ARTA winners: in their own words

THE ARTA awards 2019 celebrated excellence in the Asian food industry – an industry which contributes £5 billion to the UK economy each year. It also contributes a great deal of joy to diners across the country every day of the year. What did the lucky winners have to say about their awards? Read on…

The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2019National Winners

National Champion of Champions: Hot Chilli Restaurant (Bolton)
“Wow, what an honour. To be named the Champions of all Champions is something everybody in this industry dreams of – it is an overwhelming honour. Asian food continues to rise in popularity in the UK. Without our loyal customers in the North West this would not have been possible, and we pride ourselves highly on the fact that people enjoy our food just as much as we enjoy making it. To be named the best is something we will cherish forever.”

National Chef of the Year: Radhuni Princes Risborough (Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire)
“It is truly an honour to be recognised as the National Chef of the Year. Radhuni is truly proud to have a nationally recognised chef serving the wonderful town of Princes Risborough. The award is a motivation for us to continue delivering the best Asian cuisine to our customers.”

National Newcomer of the Year: Mother India (Hornchurch, Havering)
“We are absolutely delighted to be named as the National Newcomer of the Year. Mother India specializes in serving food prepared in the best Indian tradition from a menu that reflects the great regional diversity of Indian cuisine. We thank our customers from Hornchurch without whose loyal support and backing we couldn’t have won. They truly inspire us to be the best.”

National Takeaway of the Year: Peppermills Indian Takeaway (Ascot, Berkshire)
“For a small local Indian takeaway in Ascot to be named a national award winner is truly inspirational. We always strive to offer true original cuisine to take home, from a Royal Indian Supper to a Clay Oven marinade. Our heartfelt gratitude to the organisers of ARTA and the judging panel.”

Lifetime Achievement Award – Nurul Hoque (Noor Ali)
“I express my gratitude to Asian Restaurants & Takeaway Awards for conferring me with the Lifetime Achievement Award this year. It’s been an incredible journey, and to be recognised for something that I am truly passionate about is dream come true. Asian food is truly the bedrock of Britain and I am only grateful that I could be a small part of such a big industry.”

Restaurant Personality of the Year: Kuti Miah of Kuti’s Brasserie (The Royal Pier, Southampton)
“I am incredibly honoured to be recognised by ARTA as the Restaurant Personality of the Year. When I first moved to Southampton in 1980, I saw the pier and wanted to set up myown restaurant here. Kuti’s Brasserie on The Royal Pier offers the most beautiful view of the city. We wanted to celebrate exactly what the Pier is about. We cater for everyone now so people should pop in for a nice drink or meal and see what we have done with the place. The people of Southampton have been so supportive of us and we want to continue the historical legacy of this building.”

European Restaurant of the Year: Shapla Indian Restaurant (County Donegal, Ireland)
“To be recognised as the European Restaurant of the Year is unbelievable. We always strived hard to offer the best Indian food in County Donegal – but to be named as the best in Europe is beyond our imagination. We are so thankful to the organisers of ARTA and the judging panel.”

Best Thai Restaurant of the Year: Thai Moom, Bromley
“It’s such an honour to have been awarded this accolade. I dedicate this award to my team at Thai Moom who work tirelessly and with such passion to put our diners first. Our heartfelt gratitude to ARTA and the judging committee. The team at Thai Moon are proud to open our doors from today as the best Thai Restaurant in the whole of UK!”

Best Thai Chef of the Year: Thaii Fusion, Bromley
“To be awarded Best Thai Chef of the Year at ARTA is truly a dream come true. After winning this award I am even more committed to ensuring that I not only tantalise the taste buds of my diners with new Thai culinary delights but that I continually re-invent myself to stay ahead of the game. Thank you to everyone at ARTA!”

Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year: Hakkaland, Harrow
“Thank you to ARTA and all of the judges for bestowing this award on Hakkaland! We are truly humbled and honoured to be declared the Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year. We dedicate this award to all of our wonderful customers as without them we wouldn’t be where we are today. We feel immensely proud to be the best Chinese restaurant in the whole of UK!”

•Read more about it:
Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards return
ARTA launches nominations in House of Lords