Key Points
- Winner of the Restaurant of the Year – North East category from the Northern Curry Awards 2026 was Babaji – an Indian restaurant which is situated on Mary Street, Sunderland.
- The winner in Newcastle city category was Chakh Doom which is located in Jesmond.
- Kushi from Shotley Bridge won the Outstanding Achievement category while Royal India from Richmond won Recognised for Excellence.
- Yasmin Mahmood on behalf of event organisers, Oceanic, commended the curry industry for its commitment, community engagement and raising culinary standards in Northern England.
- Recent customers as well as TripAdvisor reviewers highlighted Babaji for its “exceptional service”, “incredible food”, “amazing atmosphere” and overall rating of 10/10.
- The award is made after the recent city wide public poll where My Delhi, a restaurant from Newcastle city centre, was voted to be the best in the region.
Sunderland (Newcastle Times) September 17, 2026 — In an area widely celebrated for its rich culinary heritage and diverse array of Indian dining establishments, Sunderland restaurant Babaji has officially been crowned the best place in the North East to go for a curry in 2026. The prestigious title was awarded during the Northern Curry Awards, where industry figures gathered to celebrate the finest dining establishments across the region. Situated on Mary Street, the establishment earned the top accolade of Restaurant of the Year – North East following widespread praise from diners and inspectors alike for its food quality and customer care.
Which Restaurants Won Top Honours at the Northern Curry Awards 2026?
As reported by Simon Duke, What’s On Editor for Chronicle Live, the Northern Curry Awards singled out several exceptional dining establishments across various towns, cities, and categories to celebrate local culinary talent.
Beyond the overarching regional trophy claimed by Babaji in Sunderland, individual city and special distinction awards were distributed to highlight excellence across the board:
- Restaurant of the Year – North East: Babaji (Sunderland)
- Best in Newcastle: Chakh Doom (Jesmond)
- Outstanding Achievement: Kushi (Shotley Bridge)
- Recognised for Excellence: Royal India (Richmond)
The recent results reflect a continued shift in the North East’s competitive curry landscape. As highlighted in the report by Simon Duke of Chronicle Live, readers had previously voted in their hundreds during a public poll last year, which saw Newcastle city centre haunt My Delhi claim the top spot for regional favourite.
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Why Did Babaji Take Home the Restaurant of the Year Title?
The award for Babaji follows a consistent streak of high praise from local patrons and online reviewers. The Mary Street restaurant has established a reputation for top-tier Indian cuisine and high standards of hospitality.
As documented by Simon Duke of Chronicle Live, online review platforms such as TripAdvisor have seen a steady stream of glowing feedback from diners visiting the venue.
In one recent feedback snippet quoted by Simon Duke of Chronicle Live, a reviewer detailed their “outstanding experience” at the establishment, stating:
“Outstanding experience at Babaji Indian the service was exceptional and the food was incredible. Everything was full of flavour, and cooked to perfection..”
Another delighted customer who dined at the Mary Street location was quoted by Simon Duke of Chronicle Live as saying:
“We’re already looking forward to coming back. 10/10 — amazing food, amazing atmosphere and outstanding service. Highly recommend!”
What Did the Northern Curry Awards Organisers Say About the Winners?
The Northern Curry Awards are designed to spotlight the cultural and economic importance of the region’s Asian dining industry. Organised by events firm Oceanic, the awards evaluate restaurants across Northern England on criteria including customer service, culinary innovation, and community integration.
As reported by Simon Duke of Chronicle Live, Yasmin Mahmood, speaking on behalf of event organisers Oceanic, emphasised the vital role that local curry houses play within the broader regional community and hospitality sector:
“The Northern England Curry Awards are dedicated to recognising the incredible talent, hard work and passion that exists throughout the region’s curry industry. These businesses are at the heart of their communities and play a significant role in the hospitality sector.”
Addressing the business owners, chefs, and service staff who earned recognition during the event, Yasmin Mahmood of Oceanic added:
“We congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists on their achievements. Their commitment to quality, innovation and customer service continues to raise standards across the industry, and they should be extremely proud of this recognition.”
How Does the Curry Sector Impact the North East Hospitality Industry?
The curry industry remains a cornerstone of the North East’s night-time economy and broader food culture. From traditional high-street establishments to modern fusion dining rooms in urban centres, curry houses contribute significantly to employment, supply chain spending, and local tourism.
Events such as the Northern Curry Awards aim to boost public awareness and drive footfall to high-street restaurants across Newcastle, Wearside, County Durham, and North Yorkshire. By recognizing both long-standing establishments and emerging dining spots, the awards highlight the resilience and adaptability of independent restaurateurs in the face of ongoing economic challenges in the hospitality trade.
With Babaji securing the supreme award for 2026, Sunderland continues to cement its place alongside Newcastle and Durham as a primary destination for authentic Indian dining in the North East.
