{"id":653,"date":"2025-10-13T14:14:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T14:14:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/?p=653"},"modified":"2025-10-13T14:14:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T14:14:31","slug":"rishis-national-chef-of-the-year-arta-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/rishis-national-chef-of-the-year-arta-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"RISHI\u2019S Shines at ARTA 2025 – Winning the National Chef of the Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the lights dimmed at the Hilton London Park Lane on 6 October 2025, all eyes turned towards one name \u2014 RISHI\u2019S, the culinary jewel nestled inside the Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar. Amid a night celebrating the finest Asian and curry restaurants across the UK, RISHI\u2019S claimed one of the evening\u2019s highest honours: National Chef of the Year at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n

For diners and food enthusiasts who follow the UK food awards circuit, this win cements RISHI\u2019S as one of the country\u2019s top destinations for award-winning curry restaurants.<\/span><\/p>\n

About ARTA<\/b><\/h2>\n

Celebrating Culinary Excellence<\/b><\/h3>\n

Known as the \u201c<\/span>Oscars of the Curry Industry<\/span><\/a>,\u201d the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) is among the most prestigious food awards in the UK. Each year, it honours chefs and restaurants that go above and beyond in serving outstanding Asian cuisine. It\u2019s not just about great food, it\u2019s about consistency, innovation, and contribution to the community.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event has become a major highlight on the UK restaurant awards calendar, drawing in hundreds of nominations from across England, Scotland, and Wales.<\/span><\/p>\n

How the Winners Are Chosen<\/b><\/h3>\n

ARTA\u2019s judging process blends public engagement with expert evaluation. Restaurants are <\/span>nominated<\/span><\/a> by the public, reviewed for quality and customer satisfaction, and then shortlisted based on hygiene ratings, online feedback, and culinary merit. The finalists undergo regional cook-offs before facing a distinguished judging panel at the national level.<\/span><\/p>\n

Context Within the Awards Landscape<\/b><\/h3>\n

ARTA sits alongside other notable honours like the British Curry Awards and the Asian Curry Awards, but with a wider lens. It celebrates chefs and restaurants from all corners of Asia\u2014India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and beyond. It recognises not only fine dining but also best takeaway awards and curry champion awards, making it one of the most inclusive events in the restaurant awards UK scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

Event Highlights<\/b><\/h3>\n

The 2025 ceremony took place at the Hilton London Park Lane, bringing together more than 1,200 guests, including chefs, restaurateurs, media figures, and community leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n

The evening was hosted by Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, with appearances from well-known personalities including Ella Wise, Elma Pazar, Harriet Mae Blackmore, and Manish Bhasin.<\/span><\/p>\n

ARTA\u2019s strategic partner, ChefOnline, played a key role in the event. Through its food ordering platform, <\/span>chefonline.co.uk<\/span><\/a>, customers can order from nominated restaurants and support them through public voting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sponsors included DNA Payments, Super Pollo, Work Permit Cloud, Cobra Beer, and catering partner Madhu\u2019s. The atmosphere was one of pride, celebration, and community spirit \u2014 the true essence of the South Asian restaurant awards tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Proud Win \u2013 National Chef of the Year for RISHI\u2019S<\/b><\/h2>\n

Winning ARTA Chef of the Year is no small feat. The judges praised RISHI\u2019S for its exceptional blend of creativity and authenticity, qualities that make it one of the most respected names in the best chef UK category.<\/span><\/p>\n

What stood out most was the restaurant\u2019s ability to fuse modern British presentation with the soulful depth of traditional Indian cuisine. Every dish told a story of heritage, technique, and precision, all while keeping the guest experience front and centre.<\/span><\/p>\n

This national recognition places RISHI\u2019S among the top Indian restaurants in the UK, putting them firmly on the map for fine Asian dining.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Journey Behind the Flavours<\/b><\/h2>\n

How It All Began<\/b><\/h3>\n

RISHI\u2019S in Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar started as an inspired collaboration between culinary passion and community spirit. The team set out to create a dining experience that honours India\u2019s regional diversity while appealing to the British palate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over time, it\u2019s evolved into one of the county\u2019s most talked-about restaurants\u2014earning rave reviews and a loyal following.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Chef\u2019s Philosophy<\/b><\/h3>\n

The guiding philosophy behind RISHI\u2019S is simple: food should be bold, honest, and memorable. The head chef focuses on crafting dishes that respect tradition but embrace innovation. Each ingredient is sourced thoughtfully, ensuring both flavour and freshness, aligning perfectly with the judging standards of awards like ARTA Chef of the Year and curry chef awards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signature Dishes and Guest Favourites<\/b><\/h3>\n

Walk into RISHI\u2019S, and you\u2019ll understand why the judges were so impressed. The dishes are familiar yet exciting, rooted in Indian tradition but served with a contemporary touch.<\/span><\/p>\n