The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) celebrate the best of South Asian cuisine across the UK, recognising restaurants and takeaways for excellence in food quality, service, and contribution to their local communities.
Judges look for authenticity of dishes, consistency, innovation, customer experience, and overall impact on the local dining scene.
Rishi’s in Slate and Grain on 6 Spinning Wheel Way in Hackbridge has been named as a finalist in the Regional Restaurant of the Year Surrey category.
Rishi’s has often struggled due to its easy-to-miss location, tucked away on the first floor of Button House in Hackbridge.
Owner and Executive Head Chef Harish Suresh, also known as Rishi, told Your Local Guardian: “We face a struggle on an everyday basis because we are totally hidden inside Button House.
“Our restaurant isn’t even visible.
“If we were on the High Street, I would say my business would be top end, because there’s a big difference to my restaurant compared to others.
“But it’s so hidden and on the first floor of Button House, so not too many people notice or are aware that there is a restaurant here.
“So, that’s quite difficult for us, but we still have residents coming in every day and they are our main customers as they eat their lunch and dinner here all the time.”
The Indian restaurant won Gold at the UK Curry Championships in the National Curry Chef of the Year category in June for their Calicut Meen Kuzhambu and Chettinad lamb chops.
Rishi previously explained: “It’s a regional dish, and it’s done with coconut curry leaf, black pepper, fennel, and garam masala.
“We marinated it with a paste, and we cooked it until it was tender – not too loose or overcooked.
“So, when you slice it, you can feel the moistness and tenderness in the lamb chop.
“As for the Calicut, it’s been done with the sea bass fillet.
“It’s marinated in a blend of chilli powder, curry leaves, and lemon juice.
“We make a special spice mix by grinding the curry leaves and chilli powder together.
“After marinating, the fish is pan-fried.
“The sauce is a rich base made with coconut cream, chilli powder, and tamarind, which gives it a really nice depth of flavour.”
Rishi’s is open from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
Mohammed Munim, Founder Member and CEO of ARTA, said: “Asian restaurants and takeaways have long played a vital role in the UK’s economy and culture.
“Their contribution through job creation, community impact, and culinary excellence, deserves to be recognised.
“Especially in today’s challenging climate, ARTA is proud to champion their achievements and support their continued success.
“Every nominee is a testament to the industry’s resilience, and we look forward to celebrating them on October 6.”
