Key Points
- Hat-Trick of Prestigious Industry Accolades: Muswell Hill curry establishment Taste of Nawab has achieved three prominent culinary awards over a three-month period during its 30th anniversary year.
- Regional Recognition at ARTA 2026: Chef and owner Abdul Rahman received the North London Restaurant of the Year title at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTAs) held at the London Hilton in Park Lane.
- Consistent Quality and High Standards: The establishment earned a Good Food Award Gold Seal for 2026/27, marking sustained operational and culinary excellence.
- Global Customer Acclaim: Taste of Nawab secured a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, positioning the venue in the top 10 per cent of hospitality businesses globally based on consumer feedback.
- Three Decades in North London: Established in 1996 on Colney Hatch Lane, the restaurant celebrates 30 years of continuous service within the local community.
Muswell Hill (North London News) October 15, 2026 – Muswell Hill curry house Taste of Nawab is celebrating a major milestone after securing three prominent hospitality industry awards in as many months during its 30th anniversary year.
As reported by reporting staff at the Ham & High, the most recent honour was bestowed on Monday, October 12, 2026, when chef and restaurant owner Abdul Rahman was officially presented with the North London Restaurant of the Year title at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTAs) ceremony, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Reflecting upon the triple recognition, owner Abdul Rahman stated:
“Three awards in three months – and in our 30th anniversary year. It’s honestly quite overwhelming. We’ve been here since 1996, and the support we’ve received from our customers and this wonderful community has been incredible. These awards are not just for me. They’re for our fantastic team and for everyone who has supported Taste of Nawab over the years. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I want to say a huge thank you to everybody who has been part of our journey.”
What Other Accolades Has Taste of Nawab Achieved in 2026?
The ARTA accolade marks the culmination of a three-month series of achievements for the venue. As detailed by the Ham & High, Taste of Nawab was awarded a Good Food Award Gold Seal for 2026/27, an honour granted to establishments that consistently demonstrate exceptional culinary standards and service.
One month following the Good Food Award recognition, the venue earned a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026. This customer-driven rating places Taste of Nawab within the top 10 per cent of dining establishments globally on the review portal. The sequence of national and global awards coincides with the restaurant’s 30th anniversary of trading on Colney Hatch Lane.
How Did Taste of Nawab Build Its Legacy in Muswell Hill?
The Early Days on Colney Hatch Lane
Founded in 1996 by Abdul Rahman, an Islington-reared restaurateur, Taste of Nawab was established in premises that had previously seen rapid turnover, changing management up to 15 times within two years.
As reported by journalist Ellena Cruse of MyLondon, Rahman recalled the early challenges of setting up the business, noting:
“I am a North London boy, I used to live in Islington. It was a real struggle at the beginning and we had to get the trust of the community. Before I came in, the business had changed hands 10 to 15 times in the space of two years. People didn’t think it could work and asked me, ‘What is the magic thing you are going to do with this business?'”
Through consistent focus on culinary craftsmanship and personable customer service, the venue established a loyal local following over its first two years, eventually embedding itself into the surrounding community fabric.
A History of Sector Awards and Community Engagement
Over its three decades in operation, Taste of Nawab has accumulated various regional and national hospitality recognitions. The venue’s record includes the Curry Life Awards Best Curry Chef of the Year, multiple Good Food Award Gold Seals, Asian Food Awards, and the London Curry Awards.
Beyond commercial operations, the establishment has maintained direct community links in North London, receiving formal recognition from HRH Princess Anne for its charitable fundraising initiatives supporting Save the Children.
What Impact Will This Development Have on the Local Community and Dining Sector?
Impact on Local Diners and Community Pride
For the residents of Muswell Hill and the wider North London area, the hat-trick of industry awards reinforces Taste of Nawab’s position as a cherished local institution. Local patron validation—evidenced by the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award—demonstrates that neighbourhood diners continue to receive high standards of service and culinary quality. The success of an independent, family-run business over 30 years serves as a point of pride for the local high street ecosystem.
Impact on the North London Hospitality Sector
In an economic climate where independent dining venues encounter rising supply costs and changing consumer habits, Taste of Nawab’s multi-award achievements demonstrate the long-term viability of customer-centric, high-quality independent dining. Winning regional titles like the ARTA North London Restaurant of the Year draws wider destination dining traffic into Muswell Hill, benefiting adjacent businesses and elevating the profile of North London’s Asian culinary landscape.
