ARTA 2026 Celebrates the People Behind Britain’s Asian Hospitality

Britain’s Asian restaurants and takeaways were recognised for their culinary achievements at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2026, with My Delhi Newcastle taking the Champion of Champions title.

Held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 12 October, the ceremony brought together restaurateurs, chefs and hospitality professionals from across the UK. More than 1,250 businesses were nominated, according to the organisers.

Beyond the trophies, the announcement offers a picture of businesses that connect food, employment and cultural life in towns and cities across Britain. The winners span neighbourhood takeaways, vegetarian restaurants, street-food venues and dining rooms serving different culinary traditions.

A national stage for local businesses

My Delhi Newcastle also received North East Restaurant of the Year. Kusturi Indian Restaurant in Colchester won National Chef of the Year, while Kaani Kaana in Upminster was named National Takeaway of the Year.

Other headline winners included Babaji in Sunderland for Streetfood Restaurant of the Year, White Tiger at Kings Docks in Liverpool for Newcomer of the Year, and The Banc in Enfield for Turkish Restaurant of the Year. Golpo Bengal Cafe & Restaurant in Cambridge received the casual dining award, while Meat Free Planet in Wolverhampton took the vegetarian restaurant title.

Regional recognition extended to Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge in Belfast, named Northern Ireland Restaurant of the Year, and Mekong in East Kilbride, which received the Scotland award. The Grand Sultan in Margam, Port Talbot, won South Wales Restaurant of the Year, while Ijazz Indian Cuisine in Wrexham received the North Wales title.

Food, work and community

ARTA founder and CEO Mohammed Munim used his address to connect the sector’s achievements with its wider contribution to multicultural Britain. He described Asian hospitality as a source of employment, community support and culinary experiences.

Munim also highlighted the pressures facing restaurants, citing employment costs, food prices, energy bills and other operating expenses. He praised independent businesses for continuing to invest in quality, their teams and the customer experience.

That context gives the awards a significance beyond an evening of celebration: they recognise the work of people sustaining hospitality businesses while navigating demanding trading conditions.

Recognition from London to Liverpool

London’s regional restaurant winners included Taste of Nawab in North London, Tajmahal Indian Cuisine in Central & West London, Grand Rasoi Restaurant in City & East London and Shad Indian Restaurant in South London.

Elsewhere, Bombil in Bristol won South West Restaurant of the Year, Alessi Indian Restaurant & Bar in Stoke-on-Trent received the West Midlands title, and Akshaya – The Picture Drome in Liverpool was recognised in the North West.

Public nominations and a judging process

According to ARTA, the awards begin with public nominations based on food quality, service and value for money. Nominees are assessed using factors including Google and Tripadvisor reviews and Food Hygiene Ratings before the final judging stage.

The organisation also says it works with educational institutions to support aspiring chefs and encourage skills development within hospitality.

Television news anchor Samantha Simmonds and comedian Paul Sinha hosted the ceremony. ChefOnline was the strategic partner, with Cambridge Regional College supporting the event as skills partner.

Based on the ARTA 2026 press release issued on 13 October 2026. Photograph supplied with the story.