Every great industry is built by people who dedicate their time, passion, and expertise to creating something that lasts.
For decades, Asian hospitality businesses have played a defining role in shaping the UK’s food culture. From family-run curry houses that became part of local communities to modern restaurants introducing new dining experiences, the sector has created a lasting connection between food, people, and culture.
The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) exist to celebrate those stories.
Recognised by BBC and Sky as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry”, ARTA provides a national platform to recognise the restaurants, chefs, and hospitality professionals whose commitment continues to strengthen the UK’s Asian food scene.
As the industry prepares for the ARTA 2026 Grand Finale on 12 October 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, attention turns towards the people whose dedication has helped build Britain’s curry industry.
The Journey of Asian Hospitality in the UK
The story of Asian hospitality in the UK is one of ambition, resilience, and entrepreneurship.
Many of today’s successful restaurants began as small family businesses built by individuals who brought their culinary traditions, skills, and determination to new communities.
These early restaurants became more than places to eat. They became meeting points for families, friends, and communities. They introduced customers across the UK to new flavours, ingredients, and dining experiences while becoming an important part of British high streets.
Over time, Asian hospitality continued to evolve.
Independent restaurants grew into recognised brands. Traditional recipes were introduced to new generations. Chefs combined knowledge passed down through families with modern approaches to create experiences that reflected changing customer expectations.
Today, Asian cuisine represents one of the most recognised and appreciated parts of Britain’s food landscape.
Behind every dish is a story of hard work, creativity, and commitment.
The People Behind the UK’s Curry Culture
Restaurants are built by people.
Behind every successful hospitality business are chefs perfecting their craft, owners making difficult decisions, teams delivering memorable service, and families supporting businesses through challenges and change.
The success of Asian hospitality has never been based on food alone.
It has been built through:
- Entrepreneurship
- Community connection
- Dedication to customers
- Culinary skill
- A commitment to quality
Many restaurant owners have invested years building businesses that serve their communities while preserving culinary traditions for future generations.
From experienced chefs with decades of knowledge to emerging hospitality entrepreneurs bringing fresh ideas, every generation has contributed to the growth of Asian cuisine in the UK.
ARTA celebrates these individuals and recognises their daily contributions.
Why Recognition Matters in Hospitality
Running a hospitality business requires dedication.
Behind the scenes, restaurant owners and chefs manage long hours, changing customer expectations, rising operational challenges, and the constant demand to deliver quality experiences.
Recognition provides an opportunity to celebrate these achievements.
Awards do not simply represent a moment of celebration. They acknowledge the journey behind every business, the teams who make it possible, and the commitment required to succeed in a competitive industry.
For finalists and winners, ARTA recognition represents appreciation from customers, industry peers, and the wider hospitality community.
It highlights businesses that continue to raise standards, embrace innovation, and contribute positively to Britain’s food culture.
ARTA: A National Platform Celebrating Excellence
The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards was created to provide the industry with a platform where achievement, dedication, and excellence can be recognised.
Through nominations, customer engagement, and professional evaluation, ARTA celebrates businesses that demonstrate commitment across areas including food quality, service, customer experience, and contribution to hospitality.
The awards bring together restaurants, chefs, entrepreneurs, partners, and industry leaders from across the UK.
Each year, ARTA creates an opportunity for the industry to come together, share achievements, and celebrate the people who continue to move Asian hospitality forward.
The awards reflect the sector’s diversity, recognising businesses of different sizes, cuisines, and backgrounds while highlighting the shared passion that connects them.
Celebrating the Future of Asian Hospitality
The hospitality industry continues to change.
Technology, evolving customer expectations, and new approaches to dining are creating new opportunities for restaurants and takeaways.
However, the foundations remain the same.
Quality food. Strong relationships. Passionate people. A commitment to customers.
The future of Asian hospitality will be shaped by businesses that respect their traditions while adapting to new opportunities.
ARTA remains committed to supporting this journey by recognising excellence and celebrating the people who continue to define the industry.
The Journey Continues at ARTA 2026
The anticipation now builds towards the ARTA 2026 Grand Finale & Gala Evening, where the industry will come together to celebrate outstanding achievements across Asian hospitality.
Taking place on 12 October 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, the event will bring together finalists, restaurant owners, chefs, industry leaders, partners, and supporters for an evening dedicated to recognition and celebration.
The awards will honour the people behind Britain’s curry industry and recognise those who continue to create exceptional experiences for customers across the country.
From the first family-run restaurants to today’s innovative hospitality brands, the story of Asian cuisine in Britain has always been shaped by people.
ARTA 2026 celebrates their achievements, their dedication, and their contribution to the future of hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA)?
The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) are a national awards platform celebrating excellence across the UK’s Asian hospitality industry. The awards recognise restaurants, chefs, and hospitality professionals for their contribution and achievements.
Why are ARTA Awards known as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry”?
ARTA has been recognised by BBC and Sky as the “Oscars of the Curry Industry” because of its role in celebrating outstanding achievement across the UK’s Asian restaurant and takeaway sector.
Who can be recognised at the ARTA Awards?
ARTA recognises restaurants, chefs, takeaway businesses, and hospitality professionals across different categories, celebrating excellence across the wider Asian hospitality industry.
When is the ARTA 2026 Grand Finale?
The ARTA 2026 Grand Finale & Gala Evening will take place on 12 October 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Why are hospitality awards important for restaurants?
Awards recognise the dedication, creativity, and hard work behind hospitality businesses. They celebrate achievements while highlighting restaurants’ contributions to communities and British food culture.
