We’ve been part of the ARTA family long enough to see some brilliant restaurants come and go, but every so often there’s one that genuinely makes you stop, smile, and think, “Yes… this is what the food scene is all about.”
This year, that restaurant was Bengal Village.
When we named them Bengal Village City & East London Restaurant of the Year at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025, it honestly felt like a win for the whole community. If you’ve ever looked for the best restaurant in East London or tried to hunt down a proper award-winning restaurant in East London, chances are you’ve already come across their name, and for good reason.
About ARTA
A Quick Look at What ARTA Stands For
ARTA isn’t just another shiny ceremony with suits and speeches. At least, that’s never been the intention. It’s become one of the most respected names in the UK restaurant awards space because we genuinely care about uplifting restaurants, chefs, and teams who put their hearts (and sleepless nights) into serving unforgettable food.
From national curry awards to regional wins like this one, ARTA has earned its place alongside well-known events like the British Curry Awards and the Asian Curry Awards. But what makes ARTA different is that we still feel grounded in the communities we serve.
How We Actually Choose Winners
People often think an ARTA title is just about cooking a tasty curry. It’s much bigger than that.
Restaurants are nominated by real customers, shortlisted, and judged on everything from flavour and consistency to sustainability, innovation, and customer experience. Winning an award like the Curry Champion Awards, Best Takeaway Awards, Curry Chef Awards, or South Asian Restaurant Awards means the restaurant has met our criteria from every angle.
Where ARTA Fits Among Other Awards
The UK has no shortage of food competitions. But ARTA has carved out its own space by celebrating both restaurants and takeaways, newer names and industry veterans, big culinary talent and hidden gems, including the top Indian restaurants in the UK and rising stars finding their way into best Indian restaurant awards conversations.
Event Highlights from This Year
This year’s ceremony took place at the London Hilton on Park Lane, glitzy, yes, but full of warmth and such good energy.
With Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin guiding the night and entertainers keeping the crowd buzzing, the whole place felt electric. Our partners and sponsors made the night feel even more special. And when Bengal Village’s name was called, you could feel the pride in the room.
A Proud Win – Regional Restaurant of the Year: City & East London
Why Bengal Village Impressed the Judges
The thing about Bengal Village is… they don’t cut corners. Ever.
Their food has that proper depth of flavour that comes from chefs who know their craft inside out. The consistency, the spice balance, the care, it’s all there. And the service has that classic Brick Lane warmth that makes you feel like you’re part of the family.
That’s why they walked away with the Bengal Village City & East London Restaurant of the Year title.
A Regional Win with National Weight
In the world of award-winning curry restaurants, Bengal Village is already part of the conversation. But this ARTA win nudges them further into the national spotlight, the kind of recognition that starts popping up in the wider UK food awards and national curry awards landscape.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
A Bit of Their Story
If you’ve ever eaten in Brick Lane, you know Bengal Village as one of the long-standing names on the street. They’ve been serving traditional Bangladeshi and Indian dishes since well before the area became known for its street art, indie cafés, and creative scene.
They grew from a simple family-run eatery into one of East London’s most talked-about spots for proper, flavour-packed cooking, the sort that sticks in your memory long after the meal.
The Chef’s Way of Thinking
The head chef cooks in a way that makes you feel the roots of every recipe. He’s big on tradition but not afraid to tweak things when it makes sense. His approach mixes home-style comfort with restaurant-level refinement, a big reason why Bengal Village stands tall as an award-winning restaurant in East London.
How They Fit ARTA’s Criteria
ARTA looks at everything. Not just what’s on the plate, but how the team operates, how they source ingredients, how they keep standards high, and whether they offer something genuinely meaningful to guests.
Bengal Village ticks every box with ease, which is why this award felt inevitable.
Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites
If you want to understand why locals rave about Bengal Village, start with these:
- Vindaloo – Hot, bold, unapologetic. The kind of dish that hits you with layers of spice and satisfaction with every bite.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – Creamy, comforting, and always reliable. If someone asks where to get an award-winning curry, this is usually what they end up trying.
- Karahi Gosht – Slow-cooked meat with rich tomato and pepper flavours that cling beautifully to rice or naan. A regular on the best takeaway lists locally.
With dishes like these, it’s no wonder food lovers often search for them among the best takeaway awards, best restaurant East London, and top Indian restaurants UK lists.
The Region’s Culinary Pride & Community Impact
Supporting Local Jobs
Restaurants like Bengal Village don’t just feed the community; they employ it. A good chunk of the staff have been with them for years, creating the sort of stability that’s rare in hospitality.
Giving Back
Whether it’s charity work, school fundraisers, or neighbourhood events, Bengal Village shows up. Their presence is part of what makes East London feel like home to so many.
Media Recognition and Third-Party Validation
Their achievement was also highlighted in the national press:
Winners of Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025 announced
ARTA’s Role in Championing Asian Cuisine in the UK
ARTA has always been about community, culture, and recognising the chefs and restaurateurs they deserve. We showcase the flavours, creativity, and resilience behind the UK’s South Asian food scene, whether it’s a small family kitchen or a big bustling restaurant.
We’re proud to celebrate the names who make British dining diverse, exciting, and genuinely connected to the people it serves.
FAQs
1. Why did Bengal Village win City & East London Restaurant of the Year?
Their flavours, consistency, warm service, and long-standing contribution to the community set them apart.
2. How does ARTA judge restaurants?
We combine public nominations, mystery dining, regional judging, and final expert evaluations.
3. Does Bengal Village offer takeaway?
Yes, and it’s one of the most popular choices for anyone looking for the best takeaway in East London.
4. Is Bengal Village known for authentic cooking?
Definitely, their menu is rooted in traditional Bangladeshi and Indian recipes.
