Ten restaurants across the North East have been shortlisted for this year’s Asian Curry Awards, which has been dubbed the ‘Curry Oscars’ for its prominence in the industry.

The Asian Curry Awards cover a complete range of Asian and Oriental cuisines, such as Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Now that restaurants have been shortlisted, the ten in the region listed have made it to the top 200 in the UK - but will battle it out to take home the crown of the best curry house.

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Within the list, Aruvi Restaurant and Bar in Spennymoor, Balti Hut in Middlesbrough and Vadah in Stockton make it into the top 200, while Spice Lounge in Durham and My Delhi in Sunderland and Newcastle are also there.

Those nominated will now face a public vote before the list is whittled down to 100 - who will then be assessed by a panel of judges from the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), who will determine category winners.

The recipients of the awards will be revealed at a gala dinner and presentation ceremony, hosted by BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds, at the Grosvenor House in London on November 19.

The Northern Echo: Ten North East curry houses are aiming to be the best in the UKTen North East curry houses are aiming to be the best in the UK (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“We’re seeing some remarkable innovation by pioneering restaurateurs, adapting to challenging trading conditions and more sophisticated customer preferences,” said ACF Chairman Yawar Khan.

“Afternoon chai, weekend brunch, more use of quality local produce – especially seafood and game, are now being widely served.”

The full list of North East restaurants recognised in the top 200 shortlist are:

  • Akbar’s Group (Middlesbrough and Newcastle)
  • Aruvi Restaurant and Bar (Spennymoor)
  • Balti Hut (Middlesbrough)
  • Dabbawal (Newcastle)
  • Delhi 6 (South Shields)
  • Hot Wok (Middlesbrough)
  • My Delhi Indian Streetery (Newcastle)
  • My Delhi (Sunderland)
  • Spice Lounge (Durham)
  • Vadah (Stockton-on-Tees)