Six of UK’s best curry houses are in Merseyside

The shortlist entries are no strangers to accolades, having won previously

The UK’s best curry house is being announced next week, with Merseyside in with a good chance of claiming the title. Oceanic Awards has revealed the finalists for the 4th Nation’s Curry Awards 2026, a prestigious event celebrating excellence across the UK’s curry industry.

The awards honour the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses whose dedication and talent continue to shape the nation’s vibrant curry scene.

Designed to showcase the UK’s rich and diverse curry culture, the awards also aim to inspire continued growth and innovation within the industry. This year’s finalists have been recognised for distinguishing themselves through exceptional quality, creativity, and consistency, delivering truly memorable dining experiences.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Monday, February 9. Speaking on behalf of the awards, spokesperson Irfan Younis said: “We are delighted to once again celebrate the very best of the UK’s curry industry, recognising the creativity, innovation, and exceptional service that define this much-loved cuisine.

“The UK’s curry industry plays a vital role in our cultural landscape, and these awards highlight the remarkable individuals and businesses behind its success. We congratulate all the finalists and wish them every success.”

The ECHO has narrowed the shortlist to Merseyside and its surrounding areas.

Takeaway of the Year – England

• Bhaji Fresh (Warrington)
• Punjabi Kitchen (Stoke-on-Trent)
• The Indian Kitchen (Liverpool)
• Dilshad Stakeford Tandoori (Choppington)
• Chutney Express (Birmingham)
• Amma Kitchen (Nottingham)
• Grand Tandoori Kitchen (Newcastle upon Tyne)

Outstanding Restaurant of the Year

• IndianHouse (Huddersfield)
• Mount Gurkha Bistro (Wolverhampton)
• Mehek (Leek)
• Planet Bollywood (Stoke-on-Trent)
• Bayleaf Lounge Bar & Restaurant (Bollington)
• Kerala Kitchen Restaurant (Wirral)
• Jilabi Indian Restaurant (Birmingham)
• The Indian, Indian Restaurant (Northwich)
• Lalbagh Indian Restaurant (Cambridge)

Afghani Restaurant of the Year

• Afghan Cuisine (Oxford)
• Kabul Dera (Aylesbury)
• Kabul Karahi & Grill (Manchester)
• Afghan Chopan Restaurant (Milton Keynes)
• Kabuli (Birmingham)
• Choupan Restaurant (Bradford)
• Kabul Restaurant (Manchester)
• Afghan Shinwari (Luton)
• Afghan Cuisine’n’Grill (Bolton)
• Watani (Liverpool)

Nepalese Restaurant of the Year

• The Great Kathmandu Restaurant (Manchester)
• Himalayan Monal (Preston)
• Jomsom Nepalese Restaurant (Liverpool)
• Great Himalayas Nepalese Restaurant & Bar (Southport)
• Gurkha Imperial Dining (Bromsgrove)
• Mount Gurkha Bistro (Wolverhampton)
• Everest Gurkha Nepalese Restaurant (York)
• Da Mount Gurkha (Liverpool)
• Kathmandu Gurkha (Chesterfield)

Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year

• Bengal Lounge Wetherby (Wetherby)
• Little Bangla Bangladeshi (Oldbury)
• Bangla Pride (Telford)
• Monpura (Warrington)
• Mishtidesh (Birmingham)
• Jaflong Bangladeshi (Ripon)
• Cafe Bangla (Rushden)
• Bangla Restaurant (Batley)
• The Sylhet Spice Cuisine (Birmingham)
• Bangla Lounge (Birstall)

Street Food Restaurant of the Year

• Rikshaw Indian Street Food (Derby)
• Indian Street Food Corner (Coventry)
• Ajab Gajab Indian Street Food Restaurant & Bar (Liverpool)
• Bardez (Manchester)
• Desi Street Food (Leicester)
• Singhs Indian Street Food (Leeds)
• Ahaar Indian Street Food (Manchester)
• Mr Chaat – Indian Street Food (Bolton)
• Delhi Wala Food (Leeds)

Best Family Friendly Restaurant of the Year

• Westbourne Spice (Otley)
• Golden Keg (Stroke on tent)
• Rajpoot (Huntingdon )
• Royal Bengal (Cambridge)
• Spice Lounge (Mytchett,Camberley)
• Bombay 8 Indian Restaurant (Warrington)
• Namaste Indian Restaurant (South Shields)
• Zeera Indian Cuisine (South Shields)