There’s nothing quite like hearing someone say, “That’s the best curry I’ve ever had.” You know that feeling, you’ve put in the long hours, you’ve argued with suppliers, you’ve stayed late when the last order came through just as you were ready to shut up shop. It’s graft, pure and simple.
So when your name gets called out at an award night, and you’re standing there holding a trophy, it’s not just a nice photo for the wall. It’s proof that all those little things you’ve been doing, the extra spice blend, the fresh naan made to order, the staff training you keep investing in, have been worth it. That’s the buzz of the restaurant industry awards, and nowhere is it felt stronger than at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA).
Some people call them the curry Oscars or the Oscars of the curry industry, and honestly, that’s about right. They’ve become the stage for Asian restaurants and takeaways in the UK.
Why Bother with Awards Anyway?
Let’s be straight, customers don’t just walk in because you’ve got lovely décor. These days, they’re on Google typing “best Asian takeaway UK” or “award-winning curry near me.” They want reassurance before they spend their money.
That’s why the ARTA takeaway awards matter. You get to wear the badge of honour that says: We’re not just good, we’re one of the best. It’s the kind of thing that makes customers scroll past three other restaurants and land on yours.
And it’s not just customers. The press loves it too. Local papers, food bloggers, radio stations, they’ll all want to talk to “the award-winning spot in town.” Suddenly, you’re not chasing attention. It’s chasing you.
What Makes ARTA Different
Plenty of awards only celebrate fine dining in major cities. ARTA doesn’t play that game. They’ll give as much love to the top Asian takeaway down the road as they do to the fancy central London restaurant with white tablecloths.
It’s about real food, real people, and the stories behind them. Maybe your family has been cooking the same biryani recipe for generations. Maybe you’ve introduced a modern twist on a classic curry that’s got people queuing out the door. ARTA is about celebrating all of that.
So whether you’re running a packed restaurant on a Saturday night or keeping hundreds of hungry households happy through Deliveroo, you’ve got a shot.
What Winning Does for You
Let’s not sugar-coat it: winning or even being shortlisted changes things.
- Customers start saying, “Oh, isn’t that the award-winning place?”
- Your staff feel proud, like they’re part of something bigger.
- Your phone rings with journalists who suddenly want to hear your story.
- New doors open, collaborations, investors, partnerships —the sort of stuff you don’t get without that recognition.
Display the “Winner of the Asian cuisine excellence awards” on your website, menus, or even your front window, and watch how people respond. That little line does more than any paid advert could.
Standing Out at the Curry Oscars
Now, here’s the tricky part: everyone aiming for the Asian Restaurant ARTA awards has good food. That’s a given. What makes you stand out is your story, your consistency, and the way you make people feel.
Maybe you’re known as the best Asian takeaway UK because you never cut corners, even when times are tough. Maybe your restaurant has become a community hub, sponsoring local football teams or giving back during Ramadan or Diwali. Or maybe you’re the spot where families come for their big celebrations, and that reputation speaks for itself.
That’s what the Curry Oscars are really about. It’s food, yes, but it’s also the heart behind it.
Awards Stick with You
The thing about awards is, they don’t fade after the night ends. Long after the event, customers still remember. They’ll say, “That’s the place that won at the ARTA awards.” And that kind of recognition keeps paying back year after year.
For takeaways, this is huge. On apps where you’re just another name in a long list, being recognised as the top Asian takeaway is what gets people to click your name. And once they’ve tried you, they’ll come back again.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, the restaurant industry awards aren’t just about glamour or ego. They’re about recognising the graft, the recipes, the late nights, the community ties, all the things that make your place special.
The Oscars of the curry industry give you a stage to show that to the whole country. And if you’ve got the passion (and you probably do, if you’re still here after the past few years), then why not put your name forward? You might be surprised just how far it takes you.
FAQs
- What are the ARTA awards?
They’re the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, basically the curry Oscars of the UK. - Do they only focus on restaurants?
Nope. Takeaways are just as important, and many past winners have been local takeaways. - How does it actually help my business?
More trust from customers, more press coverage, more people through the door (or ordering online). - What do judges look at?
It’s not just the food, it’s the service, the consistency, and even how you contribute to your community. - Is it still worth it if I don’t win?
Yes. Even being shortlisted gives you a marketing boost and something to shout about.
