Nine finalists for the National Chef of the Year award were announced by the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The competition, which is the most prestigious celebration of Pan Asian cuisine in the UK, took place in partnership with Cambridge Regional College on Monday, September 8.
The shortlisted chefs, representing restaurants from across the country, competed in a thrilling cook-off, showcasing their skills and creativity to a panel of culinary experts. Each contestant was tasked with creating a signature dish that combined traditional heritage with contemporary innovation, displaying complex flavours, precise techniques, and bold creativity.
The annual ARTA competition goes beyond awards, aiming to elevate the Asian restaurant sector in the UK. This sector contributes over £5 billion to the economy annually and supports over 100,000 jobs. By partnering with Cambridge Regional College, ARTA is also working to upskill chefs in the Indian and Bangladeshi communities, nurturing the next generation of culinary leaders.
Graham Taylor, Management Curriculum & Lead Commercial Operations at Cambridge Regional College, praised the dedication and talent of the competing chefs, stating that it was exciting to be a part of shaping the future of the industry.
Chef Chad Rahman, a senior member of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and ARTA judging panel, commended the chefs for their display of “culinary excellence and technical dexterity.” He also noted the exceptional standards of flavour combinations, creativity, innovation, and originality on display, stating that it was a true celebration of multiculturalism through food.
Mohammad Mujibur Rahman, former Mayor of Corby and ARTA judging panel member, emphasized the growth aspect of the ARTA cooking competitions. Having been a judge since the organization’s inception, he has seen how these events inspire creativity, sharpen technical skills, and provide a vital platform for chefs to showcase their talent. He also highlighted the career-boosting exposure and networking opportunities that come with participating in such events.
The nine finalists will now compete for the highly coveted title of National Chef of the Year 2025 at the ARTA Grand Finale and Gala Dinner on Monday, October 6, at the London Hilton Park Lane. The winner will be crowned before an audience of industry leaders, VIPs, MPs, and celebrity guests.
The nine finalists for the National Chef of the Year 2025 are:
– Jalpari of Woodley, Woodley
– Spice Village, Longfield
– Alessi Indian Restaurant & Bar, Stoke-on-Trent
– Raj Kitchen, Swansea
– Jolsha, Stockton-on-Tees
– Junoon, Helsby
– Mowglis, Milton Keynes
– Cinnamon, Epping
– Pipasha Restaurant, Cambridge
– Rishi’s in Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar, Wallington
ARTA 2025 is proud to have the support of various sponsors and partners, including ChefOnline (strategic partner with over a million clients), Super Pollo, Work Permit Cloud, and Cobra Beer (Associate Sponsors), Madhu’s (Catering Partner), and Cambridge Regional College, Squire Mile Insurance, and Lexpert Solicitors (Support Partners).
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.