ARTA 2025 National Chef Of The Year Cooking Competition Finalists Announced

The race to crown the UK's finest Asian chef has reached boiling point as the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2025 - the nation's most prestigious celebration of Pan Asian cuisine - today announced the finalists for the hotly contested National Chef of the Year award.

The thrilling cook-off took place at Cambridge Regional College on Monday 8th September, where shortlisted chefs from across the UK competed under intense pressure to impress a panel of culinary experts. Each contestant was tasked with creating a signature dish that blended traditional heritage with contemporary innovation, showcasing complex flavours, precision techniques, and bold creativity.

This annual competition goes beyond awards - it is part of ARTA's mission to elevate the Asian restaurant sector, which contributes over £5 billion annually to the UK economy and supports more than 100,000 jobs . By working closely with Cambridge Regional College, ARTA is helping 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 , said:
“We've seen remarkable dedication and talent, and it's exciting to help shape the future of this vibrant industry.”

Chef Chad Rahman, senior member of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and ARTA judging panel , added:
“An incredible display of culinary excellence and technical dexterity was exhibited by the competing chefs. Exceptional standards of complex flavour combinations, creativity, innovation and originality truly tantalised the taste buds. A true celebration of multiculturalism here in Britain via the medium of food. This only reaffirms how the Asian culinary landscape is evolving from strength to strength.”

Mohammad Mujibur Rahman, former Mayor of Corby and ARTA judging panel member , said:
“ARTA cooking competitions are about more than taste - they are about growth. Judging since the organisation's inception, I have seen how events like this inspire creativity, sharpen technical skill, and give chefs a vital platform to showcase their talent. They also provide career-boosting exposure and invaluable networking within the hospitality sector. I congratulate every participant and look forward to celebrating the finalists at the Grand Finale on 6th October 2025.”

The finalists will now go head-to-head for the coveted National Chef of the Year 2025 title at the ARTA Grand Finale and Gala Dinner on Monday 6th October at the London Hilton Park Lane , where they will be crowned before an audience of industry leaders, VIPs, MPs, and celebrity guests.

ARTA 2025 National Chef of the Year Finalists

• 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

Sponsors & Partners

ARTA 2025 is proud to be supported by ChefOnline , ARTA's 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).

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