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Published on September 14th, 2026
•Excitement is building as the finalists for the 2026 Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) have been revealed, marking one of the UK’s most prestigious celebrations of Asian hospitality. This year’s Grand Finale will take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Monday, 12 October 2026. Known as the "Oscars of the Curry Industry," these awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of Asian restaurants and takeaways across the country.
Celebrating Asian Hospitality
The ARTA awards are a significant event in the culinary calendar, recognising excellence in the Asian food sector. More than 1,250 restaurants and takeaways were nominated this year, with diners and food lovers from all over the UK participating in the nomination process. The nominations were gathered through ChefOnline, a leading platform connecting customers with Asian dining establishments. With a customer base of over a million, ChefOnline played a crucial role in encouraging entries through social media and customer reviews, alongside important metrics like Food Hygiene Ratings.
The Nomination Process
The process for selecting finalists is quite thorough, ensuring that only the best are recognised. It involves two main phases:
Public Nominations: Diners nominate their favourite restaurants and takeaways based on three key criteria: Quality of Food, Quality of Service, and Value for Money.
Evaluation: The nominations are then evaluated using platforms such as Tripadvisor and Google Reviews, along with Food Hygiene Ratings. Finally, a panel of judges reviews the top nominees to select the finalists.
This rigorous process culminates in the Grand Finale, where winners will be announced and celebrated, honouring their achievements in the hospitality industry.
Notable Guests and Hosts
The ARTA awards will attract a star-studded guest list, including popular Asian restaurateurs, MPs, dignitaries, and celebrities. The event will be hosted by well-known BBC journalist Samantha Simmonds and comedian Paul Sinha, promising an entertaining evening as the finest Asian restaurants and takeaways from across the UK gather to compete for prestigious accolades.
Voices from the Industry
Mohammed Munim, the Founder and CEO of ARTA, expressed his pride in the nominees:
“Congratulations to every restaurant and takeaway named as a finalist of ARTA 2026. Being a finalist is a remarkable achievement and reflects the passion, resilience, and dedication of the businesses shaping Asian hospitality across the UK.”
This sentiment highlights the significance of recognising hard work and excellence in a challenging economic climate.
A Vital Sector
As the hospitality industry faces challenges such as rising employment costs and inflation, Asian restaurants and takeaways play a vital role in local communities. They are not only important for providing delicious food but also for contributing to the wider economy and cultural diversity in the UK. The ARTA awards aim to celebrate these contributions and uplift the spirits of those working in the sector.
Categories and Finalists
This year, the awards will honour excellence in several categories, including:
Pan Asian Restaurant of the Year
Restaurant of the Year
Chef of the Year
Takeaway of the Year
Turkish Restaurant of the Year
Street Food Restaurant of the Year
National Newcomer of the Year
Some of the finalists include:
Newcomer of the Year: Black Cardamom (Thirsk), The Derby Spice (Derby), Tamasha (Handcross, Haywards Heath), White Tiger Restaurant (Liverpool)
Regional Restaurant of the Year - North West: Kiyans Restaurant, Cross Roads, Keighley
Regional Restaurant of the Year - North East: The Vine Indian Cuisine, Mosborough, Sheffield
These categories and finalists represent the diversity and richness of Asian cuisine available in the UK, showcasing the talents of chefs and restaurateurs dedicated to their craft.
