Curry isn’t just food in the UK. It’s comfort on a cold night, it’s Friday takeaways, it’s sitting down with family – it’s even become part of British identity now. And if you’re running a restaurant, you already know how deep people’s love for curry goes. The thing is, standing out in such a packed market isn’t easy. That’s where the Asian Curry Awards come in, often called the Curry Oscars or the Oscars of the Curry Industry. Big titles, sure, but they really do carry weight.
For restaurant owners like you, these awards aren’t just a shiny trophy on the shelf. They’re a chance to be noticed, to be remembered, and to show customers and critics alike that what you’re doing matters.
Why the Asian Curry Awards Actually Matter
Numerous restaurant awards are bestowed every year, but the Asian Curry Awards stand out. Run by the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), they’ve built a reputation for spotlighting not just the giants of the industry but also smaller names making big waves. That means if you’re cooking with heart and pushing boundaries, you stand a real chance.
And it’s not only about flavour. Judges assess the entire package: how you serve, how your team operates, and how your menu feels fresh and relevant. If your place gets shortlisted, you’re immediately grouped with the top curry restaurants in the UK, and that’s no small thing.
The Dishes That Steal the Show
What makes the awards exciting is the food itself. Think of it as a live snapshot of the best Asian curry UK kitchens are putting out right now. You’ll see classics like a silky chicken tikka masala or a slow-braised lamb rogan josh, but you’ll also see vegan curries and regional dishes most people haven’t tried yet.
The winners aren’t always the flashiest dishes either. Sometimes it’s the chef who nails a simple daal with so much depth it makes the judges stop talking for a moment. That’s the magic.
The Chefs Behind the Curries
The spotlight naturally falls on food, but it’s the chefs who make these moments happen. Many of the award-winning curry chefs UK came up through family kitchens, learning secrets passed down through generations. Others trained in fine dining and brought that precision back to curry.
If you own a restaurant, it’s worth remembering: your chefs need room to shine. Let them play with flavours, give them the freedom to test something new, and who knows, you could have the next ARTA Asian curry champion in your kitchen already.
Why Customers Care About Awards
You might think customers don’t pay much attention to awards, but they really do. People trust them. Seeing “finalist at the Asian Curry Awards” on a menu or website is a shortcut that tells diners, this place is worth trying. It can even push you higher in Google searches for things like best Asian curry UK or top curry restaurants UK.
And in the age of Instagram, a shiny award badge looks pretty good on your socials too.
Could Your Restaurant Be Next?
If you’ve ever thought about entering the awards, ask yourself a few things:
- Does your menu have a story behind it?
- Are your dishes exciting enough to make people talk?
- Is the customer experience as good as the food?
The judges notice those details. If you can answer yes to those questions, you’re already halfway there. The rest is just putting yourself forward and letting your food do the talking.
What Winning Really Means
Sure, the trophy looks great, but the real win is what happens after. Press coverage, packed bookings, increased trust from customers, a motivated team – those are the real rewards. Being linked with the ARTA Asian food excellence awards gives your restaurant credibility that money can’t buy.
It puts you in the conversation with the top curry restaurants in the UK, and that’s a powerful place to be.
FAQs on Asian Curry Awards and ARTA
- What are the Asian Curry Awards?
They’re major restaurant awards celebrating the best curries and chefs in the UK, often called the Curry Oscars. - Who runs them?
The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) organise the whole thing each year. - Do you need to be a big-name restaurant to win?
Not at all. Smaller restaurants and chefs often take home big prizes if their food stands out. - Is it only traditional curries that win?
No. Modern twists, plant-based dishes, and regional curries often get recognised.
5. Why should I care as a restaurant owner?
Being shortlisted can put your restaurant on the map and help you attract more diners.
