Babul's Darlington, on Skinnergate, took home the title of Restaurant of the Year for the North East at the awards ceremony held at the House of Lords on Monday, October 20.
The sixth annual event celebrates excellence in the UK's curry industry and honours the contributions of Asian catering businesses across the country.
'Restaurant of the Year, Whitley Bay' Award being presented by The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg and The Lord Mayor's Consort, Councillor Maggie Carman to the Shampan Restaurant representatives (Image: National Curry Awards 2025)
Abdul Ahad Chowdhury, event director for the National Curry Awards, said: "This is the sixth National Curry Awards and all have been hosted here [The House of Lords].
"It's a prestigious event and every restaurant deserves to be recognised properly."
The awards also recognised other top establishments from the region, including Vadah and Noir D'or Restaurant in Stockton-on-Tees, The Shampan Restaurant in Whitley Bay, and The Green Chillies Takeaway in Morpeth.
'Entrepreneur of the Year' Award 2025 for Stockton being presented by The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg and The Lord Mayor's Consort, Councillor Maggie Carman to Ahmed Siddique of Vadah and Noir D'or Re (Image: National Curry Awards 2025)
Mr Chowdhury said the restaurant sector has a promising future and hoped the awards would inspire younger generations.
He said: "I believe the restaurant sector has a good future, as it allows people to be their own boss, and holding the awards here will help to inspire younger generations."
Ahmed Siddique of Vadah and Noir D'or Restaurant, based at 24 Castlegate Mill in Stockton, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2025 for Stockton.
'Takeaway of the Year, Morpeth' Award being presented by The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg and The Lord Mayor's Consort, Councillor Maggie Carman to the Green Chillies Takeaway representatives (Image: National Curry Awards 2025)
The Shampan Restaurant on Whitley Road in Whitley Bay was named Restaurant of the Year for Whitley Bay, while The Green Chillies Takeaway in Ellington, Morpeth, was awarded Takeaway of the Year for Morpeth.
The ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg; MPs Andy MacNae, Warinder Jess, and Anna Gelderd; and The Lord Mayor's Consort, Councillor Maggie Carman.
Councillor Dimoldenberg praised the winners and the wider industry for their positive impact on communities across the UK.
He said: "I want to congratulate everyone, all of today's winners.
"The hospitality you provide in every city, every town and every village is superb.
"Curry gives so much enjoyment to so many people all over the country.
"Well done to everybody for carrying on wonderful traditions and provisioning us with so much enjoyment every week of the year."
The Asian catering industry in the UK is valued at around £5 billion and employs between 80,000 and 100,000 people.
Despite its significant size, the sector has faced ongoing challenges, including a shortage of skilled workers and limited investment in training.
The National Curry Awards were established in 2019 to promote and support the Asian catering industry, recognising the hard work of staff both in the kitchen and front of house.
Other winners from across the UK included The Bombay in Kent, The Lane in London, and Vevas Indian Restaurant in the North West.
Mr Chowdhury offered special thanks to the sponsors of this year's event: Eurofoods Group, PayTap, and Pasco Foods.
Members of the public are encouraged to nominate their favourite restaurants, takeaways, and chefs for the 2026 awards by emailing [email protected].
For more information about the awards, visit nationalcurryawards.co.uk or follow the National Curry Awards on Facebook.