Moray Indian restaurant crowned best in north-east at 10th Asian Restaurant Awards

A Moray Indian restaurant has beaten off stiff competition from across the country to win a top national award.

The Bengal Spice in Keith was unveiled as the winner of the Indian Restaurant of the Year (North-east Scotland) title at the 10th Asian Restaurant Awards.

The triumphant Bengal Spice team proudly show off their award.

Held in Glasgow on Monday, September 21, the awards seek to recognise the outstanding culinary excellence, and sumptuous creativity from 24 Asian restaurants and takeaways across Scotland.

Hosted by the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow the trophies were presented by BBC News presenter Samantha Simmonds and the 2025 runner up in the BBC’s hit series, The Apprentice, Anisa Khan. Guest speakers included Dr Zubir Ahmed, Labour MP Glasgow South West.

Over 250 Asian restaurants and takeaways across Scotland were shortlisted earlier this year through a series of public votes, and then narrowed down to just 24 winners, of which the majority (13 winners) were from Glasgow.

On announcing the winners, Asian Catering Federation Chairman Yawar Khan said: “The Asian Restaurant Awards in Glasgow are a key event for our industry.

“Not only do they recognise the excellence of Asian and Oriental restaurants in Scotland, but they also celebrate the significant contribution our industry makes to the economy, thanks to the hard work of all the businesses involved.

“The standard of Asian cuisine across Scotland increases year on year, with 2026 recognising the growing trend towards Japanese cuisine with a total of four awards, and the ever increasing demand for global dining.

“2026 marks our 10th year and despite the ongoing challenges in our industry I am delighted to see so many restaurants continue to thrive.”

The awards are organised by the Asian Catering Federation which represents the nation’s 30,000 Asian and Oriental restaurants in the UK and employs over 100,000 people, contributing more than £7.5 billion to the UK economy.

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