefs, restaurateurs, media figures, and community leaders.
The evening was hosted by Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, with appearances from well-known personalities including Ella Wise, Elma Pazar, Harriet Mae Blackmore, and Manish Bhasin.
ARTA’s strategic partner, ChefOnline, played a key role in the event. Through its food ordering platform, chefonline.co.uk, customers can order from nominated restaurants and support them through public voting.
Sponsors included DNA Payments, Super Pollo, Work Permit Cloud, Cobra Beer, and catering partner Madhu’s. The atmosphere was one of pride, celebration, and community spirit — the true essence of the South Asian restaurant awards tradition.
A Proud Win – National Chef of the Year for RISHI’S
Winning ARTA Chef of the Year is no small feat. The judges praised RISHI’S for its exceptional blend of creativity and authenticity, qualities that make it one of the most respected names in the best chef UK category.
What stood out most was the restaurant’s ability to fuse modern British presentation with the soulful depth of traditional Indian cuisine. Every dish told a story of heritage, technique, and precision, all while keeping the guest experience front and centre.
This national recognition places RISHI’S among the top Indian restaurants in the UK, putting them firmly on the map for fine Asian dining.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
How It All Began
RISHI’S in Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar started as an inspired collaboration between culinary passion and community spirit. The team set out to create a dining experience that honours India’s regional diversity while appealing to the British palate.
Over time, it’s evolved into one of the county’s most talked-about restaurants—earning rave reviews and a loyal following.
The Chef’s Philosophy
The guiding philosophy behind RISHI’S is simple: food should be bold, honest, and memorable. The head chef focuses on crafting dishes that respect tradition but embrace innovation. Each ingredient is sourced thoughtfully, ensuring both flavour and freshness, aligning perfectly with the judging standards of awards like ARTA Chef of the Year and curry chef awards.
Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites
Walk into RISHI’S, and you’ll understand why the judges were so impressed. The dishes are familiar yet exciting, rooted in Indian tradition but served with a contemporary touch.
- Chicken Tikka – A national favourite done to perfection. Tender, smoky, and marinated in a rich blend of spices, it represents everything an award-winning curry should be.
- Malabar Fish with Roti – A coastal-inspired dish bursting with coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, paired with warm roti for an authentic touch.
- Fish and Chips – A playful British classic with an Indian twist. The spiced batter and homemade chutney make it a hit among guests looking for something unique and comforting.
These dishes capture the heart of what makes RISHI’S National Chef of the Year title so well deserved—flavour, creativity, and consistency that keep diners coming back.
The Region’s Culinary Pride and Community Impact
Beyond the awards and accolades, RISHI’S has become a pillar of the local community. The restaurant supports local employment, trains young culinary professionals, and participates in charity events across Surrey.
Its success has boosted the region’s standing within national chef awards and inspired neighbouring establishments to aim for recognition in UK food awards and Indian food awards.
Media Recognition and National Spotlight
RISHI’S achievement didn’t go unnoticed. National media outlets like The Sun featured the restaurant in their coverage of ARTA 2025 winners under the headline “Woodley chef among winners at Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards”.
Such exposure not only validates the restaurant’s standing but also reinforces ARTA’s role in spotlighting hidden culinary gems across Britain.
ARTA’s Role in Championing Asian Cuisine in the UK
Promoting Diversity and Unity Through Food
ARTA has become more than an award show—it’s a movement. By recognising chefs and restaurants from various cultural backgrounds, ARTA celebrates the diversity that defines British dining today. It fosters understanding, pride, and togetherness through a shared love of food.
Driving Culinary Innovation
Over the years, ARTA has encouraged innovation and excellence across the industry. Winning restaurants are setting new standards in sustainability, service, and creativity, ensuring the next generation of chefs continues to elevate the profile of Asian cuisine awards in the UK.
FAQ
- What is RISHI’S National Chef of the Year award?
It’s a national title awarded by ARTA to recognise the best-performing chef or restaurant in the UK based on taste, innovation, and service. - How does ARTA select its winners?
ARTA combines public votes, online reviews, and expert judging panels to choose winners fairly and transparently. - What makes RISHI’S stand out?
RISHI’S combines Indian authenticity with modern presentation, supported by consistent quality and exceptional service. - What impact does winning have?
Winning raises a restaurant’s national profile, attracts media coverage, and builds trust with customers. - How can customers support their favourite restaurants in ARTA?
By voting online and ordering through platforms like ChefOnline, diners can help their favourite local spots gain recognition.
