Family-run Indian restaurant in Leeds named the best in the UK - in big night for the city
A family-run Indian restaurant in Leeds has scooped a top award - in a big night for the city.
The winners of the Nation’s Curry Awards 2026 were named this week at a ceremony in Huddersfield. Run by Oceanic Awards, the annual awards celebrate the UK’s rich and diverse curry culture.
And Leeds restaurant Aarti was crowned the national Curry Restaurant of the Year (Overall Winner).
The husband-and-wife duo behind the business, Prachi Choudhary and Shyamal Kumar, moved their long-standing restaurant from Roundhay to the city centre in 2024.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post at the time, the pair said they were overjoyed that their customers, who they call “family”, followed them to their new location.
Their Swinegate restaurant is one of the top-rated Indian restaurants in the city on Google reviews, with an impressive 4.8/5 rating. One reviewer recently praised the “immaculate food”, while another spoke of “incredible staff.”
Five other Leeds restaurants also scooped awards. Delhi Wala, in Bishopgate Street, was named Street Food Restaurant of the Year, while Westbourne Spice in Otley was 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.
Yasmin Mahmood, CEO of Oceanic Awards, said: “We’re proud to once again celebrate 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’d like to congratulate all of our winners on their incredible accomplishments.”