When a restaurant gets people talking, it usually means one thing, they’re doing something right. That’s exactly what’s happening in Belfast right now. Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge has officially been named Regional Restaurant of the Year: Northern Ireland Region at the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2025, and the buzz hasn’t stopped since.
For a place that’s been quietly setting the standard for Indian dining in Northern Ireland, this win feels like long-overdue recognition. It’s a moment that puts Belfast firmly on the map for award-winning Indian restaurants, and a reminder that great food doesn’t just feed you, it moves you.
About ARTA
If you’re in the UK food scene, you already know, ARTA is the big one. These awards are often called the “Curry Oscars” for good reason. They’re where the country’s best Asian restaurants, chefs, and takeaways gather to celebrate the people redefining British dining.
The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards are more than a trophy night. They represent a community, hardworking restaurateurs, innovative chefs, and teams that turn everyday meals into unforgettable experiences. Restaurants are shortlisted through public votes, mystery visits, and a judging process that digs deep into consistency, quality, creativity, and hospitality.
The 2025 ceremony lit up Hilton Park Lane, London, and was hosted by Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, with entertainment that matched the night’s high energy. It’s an evening where stories of passion, resilience, and flavour all come together, and this year, Nu Delhi was one of those stories.
A Proud Win for Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge
When Nu Delhi’s name was announced as Regional Restaurant of the Year: Northern Ireland Region, the cheers said it all. Judges praised the restaurant’s balance of authenticity and innovation, its ability to deliver warmth through service, and its dedication to keeping Indian cuisine fresh, exciting, and relevant.
For Belfast’s food scene, this win hits differently. It’s proof that regional talent can go head-to-head with national heavyweights and win. Within the wider UK restaurant awards circuit, Nu Delhi now sits among the elite, joining a celebrated list of curry champions and award-winning curry restaurants recognised across the country.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
Every restaurant has a story, and Nu Delhi’s is one that started with a dream to bring the soul of Indian food to Belfast, with a modern twist. From its early days, the team focused on one thing above all: authenticity.
They didn’t just want to serve curry; they wanted to tell stories through spices, textures, and traditions. That’s been the driving force behind everything they do, from the kitchen philosophy to the way the front-of-house team greets guests like old friends.
The chefs at Nu Delhi believe great food doesn’t need shortcuts. Their approach is simple: source fresh, cook with care, and never compromise on flavour. That’s what makes each visit feel like a little trip to the heart of India, right from the centre of Belfast.
Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites
Ask any regular, and you’ll hear a few names pop up again and again.
- Lamb Rogan Josh – tender, deeply spiced, and packed with the richness of Kashmiri flavours.
- Mixed Fusion Tandoori Grill – a sizzling celebration of tandoor cooking; perfect for sharing, impossible to forget.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – a classic, but done with such care it feels new again every time.
Each dish reminds diners why Nu Delhi is considered one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland. Whether you’re dining in or ordering the best takeaway in Belfast, this place always delivers on flavour, consistency, and heart.
More Than a Restaurant – A Part of Belfast’s Community
Awards aside, Nu Delhi has built something more important: a connection with its city. It’s one of those places that employs local talent, mentors young chefs, and supports the community through charity and cultural events.
Their success goes beyond plates and tables. It’s about creating opportunities, bringing people together, and celebrating Belfast’s diversity through food. That’s what makes this award-winning restaurant in Northern Ireland truly special: it’s rooted in its people.
Media Recognition and National Praise
Word travels fast when a restaurant achieves something big. Following the win, Nu Delhi’s story was featured in Belfast Restaurant Takes Top Title At London Awards, a well-deserved nod from the Business Eye.
For the team, it’s not just a headline; it’s validation. Years of dedication, sleepless nights, and passion have turned into a moment the whole of Northern Ireland can be proud of.
ARTA’s Role in Celebrating Asian Cuisine
One of the reasons ARTA remains so respected is its commitment to celebrating Asian cuisine in all its diversity. It’s not just about curry, it’s about recognising the chefs who innovate, the owners who uplift their communities, and the restaurants that make people fall in love with food again.
By spotlighting places like Nu Delhi, ARTA shows that Asian restaurants are at the heart of British culinary culture. From national curry awards to regional recognition, it’s a reminder that food brings us together, across backgrounds, tastes, and traditions.
FAQs About Nu Delhi & ARTA 2025
- What award did Nu Delhi win at ARTA 2025?
Nu Delhi won the Regional Restaurant of the Year: Northern Ireland Region at the 2025 Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards. - What makes Nu Delhi stand out in Belfast?
It’s the perfect mix of authentic Indian flavours, modern flair, and heartfelt hospitality that keeps people coming back. - How are ARTA winners selected?
Through a mix of public votes, secret dining experiences, and expert judging focused on consistency, quality, and innovation. - What dishes should you try at Nu Delhi?
Don’t miss the Lamb Rogan Josh, Mixed Fusion Tandoori Grill, and Chicken Tikka Masala, all crowd favourites. - Where can I read more about their win?
You can find full coverage at Business Eye and on the official ARTA blog.
