Six Surrey Indian Restaurants Named UK’s Best in Prestigious Awards
Surrey's Finest Curries Join National Shortlist
The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026 has recognised six exceptional establishments across Surrey, marking a significant achievement for our local hospitality scene. The Rajdoot in Guildford, New Anarkali in East Molesey, Bay Leaves in Ewell, New Khyber in Tadworth, Spice Lounge in Mytchett, and Trishala in Redhill have all made the regional shortlist following an impressive selection process that attracted over 1,250 nominations nationwide. Often referred to as the “Oscars of the curry industry,” these awards celebrate the dedication and culinary excellence of independent Asian restaurants and takeaways that form the backbone of our community dining culture. The nominations came through ChefOnline, a leading platform connecting diners with quality restaurants, and were evaluated using customer reviews, social media engagement, and official Food Hygiene Ratings. This multi-layered assessment ensures that each shortlisted business genuinely deserves recognition from both diners and industry professionals alike. For those of us who regularly enjoy authentic Indian cuisine across Surrey, this validation of our local favourites is genuinely exciting news.
Understanding the Impact on Our Community
These six restaurants represent far more than just places to grab a takeaway or enjoy a night out. They're vital community hubs employing local staff, preserving culinary traditions, and contributing significantly to Surrey's economy and cultural vibrancy. During increasingly challenging trading conditions—with rising employment costs, inflation, and mounting overheads affecting independent hospitality across the board—these businesses continue to thrive by maintaining exceptional standards. Mohammed Munim, CEO of the awards, emphasised the resilience required: independent restaurants and takeaways face unprecedented pressure yet remain committed to their customers and communities. When you order from The Rajdoot in Guildford or any of our shortlisted venues, you're supporting local entrepreneurs and skilled chefs who've invested their passion into creating authentic, high-quality dining experiences. The recognition from ARTA demonstrates that Surrey's Asian hospitality sector isn't just surviving—it's genuinely excelling. Many of these establishments have built loyal followings over years, becoming trusted destinations for both regular customers and newcomers seeking authentic flavours and welcoming atmospheres.
What Happens Next—And How to Support Local Winners
The winners will be announced on October 12th at a grand ceremony held at the London Hilton on Park Lane. While we wait for the results, this is an excellent opportunity for all of us to show our support for these shortlisted businesses. Whether you're in Guildford, Dorking, Horsley, East Horsley, or Woking, consider visiting or ordering from one of these acclaimed restaurants—your patronage directly helps them compete against chains and larger establishments. Leave reviews on platforms like ChefOnline and Google; these verified customer testimonials carry real weight in industry recognition and help future diners discover our local gems. Share your experiences on social media, tag the restaurants, and spread the word about why you love your local curry house. Keep an eye out for announcement coverage on October 12th—celebrating our neighbours' success strengthens community bonds. For those new to the local scene, this shortlist serves as a trusted guide to quality dining experiences worth exploring. Support independent hospitality; it's what keeps our high streets vibrant, our communities connected, and our local economy healthy.
Source: 6 Indian takeaways in Surrey named among UK's best as shortlist for huge award revealed
