ARTA 2025 Grand Finale: The Biggest Night for Pan-Asian Cuisine in the UK
When it comes to celebrating culinary brilliance, there are very few nights that can compare to the ARTA 2025 Grand Finale. The awards were held in London; this year’s event brought together the brightest names in the Asian food scene, from family-run curry houses to fine-dining innovators, all under one glittering roof.
This celebration clearly pointed out where the UK’s Pan-Asian dining scene is heading: bold, diverse, and full of personality.
The Heart of ARTA 2025
The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) have long stood as a hallmark of excellence for Britain’s restaurant industry. The main aim of ARTA is to award and recognise the chefs and restaurateurs who shape the nation’s love for curry and Asian cuisine.
The ARTA Award 2025 did just that. Held in London at the Hilton—Park Lane, the evening saw the crème de la crème of the UK’s Pan-Asian dining world assembled under one roof. The guest list read like a who’s-who of restaurateurs, culinary stars, media personalities, and cultural figures.
Among the attendees were TV presenters Elma Pazar, Ella Wise, Harriet Mae Blackmore, Lacey Martin, Hayley Palmer, Paige Chohan, and sports presenter Seema Jaiswal. The ceremony was hosted by news anchor Samantha Simmonds and illusionist Paul Martin. Musical performances included Ashish Kulkarni, who delivered evocative melodies.
The main focus this year was innovation within tradition, celebrating chefs who’ve managed to keep cultural authenticity alive while bringing something fresh to the plate. ChefOnline, the UK’s leading online food ordering platform, proudly partnered as ARTA’s strategic partner once again this year.
The ARTA Curry Awards clearly highlighted how British-Asian cuisine has evolved without losing its soul, shedding a spotlight on creative vegan menus and modern twists on regional curries.
Why ARTA 2025 Mattered So Much
To restaurant owners, ARTA isn’t just another trophy ceremony. It’s the UK dining award that truly carries weight. Winning or even being shortlisted as an ARTA winner 2025 means your restaurant is officially recognised among the best in the business. Notable winners for the year included:
Champion of Champions: Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge, Belfast
National Chef of the Year: RISHI’S at Slate & Grain Brasserie & Bar, Hackbridge, Wallington
National Takeaway of the Year: Kaani Kaana, Chelmsford
Newcomer of the Year: The Bombay, Swanley
Streetfood Restaurant of the Year: My Delhi, Newcastle
Japanese Restaurant of the Year: Maneki Ramen, Worcester
Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year: Yakitori House, East Kilbride, Glasgow
Turkish Restaurant of the Year: Troia, Southbank, London
European Restaurant of the Year: Tarana Bar & Indian Restaurant, Las Palmas, Spain
And it’s not just about the accolades. The exposure alone can transform a local curry house into a national name overnight. The winners from previous years have witnessed their bookings increase, getting stronger media attention, and having customer trust that lasts longer, after being featured in ARTA’s restaurant recognition awards.
Having this type of validation is truly priceless, especially in an industry where consistency and reputation matter a lot.
How ARTA Helps Shape the Future of UK Dining
Awards like ARTA don’t just celebrate excellence; they drive it. When a restaurant earns recognition through the ARTA restaurant awards, it raises the bar for the entire industry.
Chefs get inspired to experiment. Restaurants become more customer-focused. And diners start exploring beyond their usual choices, helping communities and local economies thrive.
It’s easy to see why ARTA is often referred to as the “Curry Oscars”. Each year, it champions those who put creativity, flavour, and authenticity first, and it continues to be one of the most respected UK food awards in the country.
For Restaurant Owners, the Message is Clear
If you run a restaurant, ARTA isn’t something to watch from afar, it’s something to aim for. Recognition from the food industry awards can set your business apart in ways that traditional marketing can’t.
Think about what your restaurant stands for. Do you celebrate your roots through your recipes? Are you engaging with your local community? Do your guests feel the passion behind every dish?
So as ARTA 2025 comes to a close and the excitement dissipates, industry people are already looking forward to next year’s ARTA. The ARTA 2026 nominations will open soon, and the bar is already pretty high.
FAQs About ARTA 2025 and UK’s Asian Dining Awards
- What is ARTA 2025?
ARTA 2025 stands for the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, celebrating the best restaurants and chefs in Pan-Asian cuisine across the UK. - Who were the major ARTA winners in 2025?
This year’s winners included some of the UK’s top curry chefs and standout Asian restaurants recognised for innovation, consistency, and service. - How are restaurants chosen for the ARTA Awards?
Restaurants are shortlisted based on customer votes after ordering your food on nationwide platforms such as ChefOnline, mystery dining visits, and final judging by a panel of culinary experts. - Why is ARTA called the “Curry Oscars”?
Because it’s widely seen as the highest honour in the UK’s Asian restaurant industry, celebrating culinary excellence much like the Oscars do for film. - How can I enter ARTA 2026?
Restaurant owners can register on ARTA’s official website and follow the nomination process once it opens for the next season.