A restaurant has been shortlisted as a finalist in the "Oscars of the curry industry."
Eastern Spice, based on Woodbridge Road in Ipswich, has been named a contender in the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2026, one of the UK’s most prestigious celebrations of Asian hospitality.
The takeaway is in the running for Regional Takeaway of the Year in the East Anglia category.
Mohammed Munim, founder and CEO of ARTA, said: "Congratulations to every restaurant and takeaway named as a finalist of ARTA 2026.
"Being a finalist is a remarkable achievement and reflects the passion, resilience and dedication of the businesses shaping Asian hospitality across the UK.
"At a time when rising employment costs, inflation and increasing overheads continue to challenge independent hospitality, Asian restaurants and takeaways remain vital to communities and the wider UK hospitality industry."
READ MORE: Owner's pride that quality and service landed top takeaway award
Eastern Spice serves a variety of mild, medium and hot curries, including masala, balti and vindaloo, alongside classic sides such as rice, sag aloo and naan bread.
The ARTA 2026 Grand Finale will take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Monday, October 12.
More than 1,250 restaurants and takeaways across the UK were nominated by diners and food enthusiasts this year.
READ MORE: REVIEW: We tried the Ipswich takeaway nominated for a national award
The event will be hosted by BBC journalist Samantha Simmonds and comedian Paul Sinha.
It will bring together leading Asian restaurateurs, MPs, dignitaries and celebrities in a celebration of culinary excellence.
The awards will recognise top restaurants and takeaways at both regional and national levels.
Categories include Pan Asian Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Takeaway of the Year, Turkish Restaurant of the Year, Street Food Restaurant of the Year, and National Newcomer of the Year.
ARTA 2026 aims to honour the individuals and businesses shaping the future of Asian dining in the UK.
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