Everyone in the UK has a curry story to tell. Maybe it’s the Friday night ritual, maybe it’s a family Sunday meal, maybe it’s that one dish that takes you straight back home. Curry has stopped being “just food” in Britain, it’s part of who we are now. And the people who keep that love alive? The chefs and restaurant owners who turn out plate after plate, night after night. That’s where the Asian Food Excellence Awards step in.
Organised by the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), these awards are widely discussed throughout the industry. People call them the curry Oscars, even the Oscars of the curry industry. It sounds dramatic, but ask anyone who’s won one, and they’ll tell you it changes things.
Why bother with awards?
Here’s the thing. Running a restaurant is tough. Long hours, endless bills, and a million things that can go wrong before a single plate even reaches a customer. So why add awards to your plate? Because they can tip the scales.
Winning (or even being shortlisted) in the ARTA Curry Awards gives you a badge of credibility. Customers take notice. You know how it is, someone’s choosing between two curry houses on the same street. One says the best curry restaurant finalist on the window. Guess which one gets the booking.
And the awards aren’t just about the food. They’re about curry dining excellence as a whole. Service, consistency, and the way your food is presented – it all matters. It’s the full picture of the dining experience.
Chefs don’t get enough credit
Let’s be honest. Most customers don’t see the chef. They see the menu, they taste the food, but the face behind the curry stays in the kitchen. The Asian Food Excellence Awards change that. They celebrate the top curry chefs in the UK.
For many chefs, this is the only time their name is put out there. Some have been cooking for decades, quietly keeping recipes alive, while others are experimenting with flavours, pushing Asian cuisine in new directions. The UK curry competition at ARTA is where they get to shine. And when they do, the whole restaurant feels the boost.
What it means for your restaurant
If you’ve ever thought awards were just fluff, think about this. Which restaurant was crowned the best curry restaurant locally? They probably saw a bump in bookings the following week. Media calls, social media buzz, and loyal customers feeling proud that they already eat there —it all snowballs.
Even if you don’t win, just being nominated puts your name out there. Customers love rooting for their local spot. And they’ll happily tell friends: “Oh, my curry place is up for the Oscars of the curry industry.”
This is bigger than a trophy
The awards aren’t only about winners. They’re about recognising how much Asian restaurants mean to the UK. For decades, takeaways and curry houses have been feeding families, building communities, and shaping British food culture.
So when ARTA celebrates curry dining excellence, it’s not just a pat on the back for a few big names. It’s a way of saying: this whole industry matters. And if you’re part of it, you’re part of that story.
FAQ: Asian Food Excellence Awards
- What are the Asian Food Excellence Awards?
They’re run by ARTA to celebrate the best curry restaurants and chefs in the UK. - Who can take part?
Any Asian restaurant or takeaway in the UK is eligible to enter, regardless of its size. - Why are these awards called the Curry Oscars?
Because they’re the most respected in the industry and carry real weight with both diners and chefs. - Do customers have a say?
Yes. Public votes often help determine who advances, which means your customers’ support matters. - How can winning help my restaurant?
It builds trust, boosts visibility, and attracts more customers, often immediately after the awards.
