The shortlist is out for the prestigious awards.

Two Sunderland restaurants are hoping to be named among the UK’s best at the ‘Oscars of the Curry World.’

Babaji is one of two shortlisted Sunderland restaurants | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Babaji is one of two shortlisted Sunderland restaurants | Sunderland Echo

Babaji in Mary Street, city centre, and Yuvraaj in Douro Terrace, Ashbrooke, have both made it to the finals of the annual Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026.

The awards are regarded as among the most prestigious in their field, with the two Wearside venues competing in the Regional Restaurant of the Year - North East category, which spans North Yorkshire up to Northumberland.

Winners will be announced on Monday, October 12 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, with the awards aimed at recognising excellence across the UK's thriving Asian hospitality sector and celebrating the chefs, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs who raise standards across the industry despite increasingly difficult trading conditions.

Monie Hussain from Yuvraaj is keeping his fingers crossed | Sunderland Echo

Organisers say ARTA 2026 has attracted over 1250 nominations from diners across the UK, demonstrating the continuing popularity of Asian cuisine and the important role independent restaurants and takeaways play within communities nationwide.

The shortlist was compiled from public nominations, as well as social media engagement, Food Hygiene Ratings, and verified customer reviews.

Asian restaurants and takeaways remain one of the UK's greatest hospitality success stories, contributing billions of pounds annually to the economy while employing tens of thousands of people and enriching the UK's diverse food culture.

Yet many operators say sustained financial pressures continue to threaten the long-term sustainability of independent businesses that have served local communities for generations.

Organisers of the awards added that rising National Living Wage costs; higher employer National Insurance contributions; increasing food prices; elevated utility bills; and reduced business rates relief have significantly increased operating costs for independent hospitality businesses.

Speaking about the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards 2026, Mohammed Munim, Founder Member and CEO of ARTA, said “Congratulations to every restaurant and takeaway that has earned a place in the ARTA 2026 Regional Top 10.

“Being shortlisted is a remarkable achievement and reflects the passion, resilience and dedication of the businesses that continue to set the standard for Asian hospitality across the United Kingdom. Independent hospitality is facing unprecedented challenges, with rising employment costs, inflation and increasing overheads continuing to place enormous pressure on businesses across the country.

“Yet despite these difficulties, Asian restaurants and takeaways remain at the heart of communities, creating jobs, preserving culinary traditions and making a significant contribution to the UK's hospitality industry and wider economy.

“ARTA was founded to celebrate excellence and recognise the individuals and businesses shaping the future of Asian hospitality. We look forward to welcoming our Regional Top 10 finalists to the Grand Finale on Monday 12 October 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, where we will celebrate their achievements and crown this year's national winners.”