Every now and then, a restaurant comes along that really wins people’s hearts, not just for its food, but for how it makes you feel. This year, that place is Tamarind. The Coventry-based restaurant has just been crowned Regional Restaurant of the Year (West Midlands) at the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2025. Honestly, it couldn’t be more well-deserved.
For anyone who’s tried their food, you’ll know why. From the first bite to the last, Tamarind has that magic mix of comfort, spice, and care that makes a proper meal unforgettable.
About ARTA
Why ARTA Matters
If you’re into good food (and who isn’t?), you’ve probably heard of ARTA, one of the biggest restaurant awards in the UK. It’s not just about fancy plates and silverware; it’s about real chefs, real kitchens, and restaurants that keep Britain’s love for Asian cuisine alive.
How the Winners Are Picked
What makes ARTA stand out is how it blends public opinion with expert judging. Thousands of people vote for their favourite places, and then the shortlisted restaurants are visited and tasted by the judges. So when someone wins, you know it’s not random, it’s based on what both the people and the pros think.
A Night to Remember
This year’s event took place at the London Hilton, Park Lane, a night full of glitz, laughter, and the amazing smell of curry in the air. Hosted by Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, it brought together some of the best chefs and restaurateurs in the UK. It was a proper celebration of everything that makes Asian cuisine awards so special.
A Proud Win for Tamarind – Regional Restaurant of the Year (West Midlands)
Let’s be honest, competition in the West Midlands is tough. It’s a region packed with great curry houses and takeaways. But Tamarind managed to stand out. The judges loved their balance of flavours, friendly service, and the way the team keeps things fresh while still respecting tradition.
This win officially puts Tamarind West Midlands Restaurant of the Year on the national map, right up there with the top Indian restaurants in the UK. For Coventry, it’s something to be proud of.
The Story Behind Tamarind
Every restaurant has its own story, and Tamarind’s shows what hard work, consistency, and love for good food can do. It started as a small dream, a place for locals to enjoy home-style Indian cooking made properly. Over time, it’s become a go-to spot for families, friends, and anyone craving a decent curry that actually hits the spot.
What Drives Their Kitchen
The head chef and team don’t believe in shortcuts. They cook everything from scratch, balancing the spices until every bite feels just right. Their goal isn’t to chase trends but to keep people coming back, and it’s clearly working.
ARTA’s judges noticed that effort. It’s restaurants like this that remind us why the ARTA West Midlands category exists, to recognise the kind of places that turn meals into memories.
Signature Dishes You’ve Got to Try
If you haven’t eaten at Tamarind yet, here are a few dishes that show why they deserve the title:
- Lamb Curry – Tender, slow-cooked lamb swimming in a rich, warming sauce. Proper comfort food.
- Butter Chicken – Creamy, smoky, and just the right balance of spice and sweetness. It’s no wonder people rave about it.
- Chilli Garlic Lamb – For those who like a bit of a kick, this dish is fiery and packed with flavour, perfect with garlic naan.
These dishes sum up why people call Tamarind an award-winning curry restaurant and why it’s one of the best takeaways in the West Midlands.
More Than Just Food – Tamarind’s Community Spirit
Tamarind isn’t only about the food. They’ve become a proper part of the local community, offering jobs to locals and supporting charity events in and around Coventry.
When a restaurant gives back to its community, it creates something bigger than a dining experience; it builds connections. And that’s a big reason why they’re not just winning curry awards for Indian restaurants, but also hearts across the region.
Getting the Media Spotlight
Winning an award like this naturally gets people talking. Tamarind’s win has already been featured in national media, underscoring the West Midlands’ thriving food scene. It highlighted how the Coventry restaurant was a winner in national awards. It’s the kind of recognition that shines a light on South Asian restaurant awards and how diverse Britain’s food culture really is.
ARTA’s Ongoing Mission: Celebrating Asian Cuisine Across the UK
Here at ARTA, we believe food is one of the strongest ways to bring people together. Whether it’s a small family-run takeaway or a modern fine-dining restaurant, every winner tells a story about tradition, community, and flavour.
Diversity and Unity on a Plate
Asian food isn’t just curry; it’s generations of recipes passed down, shared, and perfected. ARTA celebrates that by recognising everyone from curry chef award winners to curry champion awards legends who’ve kept Britain’s love for Indian food going strong.
Supporting the Future of the Industry
By spotlighting restaurants like Tamarind, ARTA encourages more chefs to follow their passion and aim high. We want to see even more restaurants from smaller towns stepping up to claim their place in the national curry awards and beyond.
FAQs About Tamarind and ARTA 2025
- What award did Tamarind win at ARTA 2025?
Tamarind won Regional Restaurant of the Year: West Midlands Region at the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards 2025. - Where is Tamarind located?
You’ll find Tamarind in Coventry, West Midlands, a cosy spot known for warm service and proper Indian cooking. - What dishes is Tamarind famous for?
Their Lamb Curry, Butter Chicken, and Chilli Garlic Lamb are absolute must-tries. - How are ARTA winners chosen?
ARTA combines public votes and expert judging to make sure the most deserving restaurants get recognised. - What makes ARTA different from other food awards?
It focuses entirely on celebrating Asian and Indian restaurants, from the biggest names to small family-run takeaways that keep Britain’s curry culture alive.
