Some wins at ARTA stay with you long after the night is over. And this year, when Shilpa Indian Restaurant was named Shilpa East Anglia Restaurant of the Year, the whole room felt it.
There was cheering, clapping, a few teary eyes from their team, and honestly, even from some of us.
East Anglia has a growing food scene, but moments like this remind everyone that the region has serious talent and deserves its place among the best restaurants in East Anglia and the UK food awards conversation.
About ARTA
Why ARTA Matters
If you’ve been around the Asian food scene in the UK for even a minute, you’ve heard of ARTA. We’re the awards night that chefs, owners and customers talk about because it’s all about genuine hard work, real cooking, real community, and food that actually tastes like something.
We celebrate the people who lift Asian cuisine higher every year, those who put the UK firmly on the global map for prestigious food awards, curry restaurant of the year titles, and all the big judging circuits.
How We Actually Judge Restaurants
Our process isn’t one of those tick-box situations. Judges look at guest reviews, and we check consistency, quality, and good old-fashioned hospitality.
It’s not just “Was the curry tasty?”, it’s “Would you come back?”, “Did you feel looked after?” “Is this team passionate?”
Restaurants earn their way in. Nothing is handed out lightly.
Where It All Happened
ARTA 2025 was a full house at the London Hilton, Park Lane.
Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin kept the room alive, and the entertainment felt like a proper celebration of Asian culture, music, dance, laughter, the whole thing.
A Proud Win – Regional Restaurant of the Year: East Anglia Region
What Made Shilpa Stand Out
When we were going through the shortlist for East Anglia, Shilpa consistently came up in conversation. Everything about them, flavour, service, creativity, the way they treat guests, just stood out.
Their cooking has that rare mix of comfort and craft: warm enough to feel homely, refined enough to be award-worthy.
This is exactly what you expect from a true ARTA East Anglia winner.
Now a Regional and National Name
Winning the East Anglia Restaurant of the Year title means they’ve stepped firmly into the spotlight.
Locals already loved them, but now they’re in the broader map, part of the conversation with top Indian restaurants UK, potential contenders for bigger national curry awards, and a name food lovers across the UK will be keeping an eye on.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
Where It All Started
Shilpa’s story began with a simple idea: bring honest, soulful Kerala cooking to East Anglia.
No fuss, no gimmicks, just real food made by people who grew up with these flavours. What started as a family venture turned into one of the region’s most-loved Indian restaurants, and their steady rise explains why they’re among the best restaurants in East Anglia.
The Chef’s Mindset
Shilpa’s kitchen team works with a clear philosophy: fresh ingredients, authentic spices, and flavours that feel rooted.
You can tell they’re not trying to impress, yet they do. The food speaks louder than any branding ever could, which is exactly the kind of authenticity we value in Curry Awards for Indian restaurants.
Why They Meet ARTA’s Standards
Quality, creativity, sustainability, and consistency- Shilpa has all the ingredients of an award-winning curry restaurant.
They meet every expectation we have when selecting winners for indian food awards, and honestly, they exceed many of them without even trying too hard.
Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites
Here are some dishes that made judges (and basically everyone else) fall in love:
- Tandoori King Prawn Chilli – Big, juicy prawns with that smoky heat that hits at just the right level.
- Seafood Grill – A proper showpiece for seafood lovers, carrying the coastal essence Kerala is known for.
- Lamb Biryani – Packed with flavour, slow-cooked and fragrant, easily an award-winning contender on its own.
These are the sort of dishes people order when searching for the best takeaway or a restaurant for celebrations, date nights or family dinners.
The Region’s Culinary Pride and Community Impact
Shilpa has done more than serve great meals.
They’ve hired locally, supported community events, and built relationships with charities, the kind of quiet impact that doesn’t always make headlines but genuinely matters.
In the bigger picture of restaurant awards UK, this is what helps a restaurant become more than just a place to eat. It becomes part of the community’s identity.
Media Recognition and Third-Party Validation
The moment Shilpa won, the news spread quickly.
Their win was featured in major outlets, including this national piece:
“This achievement was featured in national media by stating the Winners of Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025 announced :
It’s always satisfying to see local gems get national attention.
ARTA’s Role in Championing Asian Cuisine in the UK
For us at ARTA, the award isn’t just about picking a winner. It’s about shining a light on the chefs and teams carrying Asian cuisine forward in Britain.
We see creativity growing every year, and the impact of Asian food culture on the UK is undeniable. The community spirit, the innovation, the passion, that’s what we celebrate.
Shilpa’s win is simply a reminder of why we do what we do.
FAQ
1. What makes Shilpa the East Anglia Restaurant of the Year?
Their flavour, consistency, and hospitality stood out in every judging stage.
2. Does Shilpa do takeaway as well?
Absolutely. They’re often listed among the best takeaway spots in East Anglia.
3. What makes ARTA different from other awards?
Our judging process combines expert evaluations and customer feedback.
4. Could Shilpa win national curry awards in the future?
Easily. Their quality puts them in the conversation already.
5. Is Shilpa suitable for families or special occasions?
Yes, their menu appeals to a wide audience, from casual diners to food lovers.
