{"id":726,"date":"2025-11-19T13:51:52","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T13:51:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/?p=726"},"modified":"2025-11-19T13:51:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T13:51:52","slug":"saka-maka-south-london-restaurant-of-the-year-arta-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/saka-maka-south-london-restaurant-of-the-year-arta-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Saka Maka\u2019s Big South London Win \u2013 A Proper Proud Moment for Hither Green"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every year at ARTA, we get to see some real gems from all over the UK, places that graft day in, day out, feeding their local communities with proper flavour, warmth, and hospitality. But this year, one South London spot really stood out for us. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saka Maka<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, tucked away in Hither Green, walked away with the Regional Restaurant of the Year: South London at ARTA 2025, and honestly, it felt like the whole room was cheering for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve ever eaten there, you\u2019ll know exactly why.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>About ARTA<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>What ARTA Actually Stands For<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We get a lot of people asking what makes ARTA different from other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>restaurant awards in the UK<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially with things like the British Curry Awards, Asian Curry Awards, national curry awards, and all the rest happening every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To put it simply: ARTA is all about celebrating the curry houses, takeaways, and Asian restaurants that keep Britain\u2019s food scene alive. It\u2019s not just about fancy plates; it\u2019s about consistency, graft, community, and proper flavour.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How We Choose the Winners<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We don\u2019t just look at glossy photos or one-off reviews. Restaurants go through:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public nominations<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A judging panel that actually sits down and eats the food<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Checks on service, cleanliness, consistency, and community impact<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a long process, but it\u2019s what makes ARTA one of the most trusted Asian cuisine awards in the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Night Itself \u2013 A Bit of Magic at Park Lane<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The awards night at the London Hilton, Park Lane, was buzzing. Samantha Simmonds kept things running smoothly, and Paul Martin brought the laughs. We had top sponsors, industry faces, entertainers, and a room full of chefs who\u2019d spent the year sweating over stoves and perfecting recipes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s one of those events where everyone feels proud, win or lose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>A Proud Win \u2013 Regional Restaurant of the Year: South London<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Why We Picked Saka Maka<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saka Maka didn\u2019t get lucky. They earned it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What stood out for the judges?<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Consistency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, every dish, every visit, spot on.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Warm, down-to-earth service<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, no fuss, no pretence.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Proper flavour<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, bold, balanced, and rooted in tradition.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Innovation when it matters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, classics done right, and new dishes done with care.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a year absolutely packed with strong contenders from across South London, Saka Maka didn\u2019t just hold their own, they led from the front.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Local Win, National Stage<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winning a regional title might sound small to some, but anyone in the industry knows it\u2019s huge. It puts Saka Maka in the same conversation as previous Curry Champion Award winners and some of the top Indian restaurants in the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This award shows where they stand: solid, respected, and now a benchmark for others.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Journey Behind the Flavours<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every restaurant we award has a story, and Saka Maka\u2019s is one we genuinely loved hearing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How It All Started<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The founders didn\u2019t come in trying to be \u201cthe best restaurant in South London\u201d. They just wanted a place where proper home-style flavour met restaurant-quality cooking. Bit by bit, the place grew a proper loyal crowd from Hither Green, Catford, Lewisham, and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Chef\u2019s Way of Doing Things<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their head chef works with a simple philosophy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use ingredients you\u2019d be proud to serve at home<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respect the traditions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never cut corners<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add your own touch, but don\u2019t overdo it<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s the kind of mindset that always shines through during judging.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Why They Met ARTA\u2019s Standards So Easily<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ARTA looks for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Innovation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quality<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainability<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community value<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real, honest cooking<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saka Maka ticked every box, and then some.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Signature Dishes and Favourites<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve never eaten there, here are the dishes that made us stop mid-conversation at the judging table:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Fauji Lamb Curry<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rich, comforting, layered \u2013 the kind of curry you end up scooping long after you\u2019ve technically \u201cfinished\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Butter Chicken<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smooth, creamy, not too sweet, and genuinely one of the best versions we tasted in the entire South London region.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Chicken Bukni Kebab<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soft, smoky, hits you with proper spice. Perfect with a fresh naan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re searching for the best takeaway, an award-winning curry, or just something reliable for a Saturday night, these dishes are what keep regulars coming back.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Region\u2019s Culinary Pride and Community Impact<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saka Maka isn\u2019t just a restaurant. It\u2019s part of the area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Local Jobs<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They employ local staff, train young people, and keep things as community-based as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Charity Work<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They quietly support local charities, food drives, and community events, nothing flashy, just a genuine contribution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>A Positive Mark on UK Food Awards<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restaurants like this raise the bar for everyone. They remind people why the UK\u2019s Indian food scene is world-class.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Media Recognition<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019ve now been highlighted in national coverage, adding even more shine to their award.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This achievement was featured in national media as they wrote about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.news.yahoo.com\/three-south-east-london-winners-160000259.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South London restaurants wins the Regional restaurant of the year award<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>ARTA\u2019s Role in Championing Asian Cuisine in the UK<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One thing we always stand by at ARTA is that food brings people together. Asian cuisine in the UK tells a story of migration, community, graft, and shared culture. Our job is to make sure that the story stays alive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We champion:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">multiculturalism<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">culinary innovation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new chefs coming up<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restaurants that keep tradition alive<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">community spirit<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saka Maka embodies all of that.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Why did Saka Maka win the South London award?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Because they showed outstanding consistency, quality, flavour, and community involvement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> How are ARTA winners chosen?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Through public nominations and a detailed judging process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> What makes ARTA different from other curry awards?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> We focus on community value, authenticity, and long-term consistency, not just one night of great cooking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Does this award help restaurants grow?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Absolutely. Past winners often report higher footfall, more bookings, and stronger local support.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Can any restaurant enter ARTA?<br \/>\n<\/b>Yes, nominations are open nationwide, covering restaurants, takeaways, and chefs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every year at ARTA, we get to see some real gems from all over the UK, places that graft day in, day out, feeding their local communities with proper flavour, warmth, and hospitality. But this year, one South London spot really stood out for us. Saka Maka, tucked away in Hither Green, walked away with &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/saka-maka-south-london-restaurant-of-the-year-arta-2025\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Saka Maka\u2019s Big South London Win \u2013 A Proper Proud Moment for Hither Green<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":727,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-726","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-awards-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=726"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/726\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":728,"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/726\/revisions\/728"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/727"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=726"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=726"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artauk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}