Aarti: National Curry Restaurant of the Year award 'such an honour', says owner of Leeds city centre spot
The co-owner of a family-run Leeds restaurant has shared his delight after it was named the national Curry Restaurant of the Year.
Aarti on Swinegate received the award at the Nation’s Curry Awards in Huddersfield last Monday shortly after being named the best spot in the North.
Husband and wife Shyamal Kumar and Prachi Choudhary moved Aarti to the city centre in 2023 after nine successful years in business in Roundhay.
He said that receiving the award was “such an honour” and that he was “so grateful” for the support of customers over the years.
Mr Kumar attended the ceremony with his son Aarush and friends while his wife was with family back home in India.
Asked what it was like to hear the restaurant named the best in the country, he said: “We were completely shocked. We didn’t realise that we would win. We were very, very happy.”
The spot is known for its concise yet varied menu, with the dishes all made with the freshest ingredients, and their stellar service.
Mr Kumar said: “We are glad that our food is completely different to other restaurants. We try to do everything fresh and proper authentic.”
Mr Kumar’s journey with Aarti started when he worked as the head chef at the original Aarti restaurant in 2005, which the owners decided to close in 2013.
He said: “Everyone knew it as my place so as soon as we closed I had so many contacts from locals and then two months later we had reopened on Street Lane.”
Shyamal said that after he and his wife moved the business to Swinegate their loyal following had continued travelling from Roundhay to enjoy their curries alongside the new clientele.
He said: “Everybody loves our curries and service and now those same people are still coming to the city centre. Not every week like they used to but still a lot.”
He said that working in the city centre has been “completely different” in terms of the clientele and issues faced around matters such as parking and higher rent and business rates.
But, he said: “The people are very nice and they love our curry. We very much enjoy it.”
He said customer loyalty has long been a feature of the business, adding: “Even during Covid time they were doing Uber orders and reaching out to let us know what they wanted.”
Five other Leeds restaurants also scooped awards last week, with Delhi Wala, in Bishopgate Street, named Street Food Restaurant of the Year and Westbourne Spice in Otley crowned Best Family Friendly Restaurant of the Year.
Bengal Brasserie in Wetherby took the Best of Yorkshire award, while De Baga, which has restaurants in Headingley and Chapel Allerton, was recognised for excellence in the same category.
Tharavadu was recognised for excellence in the South Indian Restaurant of the Year category.
Mr Kumar congratulated them and praised the support the city’s Indian restaurants show each other, saying: “We never think of it as competition. We think everybody’s food is different and that’s why it’s good to keep things nice and smooth.”