Key Points
· Ayaan's work has been recognized, and she has been shortlisted for literary awards, particularly spotlighting Somali women's stories.
· Royal Balti House, Bolton's oldest Indian restaurant, has been shortlisted as a finalist for multiple prestigious awards, including the English Curry Awards 2025 and Nation's Curry Awards.
· Soho Spice is recognized among notable Indian dining establishments, participating in culinary awards.
· Mr Chaat, an Indian street food eatery in Bolton town centre, has been nominated for prestigious industry awards.
· The 14th English Curry Awards 2025 finalists were announced recently, highlighting top curry restaurants across the UK, including Royal Balti House and other regional nominees.
· Royal Balti House recently won Best Team of the Year at the Nation's Curry Awards and has a long history of awards for culinary excellence and customer service.
· The Asian Restaurant Awards 2025 have also nominated Royal Balti House.
· The English Curry Awards ceremony is scheduled for August 11, 2025, in Birmingham.
· These awards recognise the best chefs, restaurateurs, and takeaway services in the UK curry industry.
Which key figures and restaurants are shortlisted for awards?
Ayaan Mohamud, a notable author and UX designer, has been shortlisted in literary circles for her work that highlights the stories of Somali women and their experiences of migration and identity. As reported by Ayaan Adan of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, her book Daughters of Arraweelo: Stories of Somali Women reflects a community effort with many interviews contributing to its compelling narrative. Ayaan's recognition extends internationally, spotlighting voices often overlooked in publishing.
In the culinary world, the Royal Balti House, Bolton's oldest Indian restaurant, which was established in 1969, has long been a regional favourite. It is currently a finalist for Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (North) in the English Curry Awards 2025, as covered by Oceanic Awards Blog. Furthermore, it recently won Best Team of the Year at the Nation's Curry Awards 2025 and was runner-up for the Bolton News Best Curry House Award in 2024.
Soho Spice and Mr Chaat in Bolton have also been nominated for prestigious awards recognising their quality Indian cuisine and contribution to the North West's culinary scene. The nominations highlight the diversity and excellence present in Bolton's curry restaurants.
What is the significance of the English Curry Awards 2025?
The 14th English Curry Awards 2025, organised by Oceanic Awards, are among the most prestigious culinary events recognising the talent within the UK's curry industry. These awards celebrate the skill and creativity of chefs, restaurants, and takeaway services throughout the country. The finalists represent some of the best in the industry, with an awards ceremony scheduled for August 11, 2025, at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
Royal Balti House is among the finalists for Curry Restaurant of the Year in the North West category, competing against other reputed establishments. The awards also cover categories such as Kitchen of the Year, Family Friendly Restaurant, Takeaway & Delivery of the Year, and Curry Champions of the Year, showcasing a broad recognition of the sector.
How has Royal Balti House performed historically in culinary awards?
Royal Balti House has received numerous accolades over the years, reflecting its consistent quality and strong customer service. Highlights include:
· Winner, Best Team of the Year at the Nation's Curry Awards 2025
· Finalist, Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (North) at the Nation's Curry Awards 2025
· Runners up, Bolton News Best Curry House Award 2024
· Winner, Organiser's Choice Award for Most Outstanding Restaurant in the UK, Nation's Curry Awards 2024
· Highly Commended for Best Takeaway of the Year in the North West region by Just Eat, Asian & Restaurant Awards 2023
· Multiple finalist and winner recognitions in the English Curry Awards from 2017 through 2024
· Recipient of Customer Excellence Award and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice recognitions multiple years
· Winner, Bolton News Best Restaurant of the Year and other local awards
· Recognised for best marketing campaigns and chef awards.
· This strong legacy underscores the restaurant's role as a culinary landmark in Bolton and the wider UK Indian dining scene.
What makes Soho Spice and Mr Chaat notable in these awards?
Soho Spice provides a tranquil dining experience with authentic Indian cuisine, making it a notable participant in regional culinary awards. It is praised for its quality and ambiance, adding variety to the competitive Indian restaurant scene.
Mr Chaat is highlighted for its authentic Indian street food, offering popular items such as fried rice and aloo parathas. Its nomination reflects the increasing recognition of street food style eateries in prestigious award shortlists, signalling a diversification in the types of Indian culinary businesses being celebrated.
What are other key details about the awards and events?
The Asian Restaurant Awards 2025 also nominated Royal Balti House, signifying multifaceted recognition across different award platforms. The English Curry Awards continue to expand their reach with parallel events in Manchester and London to further celebrate the rich UK curry culture.
Award ceremonies like the English Curry Awards not only honour excellence but provide a platform for restaurateurs and chefs to showcase their dedication to the rich culinary heritage of curry in the UK. These events attract national attention and carry significant prestige within the food service industry.