On the 6th of October 2024, the prestigious Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) took place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Dubbed the “Oscars of the Curry Industry,” the event brought together the finest Asian restaurants and takeaways from across the UK, celebrating their exceptional contributions to the culinary landscape.
The awards are powered by customer nominations, with a focus on food quality, service excellence, and value for money. These criteria underscore the winning restaurants’ dedication to delivering outstanding experiences, ensuring that every dish served, every interaction made, and every penny spent leaves customers with a memorable and worthwhile experience.
Celebrating the Best of The UK’s Asian Cuisine
The ARTA 2024 ceremony recognised restaurants that have made significant impacts in their regions, showcasing the best of Asian cuisine. From regional awards to the ultimate title of Champion of Champions, ARTA offers a platform for both established and up-and-coming establishments to gain nationwide recognition. The awards cover various categories, including Best Regional Restaurant, Takeaway of the Year, and Chef of the Year.
Judging Process: Ensuring Culinary Excellence
The ARTA judging process is rigorous, ensuring that winners are truly at the top of their game. It includes a combination of customer nominations, online reviews from platforms like Google and TripAdvisor, and scores based on food hygiene ratings. This comprehensive approach ensures a fair and representative selection of the best restaurants and takeaways in the UK.
Regional Winners Shine Bright
One of the most exciting parts of the night was the announcement of regional winners. Here are some of the highlights:
Indian Lounge Restaurant claimed the title of Regional Restaurant of the Year for the North West.
Monsoona Healthy Indian Cuisine emerged as Scotland’s best, while Babul’s, Darlington won for the North East.
In North Wales, The Benllech Tandoori Restaurant was recognised for its outstanding culinary contributions.
These are some of the regional winners who were honoured for their outstanding customer service. Other regional winners, such as Darchini, Mint Bay, and Pride of Sylhet, have secured their place for this prestigious award.
Thanks to the reputation of the ARTA title, these regional winners were honoured and expected to see a surge in customer interest and media coverage.
The Champion of Champions Award
While the regional awards were eagerly anticipated, the most coveted prize of the evening was the Champion of Champions Award. This title has been given to Radhuni Lounge • Restaurant, which truly exemplifies excellence in every aspect, from food quality and service to innovation and sustainability.
A Night of Networking and Industry Growth
Beyond the awards, ARTA, which can also be recognised as Curry Oscars is a key networking event in the Asian restaurant industry. Restaurateurs, chefs, and industry leaders come together to celebrate, exchange ideas, and build connections that can lead to exciting partnerships and business growth. For many, the exposure gained from ARTA is invaluable, opening doors to new opportunities in a highly competitive market.
Innovation and Sustainability Take Centre Stage
This year’s event underscored the growing significance of innovation in the food industry, particularly within Asian cuisine. Many of the recognised restaurants stood out for their commitment to sustainable practices, ethical sourcing, and meaningful contributions to their communities. The evening was a resounding success, further enhanced by performances from MUZA and Rubayyat Jahan. ARTA continues to place greater emphasis on sustainability, acknowledging its vital role in shaping the future of Asian cuisine.
Final Thoughts
The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards 2024 was not just a celebration of culinary excellence but an opportunity for businesses to showcase their strengths, gain valuable exposure, and future-proof their brands. As the Asian food industry continues to thrive in the UK, ARTA remains a critical platform for recognising these restaurants’ hard work, creativity, and dedication.
