The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026, widely referred to as the ‘Oscars of the curry industry’, has unveiled its list of finalists, featuring several establishments from the North West region among those vying for top honours.
Over 1,250 restaurants and takeaways across the UK were nominated by diners and food enthusiasts for these prestigious awards, which aim to celebrate excellence in Asian hospitality.
North Wales Restaurants Vie for Regional Title
Four eateries in North Wales have been shortlisted as finalists for the Regional Restaurant of the Year – North Wales category. These include:
- Ijazz Indian Cuisine, Wrexham
- Pwllheli Tandoori Restaurant, Pwllheli
- Sima Tandoori, Porthmadog
- Valley Spice, Corwen
These nominations highlight the strength and quality of Asian dining across the region, according to North Wales Live.
Across the UK: Other Regional Finalists
Beyond the North West, other regions also celebrate their finalists. In East Anglia, Eastern Spice on Woodbridge Road in Ipswich has been named a contender for Regional Takeaway of the Year, as reported by the Ipswich Star. Eastern Spice offers a variety of mild, medium, and hot curries, alongside classic sides.
Meanwhile, four Surrey restaurants are finalists for the Regional Restaurant of the Year in their county, according to Surrey Live. These include The New Anarkali in East Molesey, The New Khyber, an unnamed restaurant just outside Guildford centre offering traditional and modern Bangladeshi and Indian dishes, and a small family-run restaurant whose owner, Raj, boasts 25 years of culinary experience, having worked with Michelin Chefs and as a head chef under Celebrity Chef Mridula Baljekar.
About the ARTA 2026 Grand Finale
The ARTA 2026 Grand Finale is scheduled to take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Monday, October 12. The event will be hosted by BBC journalist Samantha Simmonds and comedian Paul Sinha, bringing together leading Asian restaurateurs, MPs, dignitaries, and celebrities to celebrate culinary excellence.
Mohammed Munim, Founder and CEO of ARTA, extended his congratulations to all finalists. He stated that being a finalist is a "remarkable achievement" that reflects the "passion, resilience and dedication" of businesses shaping Asian hospitality across the UK. Mr Munim also highlighted the vital role these establishments play in communities and the wider UK hospitality industry, particularly "at a time when rising employment costs, inflation and increasing overheads continue to challenge independent hospitality."
The awards will recognise top restaurants and takeaways at both regional and national levels, with categories such as Pan Asian Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Takeaway of the Year, Turkish Restaurant of the Year, Street Food Restaurant of the Year, and National Newcomer of the Year.
