Sunderland restaurants named among best in the north
The annual awards recognise the cream of the curry industry.
It’s one of the nation’s favourite dishes - and the best curry houses turning up the heat in the north have been recognised.
The best curry restaurants, takeaways, chefs and hospitality professionals from across the North of England have been recognised at the Northern England Curry Awards 2026, held at the Cedar Court Hotel, Huddersfield earlier this month.
And two Sunderland favourites were recognised at the ceremony.
Babaji in Mary Street was named the winner of Restaurant of the Year – North East. Meanwhile, Yuvraaj in Ashbrooke was recognised for excellence in the North East Curry Experience of the Year category.
From long-established family-run restaurants to innovative newcomers, the awards, organised by Oceanic Awards, is aimed at recognising those delivering exceptional food, outstanding service and memorable dining experiences for customers across the North.
Yasmin Mahmood, from Oceanic Awards, said: "The Northern England Curry Awards are dedicated to recognising the incredible talent, hard work and passion that exists throughout the region's curry industry. These businesses are at the heart of their communities and play a significant role in the hospitality sector.
“We congratulate all of this year's winners and finalists on their achievements. Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer service continues to raise standards across the industry, and they should be extremely proud of this recognition."
Curry remains one of Britain's favourite cuisines, with the UK curry industry contributing billions of pounds to the economy each year and supporting thousands of jobs nationwide.