A BURNHAM-ON-SEA takeaway has topped the shortlist for the South West region’s Asian Restaurant and Takeaway of the Year Awards (ARTA) 2023, drawn up by a select panel in London on Monday, August 21. 

Saagar Takeaway, on Abingdon Street, beat takeaways from Bournemouth, Cheltenham and Poole, writes Mary Stoppard.

This means it has become a finalist for the Asian Eatery of the Year awards. 

The finalists are:

1. Saagar - Burnham-on-Sea

2. Noor Takeaway - Bournemouth

3. Rogan Josh (Cheltenham) - Cheltenham

4. Foysals - Poole

5. Maharaja Tandoori - Bradford-on-Avon

6. Bombay Nights - Dorchester

7. The Spice Heaven - Chippenham

8. Indi-go - Bournemouth

9. Saffron Spice - Ferndown

10. Newent Tandoori – Newent

The finalists were selected from over 750,000 ChefOnline customer nominations based on Quality of Food, Service, and Value for Money.

ARTA rewards the UK’s best Asian restaurants, takeaways, and chefs based on their culinary craft, creativity, and ability to produce great flavours.

The winners will be announced at an illustrious red-carpet event at London Hilton Park Lane on October 8, 2023.

Hosted by BBC Broadcaster, Samantha Simmonds, the awards will recognise outstanding individuals and businesses in 12 categories across the sector, selected from over 1,190 enterprises.

Mohammed Munim, Founder Member and CEO of ARTA, recognises that Asian Cuisine is a thriving trade and that for many years, has “made a significant contribution to the UK Economy” by creating thousands of jobs.

He emphasises that the sector deserves recognition.

The awards are particularly welcome in the light of challenges faced by the industry including the rising cost of energy and raw materials and the scarcity of skilled staff.

You can find further information about ARTA awards at: https://www.artauk.com/

And Saagar Take Away, Burnham on Sea at https://saagartakeaway.co.uk/order-now

Written by Mary Stoppard.