Babuls in Darlington was among nine others shortlisted for Regional Restaurant of the Year, while Zeera Tandoori in Durham was one of 10 to be shortlisted for Regional Takeaway of the Year.
Nominees were chosen based on nominations by customers from across the UK, including over 900,000 customers of ARTA’s strategic partner ChefOnline, social media and food hygiene ratings, followed by a final judgement of an esteemed judging panel to crown each region’s Asian excellence.
From the National Champion of the Champions, Regional Restaurant of the Year and National and Regional Chefs of the Year to National and Regional Takeaway of the Year and National Newcomer of The Year, ARTA will spotlight over 1,250 restaurants and takeaways across the UK that were nominated by restaurant-goers and diners from all over the country.
ARTA rewards excellence, craft, creativity and great taste by bringing the UK’s most prestigious Asian restaurants and chefs together under one roof.
Regional Restaurant of the Year (shortlist for North East)
Here are the 10 restaurants nominated for best in the North East at ARTA:
Babul's in Darlington has a 5/5 rating from 221 reviews on Tripadvisor, with one recent customer writing: “We used babuls a few mouths [months] ago and it was good so we tried it again and it was amazing the food is the best Indian food in the northeast 100%.”
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Regional Takeaway of the Year (shortlist for North East)
Here are the 10 takeaways nominated for best in the North East at ARTA:
Over on Tripadvisor, someone who visited Zeera Tandoori in Durham said “every dish is beautiful”.
They also posted in their review: “Amazing takeaway. The food is always exceptional (best curry/Indian/bangladeshi in the area by far), it's always on time, and there's always something small on the house to show they appreciate you. We're regulars here, definitely our go-to for a curry now. Had the Biryani's, masalas, Karahis, Bhunas, Dopiazas, Jalfrehzis, sides, all of it - Cannot recommend highly enough!!”
Speaking about the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2024, Mohammed Munim, founder member and CEO of ARTA, commented: “Asian restaurants and takeaways 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 & takeaways 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 6th October.”
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The process concludes at the Grand Finale and Gala Evening, where the ultimate winners will be announced and honoured with prestigious awards in various categories.
ARTA awards also celebrate and recognise Britain’s vibrant Asian restaurants and takeaways and offer solidarity and morale for the industry currently facing high energy costs, inflation, skilled staff shortages and the rising prices of raw materials.
The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2024 will take place at London’s Royal Lancaster on Sunday, October 6.
