By Martin Banks

Eating establishments that aim to raise the standard of British-Asian cuisine will soon be honoured in one of the UK’s premier award events.

The awards aim to celebrate special stories as well as honour the dedication and commitment of those who have spread their love for Asian flavours through their passion to take the culture mainstream.

The Asian Food & Restaurant Awards (AFRA) also has something of its own to celebrate in 2025: its tenth anniversary.

The annual competition, seen as the biggest event in the Asian culinary calendar, gives spice loving public and professionals across the UK the chance to nominate their favourite restaurants, takeaways, food brands, and hospitality businesses.

“We welcome nominations from every city, town, and borough,” said the AFRA team. “Our mission is to recognise all deserving brands and businesses that continue to raise the standard of British-Asian cuisine

Despite troubles facing some parts of the sector, the food and drink industry continues to be one of the most robust and fastest growing sectors in the UK and the winners, to be announced at a gala dinner, are dedicated to recognising excellence across the Asian food and hospitality sector.

AFRA CEO Attul Haq told this site that the awards are also an opportunity to acknowledge the “significant” role played by the British-Asian food and hospitality and industry.

Haq told this site the part of the hospitality sector “plays a significant role in the UK economy and contributes greatly to the country’s cultural and economic growth.”

He added, “These awards are about celebrating that contribution and highlighting the people and brands that are driving Britain’s food industry forward.”

 The Chair of the Judging Committee for 2025 is George Shaw, editor of The Good Curry Guide and an influential figure in hospitality.

“At a time of rising social tensions stoked by populist right wing movements for their own hidden agenda, there has never been a more important time to celebrate the contribution Asian food and restaurants make to British life,” said Shaw.

He adds, “Asians in the hospitality sector are a beacon of light showing the enrichment afforded by multiculturalism and the social cohesion enjoyed by most people in our towns and cities around the country.”

The awards cover the complete range of Asian and Oriental cuisines: Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.

This year’s prestigious event, hosted by Bollywood star and radio presenter Anushka Arora, will take place on 2 December at the iconic Dilly Hotel in London.

AFRA has, over the years, become a key platform for recognising innovation, quality, and success in one of Britain’s most dynamic industries, shining a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that help shape the nation’s culinary landscape.

The awards are staged by Samara Events and supported by Taste Asia, Madhu’s, Cobra Beer, Sunrise Radio, Punjab TV, Brit Punjabi, Do Care and PayTap.

• Nominations should be sent to: [email protected]  or visit  www.samarap.org