The buzz was electric at the London Hilton, Park Lane, as Kaani Kaana from Chelmsford took home one of the biggest honours of the night, National Takeaway of the Year at ARTA 2025.
A well-loved name in Chelmsford’s food scene, Kaani Kaana has built its reputation through quality food, genuine hospitality, and consistency that keeps regulars coming back. This win puts them right among the best takeaway restaurants in the UK, recognised for outstanding service and flavour that truly represents the heart of Asian cuisine.
About ARTA
Overview of ARTA’s Prestige
The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) is one of the most recognised restaurant awards in the UK, shining a spotlight on chefs, takeaways, and restaurants that elevate South Asian dining. Every award handed out celebrates the hard work behind the curries, biryanis, and naans that fill dining rooms and takeout bags across the country.
To win at ARTA means standing out among thousands. The ARTA best takeaway UK title isn’t just about great food, it’s about consistency, creativity, and care.
Selection Process
The journey to an ARTA title begins with customers. Diners nominate their favourite restaurants through ChefOnline, the trusted online food ordering system and ARTA’s strategic partner. After nominations come the mystery visits, online feedback reviews, and detailed judging rounds, where industry experts taste and score each entry.
The process ensures every national takeaway award represents genuine excellence, backed by real customer love and culinary skill.
Context with Other Awards
Among the prestigious food awards like the British Curry Awards and Asian Curry Awards, ARTA stands out for its focus on both community and national impact. Winners like Kaani Kaana are not just chefs and owners, they are ambassadors of culture, representing award-winning curry restaurants across the UK.
Event Highlights
The 2025 ceremony was nothing short of spectacular. Held at the London Hilton, Park Lane, the evening brought together industry icons, celebrity hosts, and partners including ChefOnline, who help customers order from and support their favourite local takeaways.
Laughter, live music, and plenty of food talk filled the ballroom, all leading up to the moment when Kaani Kaana was announced as National Takeaway of the Year.
A Proud Win – National Takeaway of the Year for Kaani Kaana
Recognition at a national level rarely comes easy, and this one was well-earned. The judges praised Kaani Kaana for their ability to deliver traditional flavours with a modern touch, offering a fast online service restaurant experience without losing authenticity.
Why Judges Recognised the Restaurant
Consistency played a huge role in this win. The menu reflects skill and understanding of what customers truly love, from spice balance to portion sizes, everything feels just right. The service, both in-person and online, has that warmth that makes a local takeaway feel like home.
Positioning Within Regional and National Recognition
Before ARTA 2025, Kaani Kaana was already a household name in Essex, often mentioned as Chelmsford’s best takeaway. Now, with a national title under their belt, they’ve joined the ranks of top Indian restaurants UK-wide.
Their story shows how passion, community connection, and culinary integrity can take a regional name straight to the national stage.
The Journey Behind the Flavours
Origin Story
Kaani Kaana started with humble beginnings —a family vision built around authentic South Asian food made with care. Over the years, that same focus has helped it grow into one of the most talked-about award-winning curry restaurants in the region.
Chef Philosophy
Behind every dish is a team that believes in doing things the right way. Fresh ingredients, traditional spices, and no shortcuts. The flavours are bold but balanced, rich yet comforting. That philosophy fits perfectly with what ARTA’s national curry awards are all about, celebrating skill, heart, and honesty in cooking.
Alignment with Culinary Awards Criteria
Kaani Kaana’s success reflects ARTA’s key principles: innovation, quality, and service. Whether it’s modernising classics or keeping traditional recipes alive, everything aligns with what makes a true curry restaurant of the year contender.
Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites
Regulars swear by Kaani Kaana’s Chicken Tikka Masala, creamy, smoky, and full of flavour. The Butter Chicken has that melt-in-the-mouth richness, and the Lamb Vindaloo hits all the right spicy notes for heat lovers.
Vegetarians often go for the Paneer Jalfrezi, bright with peppers and spice, and the Prawn Bhuna remains a steady favourite among seafood fans.
Each plate represents what makes Kaani Kaana one of the best takeaway restaurants in Essex: food that feels home-cooked but still polished enough for the national stage.
The Region’s Culinary Pride and Community Impact
Beyond flavour, Kaani Kaana’s impact on the local community is strong. The restaurant employs local residents, supports local causes, and stays involved in community events. This win is a point of pride for Chelmsford.
Such a contribution reflects what South Asian restaurant awards are meant to celebrate, not only good food but the people behind it who bring cultures and communities together.
Media Recognition and Third-Party Validation
The achievement has already caught national attention. Outlets like the Romford Recorder have featured the story:
Kaani Kaana… wins best Asian takeaway award
Coverage like this helps highlight the importance of the national takeaway awards, encouraging more customers to support and celebrate their local favourites.
ARTA’s Role in Championing Asian Cuisine in the UK
ARTA’s mission has always been about recognition and representation. Every curry and restaurant award in the UK aims to celebrate excellence while shining a light on the incredible diversity within the industry.
Multiculturalism and Community Spirit
Restaurants like Kaani Kaana represent and showcase community spirit, multicultural connection, and shared heritage. ARTA takes pride in honouring restaurants that create a space where tradition meets modern British life.
Culinary Leadership
Since its start, ARTA has grown into one of the most prestigious food awards platforms, leading the way in highlighting outstanding talent and innovation. Recognising winners like Kaani Kaana helps inspire others to keep raising the bar for Asian cuisine awards across the UK.
FAQs About Kaani Kaana and ARTA
- What award did Kaani Kaana win?
Kaani Kaana won National Takeaway of the Year at ARTA 2025. - Where is Kaani Kaana based?
It’s located in Chelmsford, serving authentic and flavourful South Asian dishes. - What makes Kaani Kaana stand out?
The combination of consistency, genuine service, and an easy online food ordering system makes it a customer favourite. - How are ARTA winners chosen?
Through customer nominations, combined with reviews, mystery visits, and expert judging panels. - Why are ARTA awards important for restaurants?
They highlight the best in the industry, support local businesses, and promote the excellence of Asian cuisine across the UK.
