Long hours, endless bills, staff who come and go, and then you’ve got to keep customers happy too; all this makes running a restaurant a very arduous task. So when someone turns around and says, “Hey, you’re one of the best,” it hits differently. That’s what the best Indian restaurant awards are all about. They’re not just shiny trophies on a shelf; they’re proof that all those late nights and grafting are worth it.
And right now, no award is talked about more than the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA). People call it the Oscars of the curry industry, which sounds a bit over the top, but honestly, it’s spot on. These awards don’t just hand out prizes for nice-looking curries; they celebrate the whole thing. The food, the service, the vibe, the effort. Everything.
Why Awards Actually Matter in the First Place
Let’s be honest, the UK has curry houses on pretty much every high street. So how do you stand out? You can spend money on ads or social media boosts, but being recognised in something like the ARTA restaurant awards? That’s different. That’s real credibility.
When people see you’ve been shortlisted, or even better, won, they’re more likely to book a table, order a takeaway, or simply tell their friends, “We need to try that place.” The UK food awards act like a stamp of approval, and customers pay attention to that.
It’s also good for your staff. Imagine telling your team they’re working in an award-winning curry house. That gives them pride. It keeps people motivated. It even makes it easier to retain your top chefs and servers.
What Makes ARTA Special
Plenty of restaurant awards happen across the country, but ARTA feels different. For starters, it’s not just critics or journalists making decisions behind closed doors. Your actual customers nominate you. Real people who eat your food, week in and week out, get a say. That alone makes it feel more genuine.
Then the judges step in. And they don’t just taste a curry and tick a box. They look at everything, the food, the service, how you treat customers, even how you’re adapting to things like healthier menus, sustainability, or online ordering. Winning means you’re doing the whole package right, not just cooking up a decent tikka masala.
That’s why ARTA has the reputation it does. It really is the Curry Oscars.
So What Do You Get Out of It?
You don’t apply just for the fun of it. You apply because winning can change your business. Here’s what usually happens:
- More customers – People actively search for “award-winning curry houses.” If you’re on that list, they’ll come to you.
- Press coverage – Local papers, radio shows, even national media love these stories. Free advertising, basically.
- Staff morale – Your team feels proud to work in a place that’s officially one of the best.
- Investors and partners – Recognition makes outsiders take you seriously.
Even if you don’t win, being shortlisted gets your name out there. People notice.
Indian Food in the UK Is Changing
What’s notable about the ARTA restaurant awards is how they highlight the true state of Indian food in the UK. It’s no longer just about the “safe” dishes, chicken tikka masala, kormas, bhunas. Don’t get me wrong, those will always have their place, but diners are looking for more.
Chefs are bringing regional dishes into the spotlight, experimenting with fusion cuisine, and introducing healthier or plant-based menus. Others are making a big deal of sourcing local produce or cutting down on waste in their takeaway packaging. And ARTA loves this kind of innovation; it’s exactly what gets judges and customers excited.
So if you’ve been thinking about refreshing your menu or giving your restaurant a new angle, now’s the time. These UK food awards show that diners are ready for it.
Getting Your Restaurant in the Running
There’s no magic trick here. The places that win usually do a few things really well:
- They’re consistent, every dish is top-notch, not just when the judges show up.
- They tell a story, and customers love knowing the background of the food.
- They’re part of the community, supporting local charities or simply being a place where people feel at home.
Even if you don’t bag a trophy, the process of putting yourself forward makes you reflect on your business. And sometimes, that alone helps you level up.
Why It’s Worth It, Trophy or Not
Here’s the thing: not every restaurant wins. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying. Just being nominated or shortlisted in the best Indian restaurant awards puts you in conversations with customers, journalists, and foodies you’d never usually reach.
And honestly, it feels good. After all the long nights and the stress of keeping a restaurant afloat, it’s nice to have people say, “What you’re doing matters.”
FAQ: Best Indian Restaurant Awards
- What are the best Indian restaurant awards in the UK?
The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), often called the curry oscars, are the biggest awards around. - How do nominations work?
Customers nominate and vote, and then judges assess everything from food to service. - Do small curry houses stand a chance?
Yes. Loads of family-run restaurants have won in past years. It’s not just about fancy places. - What’s the benefit of winning?
More customers, more bookings, media coverage, and a serious boost to your reputation. - Is it worth entering if I don’t think I’ll win?
Definitely. Being shortlisted alone puts your name out there and gets people talking.
