A restaurant and a takeaway have been shortlisted for a top award.

Indian Sizzler in Longspring, Watford, and Village Tandoori in High Street, Abbots Langley, have been nominated for the Regional Restaurant of the Year Award at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2023.

Mohamed Rahman, who owns the Indian Sizzler, said he is “very excited” by the nomination.

Watford Observer: Indian Sizzler in Longspring, Watford.Indian Sizzler in Longspring, Watford. (Image: Google Street View)

He added: “My staff are very good; they offer kind service. Our customers are nice, local people and we want to thank them.”

The takeaway, Village Tandoori’s owner Watir Ali said he was “happy” when he was informed of being shortlisted.

He added: “We have been here since 1994 and have never been to any awards like this. This is the first time we have entered.

Watford Observer: Village Tandoori in High Street, Abbots Langley.Village Tandoori in High Street, Abbots Langley. (Image: Google Street View)

“I want to thank everyone on the team for their hard work and the chefs here who keep the food consistent.”

ARTA uses a two-phase process to select finalists. The public nominates their preferred restaurants or takeaways based on the quality of food, quality of service, and value for money.

The organisation the evaluates nominees using Trip Advisor, Google Reviews, and Food Hygiene Ratings.

Mr Ali said: “I want to thank all the customers who voted for us”.

A panel of judges chooses the winners who will be announced at a glittering red-carpet event at the London Hilton Park Lane on October 8, 2023.

Hosted by the BBC’s Samantha Simmonds, journalist and broadcaster, and Paul Martin, magician and member of the world-famous Magic Circle, the coveted awards are in recognition of the UK’s best South Asian cuisine across a series of prestigious regional and national categories.

ARTA’s founding member and CEO Mohammed Munim said: “Asian restaurants have made a significant contribution to the UK economy, both historically and in recent times.

“They deserve recognition and rewards for their efforts.”

The full list of restaurants and takeaways in this category are:

  • Chilli Bar & Kitchen, St Albans
  • Cumin Bar & Restaurant, Cheshunt
  • Indian Sizzler, North Watford, Watford
  • Mint Leaf, Bishop's Stortford
  • Paprika Indian Restaurant, Hitchin
  • Raj Of India, Welwyn Garden City 
  • Ruby Indian Restaurant, Hertford
  • Shahanshah Tandoori, Cheshunt
  • Village Tandoori, Abbots Langley
  • Zaffran One, St Albans