The air was rich with aroma, anticipation, and applause as the 9th annual Leicestershire Curry Awards lit up Leicester’s prestigious Athena Events Venue this evening (Monday, September 15).
A vibrant celebration of culinary excellence, the ceremony honoured the very best in South Asian cuisine from across the city and county — drawing in a crowd of food lovers, dignitaries, and restaurateurs.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The hotly anticipated event — one of the standout dates in the Leicester events calendar — saw seven glittering awards handed out to the region’s finest culinary establishments. High-profile guests including Rob Nixon, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, and other notable figures graced the occasion, which combined fine food, heartfelt stories, and energetic entertainment.
Guests were treated to a lavish three-course Indian meal, and entertainment from an array of dancers and singers, who brought vibrant cultural energy to the stage. As the dishes disappeared and glasses clinked, the excitement reached its peak with the announcement of this year’s winners:
They are as follows:
- Best Street Food: my Delhi
- Best Takeaway: Currylicious
- Best Pub Restaurant: Royal Leicesters
- Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Chatwala.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
As the awards progressed, attention turned to newcomers and fine dining experiences — with accolades split between venues in Leicester and wider Leicestershire.
- Best New Restaurant – Leicester: Amrut
- Best New Restaurant – Leicestershire: Avatar Dining (Lutterworth)
- Best Fine Dining – Leicester: Chutney Ivy
- Best Fine Dining – Leicestershire: Soi Indian Restaurant (Melton Mowbray)
“It’s been a great night. It’s always good to see so many people enjoying themselves and appreciating the curry industry,” said Atul Dawda, owner of Soi.
“I am totally blown away,” said Shaf Islam, owner of Chutney Ivy, who claimed two awards.
“The curry awards do an amazing job in promoting my industry that I chose when I was a 17-year-old. It’s the only thing I’ve done in my adult life and l am literally lost for words. Thank you so much.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
And finally — the moment everyone had been waiting for:
- Restaurant of the Year – Leicester: Chutney Ivy
- Restaurant of the Year – Leicestershire: Avatar Dining (Market Harborough)
Suresh KC Chhetri, owner of Avatar Dining gave an emotive acceptance speech.
“It has never been easy in my life. It’s still not but I’m fighting for it,” he said. “With my team and through my strength we grow together. With our team, our customers, our clients, our families, society and everybody else.
“Tonight I want to sincerely thank my beautiful wife and my team, who support me always. I couldn’t do this without you.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The evening was far more than just an awards ceremony. DJ Vallisa Chauhan kept spirits high, spinning an energetic blend of Bollywood and Bhangra that had the crowd dancing well into the night.
Beyond the glitz, the evening had a deeper purpose too. A live charity auction raised over £3,000 for this year’s chosen cause — the Police Memorial Garden Project — highlighting the event’s commitment to giving back to the community.
Rob Nixon, Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire was a judge at this year’s awards.
“What I will say to everyone in this room is that you are all worthy and you are all raising the bar year on year,” he said. “That’s what makes this city and county great.
“I had the pleasure of visiting many of your restaurants and was blown away by how high the standard is. You add so much flavour to this city’s image.”
The Leicestershire Curry Awards continue to be a cornerstone of recognition for the region’s thriving South Asian culinary scene. Each year, the event showcases not only exceptional food but also the dedication, creativity, and cultural richness behind every dish.
