The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2026 have recognised businesses across the UK, placing the contribution of Asian hospitality to employment, community life and multicultural Britain at the centre of an evening of industry celebration.
My Delhi Newcastle received the Champion of Champions title at the ceremony, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 12 October. More than 1,250 businesses were nominated, according to the organisers.
The results span restaurants and takeaways from Belfast and Glasgow to London, Liverpool and Bristol. For a sector rooted in the exchange of culinary traditions, the announcement provides a view of the businesses through which those traditions form part of everyday British life.
Recognition across regions and traditions
Kusturi Indian Restaurant in Colchester was named National Chef of the Year, while Kaani Kaana in Upminster received National Takeaway of the Year. My Delhi Newcastle also took North East Restaurant of the Year.
Other headline winners included The Banc in Enfield, named Turkish Restaurant of the Year, and Meat Free Planet in Wolverhampton, which won the vegetarian restaurant title. Babaji in Sunderland received Streetfood Restaurant of the Year, White Tiger at Kings Docks in Liverpool won Newcomer of the Year, and Golpo Bengal Cafe & Restaurant in Cambridge took the casual dining award.
Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge in Belfast received Northern Ireland Restaurant of the Year, while Mekong in East Kilbride won the Scotland title. The Grand Sultan in Margam, Port Talbot, and Ijazz Indian Cuisine in Wrexham received the South Wales and North Wales restaurant awards respectively.
Community contribution amid commercial pressure
ARTA founder and CEO Mohammed Munim described Asian hospitality as an integral part of multicultural Britain, supporting communities and creating employment. His address linked the achievements of restaurateurs, chefs and teams with the sector’s wider social contribution.
Munim also highlighted rising employment costs, food prices, energy bills and other operating expenses. He praised independent businesses for continuing to invest in quality, staff and customer experience despite those pressures.
The combination of cultural contribution and commercial resilience gives the awards a wider relevance: the businesses being recognised are also workplaces and local institutions, where culinary heritage meets the practical demands of running a hospitality operation.
Public participation and skills
According to ARTA, its selection process begins 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 a final judging stage.
The organisation says it also works with educational institutions to support aspiring chefs and encourage the next generation of culinary professionals. Cambridge Regional College supported the 2026 event as skills partner.
The ceremony was hosted by television news anchor Samantha Simmonds and comedian Paul Sinha, with ChefOnline as strategic partner.
Based on the ARTA 2026 press release issued on 13 October 2026. Photograph supplied with the story.