The south east London winners at the Asian Curry Awards 2023

The Asian Curry Awards celebrate Britain’s best Asian restaurants, featuring contestants representing Asia's rich and diverse cuisine, including Indian, Thai, Chinese, Malaysian and Sri Lankan restaurants.

Restaurants are nominated for a range of awards in different categories, from fine dining and newcomer of the year awards, to types of cuisine such as vegan and Asian fusion.

Known as the “Curry Oscars”, restaurants are nominated by the general public and then assessed by judges from the Asian Curry Federation (ACF), before the winners are announced at an awards ceremony.

This year the Asian Curry Awards announced a shortlist of over 200 venues from across the UK, which the public voted on, before the list was narrowed down to the top 100 restaurants for the judging phase.

The awards ceremony took place on November 19 in central London, where the winners were announced.

Here are this year's south east London winners: 

Babur, Forest Hill

Babur In Forest Hill won Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year.

Babur was also named as Best Restaurant at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023, at an awards ceremony on November 7.

This family-run restaurant has been in business for 38 years, offering diners a gourmet Indian dining experience, along with a menu of crafted cocktails.

Babur (Image: Paul Sip)

The Bombay Restaurant, Orpington

The Bombay Restaurant in Orpington won the award for Best Restaurant for London Suburbs, marking the restaurant’s third award won this year.

The Bombay first opened in 1984 offering diners authentic Indian food, and features three unique dining spaces to accommodate parties, events and family-friendly dining.

The Bombay, Orpington (Image: Paul Sip)

iNaga, West Wickham

Chef Nanu Miah at iNaga in West Wickham, in the borough of Bromley, won Best Chef, marking the sixth time the business has won this award annually.

The restaurant offers guests authentic Bangladeshi food and also has a well-stocked bar serving a range of Indian beers and alcoholic beverages.

Chef Nanu Miah from iNaga (Image: Paul Sip)

Panas Gurkha, Chislehurst

Panas Gurkha in Chislehurst won the Newcomer of the Year award this year.

The restaurant serves authentic Nepalese cuisine made by Michelin Star-trained head chef Ram Paudal.

Panas Gurkha (Image: Asian Curry Awards)

Indian Essence, Petts Wood 

Indian Essence in Petts Wood, Orpington, received a Highly Commended award for London, with the Colonel Saab in Holborn winning the main award.

The restaurant offers traditional Indian cuisine featuring “inventive” touches provided by chef Atul Kochhar, with menus ranging from a la carte to tasting selections.

Indian Essence (Image: Paul Sip)