You know the drill. Friday night, the orders won’t stop, the phone’s buzzing, and the kitchen feels like it’s about to burst into flames. You’re running on fumes, spices are in your hair, and yet, when that curry leaves the kitchen and a customer calls the next day to say it was the best they’ve ever had, that’s the moment it all makes sense.
That’s the world the Gourmet Curry Awards want to shine a light on. They’re not some posh food trend dreamed up by people who never step foot in a kitchen. These awards, part of the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), the ones everyone calls the curry oscars or the Oscars of the curry industry, are about giving credit where it’s due. To the curries that people love. To the chefs and takeaways that have turned a simple dish into something unforgettable.
And if your restaurant gets noticed? Trust me, it can change everything.
Why the Gourmet Curry Awards Actually Matter
It’s easy to roll your eyes at awards, right? Feels like they’re only for the big names in London with slick PR teams. But the Gourmet Curry Awards are different. They’re built around real takeaways and restaurants across the UK, the kind where the chef also answers the phone and the delivery driver knows half the regulars by name.
Winning one of these awards isn’t just a trophy gathering dust; it’s a testament to excellence. It’s something your customers see when they’re scrolling for dinner. If they spot “ARTA takeaway award winner” next to your name, you’ve already stood out. People are more likely to try you, even if they’ve never heard of your place before. That’s the power of being tied to the best Asian takeaway in the UK.
The Curry Oscars
Call them the curry Oscars, call them the Asian restaurant ARTA awards, whatever you prefer. The point is, they’ve become the stage for celebrating Asian food in this country. And let’s be real: curry isn’t just another dish in the UK. It’s practically part of the national identity.
Winning an ARTA award, especially a Gourmet Curry Award, tells people your food doesn’t just fill bellies, it stands out in a country full of curries. Imagine one of your signature dishes being judged by people who know every spice, every aroma, every trick in the book. If they rate you? That’s a badge of honour that no ad spend could ever buy.
What Makes a Curry Worthy of an Award?
Here’s the thing: it’s not about how hot you can make it or how pretty the plate looks. Judges at the Asian Cuisine Excellence Awards are looking for balance. The kind of dish where every flavour has its place, where nothing feels like it’s been thrown together to impress.
Consistency is massive too. That chicken jalfrezi that wowed your mate one night needs to taste just as good when a judge (or worse, a critic) tries it on a busy Saturday when you’re running behind.
And don’t think you need to stick to the “classics.” Some of the best contenders for the ARTA takeaway awards are the regional or family recipes, the curries that tell a story and stand out because they’re not on every high street menu.
How Winning Ripples Through Your Business
Let’s say you win, or even just get shortlisted. What happens? Suddenly, your name’s in the local paper. Food bloggers start posting about you. Customers start saying, “Oh, that’s the place that won an award.”
Next thing you know, people searching for the top Asian takeaway in your area see you first. And when someone’s trying to decide where to order from, the words “award-winning” next to your name are often all they need.
It’s not just vanity, it’s business. Recognition at the Oscars of the curry industry builds instant trust. And in this game, trust equals orders.
Getting Your Restaurant in the Running
This isn’t about luck. You’ve got to play the long game.
First, figure out which of your dishes really represents you. The one customers rave about, the one that gets passed around at family tables and ordered week after week. Hone it. Perfect it.
Then, focus on consistency. Your food has to be as good on a mad Friday night as it is on a quiet Tuesday. That’s what makes judges and customers take you seriously.
And don’t forget the power of your customers. Their votes, their reviews, their posts on social media… that stuff matters. It’s often how restaurants land on ARTA’s radar in the first place.
Why ARTA’s Awards Stand Out
There are other restaurant awards out there, but ARTA is different because it’s built entirely around Asian food. That means the judges actually get it. They know the craft, the heritage, the graft that goes into making great curry.
When they celebrate through the Gourmet Curry Awards, they’re not just picking names out of a hat. They’re putting the spotlight on restaurants and takeaways that really deserve it. And for you, that spotlight can turn into queues out the door, or delivery drivers running twice as many orders.
FAQs: Gourmet Curry Awards and Your Restaurant
- What are the Gourmet Curry Awards?
They’re part of the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, celebrating the finest curry dishes across the UK. - Why do people call them the curry oscars?
Because, like the Oscars in film, they highlight the very best and carry serious weight in the industry. - Do small takeaways even stand a chance?
Definitely, plenty of past winners are family-run kitchens and local gems that nailed consistency and flavour. - How does winning affect business?
It boosts your credibility, generates free publicity, and makes customers more likely to place an order with you. - Can customer votes help my restaurant?
Yes. Judges decide the outcome, but customer support plays a big role in who gets shortlisted.
