Some of Bradford’s best places for curry have been celebrated at a national awards ceremony.

Held for the second year, the Nation's Curry Awards celebrates Asian curry professionals and businesses across all four corners of the UK.

The finalists were celebrated at a glittering event within the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.

One restaurant and two takeaways in Bradford triumphed out of the nation’s best chefs, restaurants, managers, takeaways, and curry schools.

Bradford's culinary talents have been named on three different categories: Outstanding Take Away of the Year, Afghani Restaurant of the Year, Customer Service of the Year.

Bradford winners in the Nation's Curry Awards

  • Outstanding Take Away of the Year - Future Balti, Holroyd Hill, Wibsey
  • Customer Service of the Year - International Restaurant, Bradford
  • Afghani Restaurant of the Year, Highly Commended - Shinwari Restaurant, Leeds Road

It represents another big moment for the team at Future Balti, who won the Takeaway and Home Delivery of the Year award at 2023's English Curry Awards.

Reflecting on the family's latest win, Hamad Arshad said: "How do I feel? Ecstatic, thankful. We're a close knit family business so to us as a family it's massive. My dad who owns it and runs it has been in the trade for the last 40 years.

"He originally worked for his uncle when he was younger. He came over as an immigrant with a dream as a lot of people did back then. 

"Just over 20 years ago he opened his own restaurant and takeaway."

After Covid-19 hit the world, the family decided to only serve takeaways. 

"We're based in Wibsey village," said Hamad.

"Most of our customers are loyal returning customers. 60 per cent of our customer base are return customers. Our thanks to the people of Wibsey and surrounding areas for their custom, for their loyalty."

International Restaurant has been part of the city's culinary offering for years. 

International was first established as a family-run eatery in 1976, when Indian cuisine was a new feature to the British Isles. It reopened on Morley Street after a refurbishment in 2019.

International opened its second restaurant on Sticker Lane in December 2022 after taking over the site from the Three Singhs.

Based on Leeds Road, Shinwari Restaurant says it likes to "create magic for all ages with our mouth smacking foods and swiftest restaurant takeaway service".

It serves anything from kebabs to karahi and tikka to tawa for two.

Shinwari Restaurant also serves up Desi breakfasts including its best seller Choley.

West Yorkshire winners

Elsewhere in West Yorkshire, Aarti in Leeds city centre was highly commended in the 'Outstanding Curry of the Year' category and Bangla Lounge, Birstall, was highly commended under 'Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year'.

Punjabi Heaven in the Roundhay area of Leeds was named Punjabi Restaurant of the Year.

Delhi Wala food in Leeds city centre was also crowned Street Food Restaurant of the Year.

A spokesperson for the award’s organiser, Oceanic Consulting, said: "It was an unforgettable night, filled with incredible food, vibrant energy, and passionate conversations.

"We have celebrated the finest in the UK’s curry scene, recognising the creativity, innovation, and exceptional service that have become synonymous with this beloved cuisine.

"The UK’s curry industry is a vital part of our culture, and these awards recognised the exceptional talents of the individuals and businesses that make it so special. We want to congratulate all the winners and highly commended recipients on their accomplishment."