ARTA Awards Curry Oscars Shortlist Four Restaurants in North London 2026

Key Points

• Shortlist Announcement: Four north London dining establishments have been officially named as finalists for the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026, often dubbed the ‘curry Oscars’.
• North London Contenders: The shortlisted venues in the region include Ruhit’s Indian Cuisine, The Rajdoot, Taste of Nawab, and JM Oriental.
• Rigorous Selection Process: Finalists were chosen from over 1,250 nominated restaurants and takeaways across the United Kingdom, based on customer nominations, social media engagement, and verified food hygiene ratings.
• Grand Finale Event: The winners across all regional and national categories will be revealed at an awards ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster London.
• Industry Significance: The awards recognize culinary excellence, community engagement, and the economic contribution of Asian hospitality businesses in the UK.

North London (North London News) September 18, 2026 – Four outstanding culinary venues across north London have officially reached the shortlist for the prestigious Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026, widely celebrated across the hospitality industry as the “curry Oscars.” The regional finalists—Ruhit’s Indian Cuisine in Willesden, The Rajdoot in Hampstead, Taste of Nawab in Muswell Hill, and JM Oriental in Colindale—are set to compete for the title of North London Regional Restaurant of the Year.

As reported by political and local news coverage in the Ham & High, the finalist selection process narrowed down more than 1,250 entries submitted nationwide, leveraging a combination of customer voting via the ChefOnline ordering platform, social media presence, and official local council food hygiene scores.

Which four north London restaurants have been shortlisted for the 2026 ARTA Awards?

The shortlisted restaurants represent a diverse blend of heritage curry houses, neighborhood landmarks, and contemporary pan-Asian establishments operating within north London.

As detailed by local media coverage, the four establishments vying for the top regional honors are:

1. Ruhit’s Indian Cuisine (Willesden/Queen’s Park): Located on Sidmouth Parade between Willesden and Queen’s Park, Ruhit’s Indian Cuisine is a recognized neighborhood staple offering a traditional menu centered on classic South Asian dishes and spice blends. HamHigh
2. The Rajdoot (Hampstead): Situated on Fleet Road in Hampstead, The Rajdoot was originally established by four brothers. Over its decades in operation, the restaurant has earned multiple industry accolades, including a previous victory as ARTA’s Regional Restaurant of the Year. HamHigh+ 1
3. Taste of Nawab (Muswell Hill): Operating on Colney Hatch Lane, Taste of Nawab recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Under the leadership of chef and founder Abdul Rahman, the restaurant has built a reputation for its regional Bengali and tandoori specialties alongside active local community support. HamHigh+ 1
4. JM Oriental (Colindale): Founded in 2021 by executive chef Andrew Hung, JM Oriental brings an upscale dining approach to Colindale, offering modern Chinese dishes and specialized dim sum options within the regional lineup. HamHigh

As reported by local hospitality correspondents, the presence of diverse culinary concepts in the North London Regional category reflects the evolving nature of the ARTA platform, which celebrates both traditional curry houses and broader Pan-Asian dining establishments.

How were the ARTA Awards finalists selected?

The selection framework for the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards relies on multi-tiered criteria designed to evaluate consumer popularity, culinary quality, and operational standards.

According to official ARTA tournament guidelines and statements covered across press releases:

• Customer Nominations: More than 1,250 establishments nationwide were nominated by members of the public, primarily coordinated through the online delivery and booking portal ChefOnline. HamHigh
• Hygiene and Compliance: Nominees were vetted through official Food Standards Agency (FSA) hygiene ratings to ensure adherence to food safety compliance.
• Digital and Community Engagement: Metrics including customer review scores, community involvement, and active social media presence were analyzed to compile the finalized shortlists. HamHigh

Following the shortlisting phase, regional contenders undergo further evaluation ahead of the official ceremony, where winners are announced before an audience of culinary leaders, parliamentarians, and industry figures.

What is the background of the ARTA Awards development?

The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) were established to celebrate the systemic contributions of Asian culinary businesses to the UK’s economy and high-street culture. Historically referred to as the “curry Oscars,” the awards ceremony highlights South Asian, East Asian, and South-East Asian establishments across several dozen distinct UK geographical regions.

In recent years, the UK hospitality sector—particularly curry houses and independent ethnic dining establishments—has faced a series of operational challenges, including rising energy bills, inflationary pressures on imported spices, and ongoing skilled labor shortages. Industry initiatives such as ARTA were created to bolster public awareness, boost local footfall, and award long-standing family establishments alongside emerging culinary ventures. The 2026 iteration marks a continuation of the platform’s efforts to highlight local businesses operating across London and the wider UK.

What is the prediction for how this development will affect local dining audiences and restaurant operators?

The nomination of four north London establishments to the final shortlist is projected to yield notable operational and commercial impacts for both the local hospitality market and consumers across the region:

• Boost in Local Tourism and Footfall: Inclusion on a national award shortlist traditionally serves as a major marketing catalyst. For the four nominated restaurants—especially those located in high-density neighborhood corridors like Muswell Hill, Hampstead, Willesden, and Colindale—the news is expected to drive increased advance bookings and delivery orders from diners seeking vetted dining experiences. HamHigh
• Enhanced Commercial Resilience: As independent venues navigate fluctuating consumer spending, public recognition from industry bodies like ARTA often improves long-term brand equity, helping legacy institutions retain customer loyalty while attracting new patrons.
• Elevated Regional Reputation: For the north London community, having multi-category representation demonstrates the area’s vibrant culinary diversity, encouraging increased investment in local high streets and raising competitive standards across neighboring food service businesses.