An Indian restaurant has picked up a chef of the year award at an event known as “the Oscars of curry”.

The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) winners for 2024 were announced at ceremony hosted by magician Richard Jones and TV host Samantha Simmonds at Royal Lancaster London yesterday evening (October 6).

Abbots Tandoori, in High Street, Abbots Langley, is celebrating today because its head chef, Abdul Kalam, was named chef of the year for the Hertfordshire region.

Kalam (left) and Emon (right) collect the ARTA award.Kalam (left) and Emon (right) collect the ARTA award. (Image: Abbots Tandoori) Owner Emon Chowdhury had said he was hopeful a win would take the business, established in the village in 1988, “to the next level”.

Speaking after the result was announced, he said: “It was amazing to find out we had won. It was a fantastic feeling.

"We were overwhelmed with this award.”

(Image: Abbots Tandoori) Mr Chowdhury praised all the staff - particularly the head chef (who has worked at Abbots Tandoori for more than 26 years) - and thanked customers for their support.

Abbots Tandoori is currently rated as the number one restaurant in Abbots Langley and the number one Indian restaurant in Hertfordshire on Tripadvisor.

ARTA takes customer reviews into account during its process, which also includes a cook-off stage, meaning customer support contributed directly to the result.

“We hope to get more awards similar to ARTA and be even more successful in the future,” the restaurant owner added.

(Image: Abbots Tandoori) “Anyone who hasn’t been to Abbots Tandoori should come and try us.”

ARTA founder Mohammed Munim said: “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of ARTA 2024 – the Pan-Asian restaurants, takeaways, and chefs who continue to stand as pillars of excellence in the UK's hospitality industry.

Abu Kalam.Abdul Kalam. (Image: Abbots Tandoori) “As the original and premier awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating the best of the UK's Asian restaurant and takeaway sector, we honour your unwavering commitment and passion, which continue to bring unparalleled flavours and experiences to diners across the nation, even in the face of adversity.”

Fellow winners in the county include Ginger Bar & Restaurant, in Stevenage, which won Hertfordshire Restaurant of the Year, and Saffron Indian Takeaway, in Borehamwood, which won Hertfordshire Takeaway of the Year.

Abbots Tandoori.Abbots Tandoori. (Image: Abbots Tandoori)