Funny thing about curry in the UK, ask ten people what their go-to dish is and you’ll probably get ten different answers. One swears by a tikka masala, another won’t budge from a hot vindaloo, then there’s the mate who’s all about a rich lamb rogan josh. Curry isn’t just food anymore, it’s like a part of British life. Which is probably why the Indian food awards get everyone talking every year.
These nights, like the ARTA Asia Curry Award, aren’t just for show. They’re not about who’s got the biggest kitchen or the fanciest tablecloths. It’s about the dishes that make people stop mid-bite and go, “Wow, that’s special.” When your curry ends up in that mix, it’s not just another dish on the menu, it’s suddenly in the same conversation as the best curry in Asia or the ones crafted by the top curry chefs Asia has trained up.
Why the Awards Actually Matter
Think about customers scrolling on their phones on a Saturday night. They see a long list of curry houses, all claiming to be the best. But if your place has “shortlisted for an Asian cuisine award” or “serving award-winning curry Asia has recognised” next to the name, you’ve already won their trust before they’ve even walked in.
It’s not snobbery, it’s reassurance. Diners just want to know they’re going to get something worth their money. An award, or even a nomination, does half the convincing for you.
What the Judges Are After (and It’s Not Just Spice)
A lot of people think awards go to whoever makes the hottest curry or the fanciest-looking plate. Not true. Judges are usually after:
- Proper balanced flavour. Spice, sweetness, depth, everything in its right place.
- A dish that feels real. Heritage, culture, or even your own spin on something classic.
- A plate that looks like someone cared when they served it. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just thoughtful.
- And consistency. Can you make that same curry just as good every night of the week?
At the end of the day, it’s not about being clever. It’s about putting heart into the food. That’s what stands out.
The Curries That Always Get Noticed
You won’t be surprised to hear chicken tikka masala keeps showing up in the winners’ lists. Same with lamb rogan josh that melts on the fork. Those dishes never go out of style.
But here’s the shift, judges are giving more love to dishes that don’t feel so heavy. Lighter, fresher, healthier. A dal with spinach and turmeric. A coastal-style prawn curry that feels clean and bright instead of rich and heavy. Those are the plates that are starting to catch attention at the Indian food awards.
What Top Curry Chefs in Asia Keep Doing Right
The chefs who keep popping up on stage don’t have magic tricks. They just:
- Listen to what their diners actually want.
- Pick fresh, good-quality stuff, even if it’s harder to get.
- Stick to their roots but aren’t scared to modernise a little.
That’s it. No big secret. Just care, patience, and a bit of courage to tweak things without losing the soul of the dish.
Even Being Nominated Means Something
Not everyone’s going to walk away with a trophy. But here’s the thing, even getting your name on the shortlist changes things. The local paper writes about it. Customers brag that their local made it into the ARTA Asia Curry Award. Your team feels proud. And suddenly, people see your restaurant in a different light.
Sometimes that little line, “nominated for an Indian food award”, does more for business than the actual prize.
Back to Your Own Kitchen
At the end of the day, it all comes back to the food you’re putting on the plate. Every curry you serve is a chance to show what you’re about. Awards like the ARTA Asia Curry Award aren’t some faraway dream; they’re built on the dishes chefs are already making every night up and down the country.
So the curry your regulars always rave about is the one you should put forward. Who knows? That is the dish that carries your name into the same room as the best curry in Asia.
FAQs
- What are the Indian food awards about?
They celebrate curries and restaurants across the UK, judged by people who really know the cuisine. - Do small restaurants ever win?
Yes. Loads of family-run spots have beaten big names before. - How do I enter?
Most awards, like ARTA, let you apply online. Some even allow customers to nominate you. - What curries usually impress judges?
Classics like tikka masala and rogan josh always do well, but lighter, fresher dishes are catching on. - Is it worth entering if I don’t win?
Definitely. Just being shortlisted can get people talking and bring more diners through your door.
