Sunderland Restaurants Shine at 2025 Asian Curry Awards

Sunderland is celebrating a remarkable achievement at the 2025 Asian Curry Awards, where two local Indian restaurants received prestigious honors, often referred to as the ‘Curry Oscars.’ This recognition highlights the culinary excellence and commitment of these establishments to the vibrant Asian food scene in the UK.

Babaji, a restaurant that opened in early 2023 and is led by manager Sohel Khan and managing director Shah Lalon Amin, won the national title for casual dining restaurant of the year. Previously, Babaji secured a regional award for Asian restaurant of the year, making this latest accolade a significant milestone. In a celebratory video shared from the awards ceremony hosted at Grosvenor House in Mayfair, Khan expressed his joy, stating, “Yes, We did it! Best casual dining restaurant of the year – in the country!”

The achievement was celebrated on social media, with Babaji posting, “Holding this award feels incredibly special but what makes it truly meaningful is who we’re holding it for. YOU.” The restaurant extended gratitude to its customers and the Sunderland community, emphasizing that the award “belongs to all of us.” The message highlighted the role of diners in supporting the restaurant’s journey to national recognition.

In addition to Babaji’s success, another Sunderland establishment, My Delhi, was awarded the North East regional title for best South Asian restaurant of the year. The restaurant also took to Facebook to express its delight, stating, “Haway the Mackems!” The post acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the team, conveying a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

The awards ceremony featured a total of 46 categories, recognizing various aspects of Asian and Oriental cuisine across the UK, from fine dining to takeaway. Notably, Chakh Dhoom in Newcastle also triumphed, winning the national title for street food restaurant of the year. The event attracted around 1,200 VIP guests, showcasing the growing influence of Asian cuisine in the culinary landscape.

The Asian Catering Federation, which organizes the awards, highlighted the importance of recognizing excellence in the hospitality industry. Yawar Khan, chairman of the federation, emphasized that the success of the winners stemmed from “the passion, determination, and culinary talent that drives this industry forward.” He also acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, stating, “Congratulations to all winners and huge thanks to everyone who invests in our industry which continues to contribute billions to the UK economy each year.”

The Asian Curry Awards serve not only to honor outstanding restaurants but also to inspire continued innovation and excellence within the culinary field. The recognition of Sunderland’s local gems reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a hub for diverse and high-quality dining experiences.