The restaurants that have been shortlisted for the Northern Ireland Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious food awards are:
- Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge – Belfast
- India Gate – Belfast
- The Jharna – Belfast
- Panjab Indian Restaurant – Belfast
- Bangla – Bangor
- Yaks – Bangor
- Star of India – Craigavon
- Green Chilli – Bangor
- Bengal Brasserie – Belfast
10.Bokhara – Bangor
The winners will be announced at a red-carpet event being held in London’s Hilton Park Lane on October 8, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Samantha Simmonds and Paul Martin, magician and member of the world-famous Magic Circle.
The coveted awards are in recognition of the UK’s best South Asian cuisine across a series of prestigious regional and national categories.
From the National Champion of the Champions, Regional Restaurant of the Year, National & Regional Chefs of the Year, to National Newcomer of The Year, ARTA will spotlight the pinnacle of over 1,190 restaurants and takeaways across the UK that were nominated by the restaurant goers and enthusiastic food lovers from all over the country.
Last year The Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge was crowned NI Restaurant Of The Year by an esteemed panel of ambassadors and judges comprising of Chand Rahman, Executive Chef and Multi Award Winning Celebrity Chef Mohammed Mujibur Rahman.
Speaking about this year’s nomination Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge Owner Naz Din said, “Myself and the team are honoured to have been nominated for the second year for such a prestigious award in the Indian Cuisine Industry. Just to be recognised is an achievement”.
The UK’s Curry industry contributes £4.2 billion annually, which as of 2015, has accounted for a fifth of the restaurants in the UK dating back to the 1800s. The ARTA celebrates and recognises Britain’s vibrant Asian restaurants and takeaways and offers solidarity and morale for the industry currently facing high energy costs, inflation, skilled staff shortage, and the rising price of raw materials.
Speaking about the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards 2023, Mohammed Munim, Founder Member and CEO of ARTA, said: “Asian restaurants have made a significant contribution to the UK economy, both historically and in recent times. They deserve recognition and rewards for their efforts. These restaurants have not only created thousands of jobs but have also boosted local economies through their presence, especially post-BREXIT.
To provide staunch support to the thriving Asian restaurants in Britain, ARTA acknowledges and highlights their importance in the culinary landscape. Each nominee is a worthy winner, and we look forward to celebrating with them all at the award ceremony on the 8th of October.”