By Zoe Chamberlain

Copyright birminghammail

A Birmingham takeaway has been named the best in the West Midlands in the annual Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2025. The coveted title was awarded to Spice Nation in Hollywood on the edge of Worcestershire , which opened in April 2023. Judges considered customer nominations, aggregated review scores and food hygiene ratings to decide upon the winners of these awards. Spice Nation gets an overall 4.8 star rating on Google from more than 200 reviews. One happy customer said: “There’s no need to look for another curry house again! Banging curry every time! Guys in the kitchen smile – great service on FOH!” Read more: New restaurant to open in Kings Heath a year after beloved pizza joint closes Read next: Sutton Coldfield chip shop ‘with a twist’ shortlisted for national award Another added: ” Food is amazing and always consistent, service great every time. Top marks to the chef. I have ordered from a great deal of places and cannot recommend this place enough.” A third posted: “Best curry house in miles , staff are always extremely helpful, and food is top quality, Ash was very kind and made sure we were looked after and even offered us snacks while we waited! Don’t go anywhere else ! This is the one.” A fourth agreed: “Food was absolutely delicious. Would highly recommend, prices were very reasonable. Very clean and bright. Will definitely be coming here again.” Alongside classic Baltis, Jalfrazis, Tandooris and mixed grills, signature dishes include the Bollywood Burner – a hot and spicy dish made with baby peppers, chillies and homemade masala with a choice of meats or prawns. There’s also Murgh Tikka Bhunna Korai which features marinated tandoor cooked chicken with ground cumin, peppers and fresh herbs. The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards is said to be the UK’s premier celebration of Pan-Asian cuisine, recognising outstanding restaurants nationwide. ARTA 2025 brought together the country’s most esteemed curry restaurateurs, alongside MPs, dignitaries, and celebrities, to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements of the Asian culinary industry on October 6 at London Hilton, Park Lane. Additional guests included TV personalities, Elma Pazar, Ella Wise, Harriet Mae Blackmore, Chantelle Houghton, Paige Chohan and TV sports presenters, Seema Jaiswal. The ceremony was hosted by TV news anchor Samantha Simmonds and magician Paul Martin. ARTA Founder Mohammed Munim said at the awards this year, “Heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists of ARTA 2025 – the outstanding Pan Asian restaurants, takeaways, and chefs who continue to set the benchmark for excellence in the UK’s hospitality scene. “As the leading awards celebrating the best of the UK’s Asian restaurant and takeaway sector, we recognise your dedication and passion, which bring extraordinary flavours and experiences to diners nationwide, even amidst challenges. “This industry represents more than just food; it is a celebration of the richness of multicultural Britain. ARTA 2025 honours you – the trailblazers, the innovators, and the champions – for your lasting contribution to our vibrant culinary landscape. “Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the sector – from rising costs and labour shortages to recent changes in immigration rules affecting skilled chef recruitment – we continue to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and excellence of the Pan Asian restaurant and takeaway community. “Your commitment ensures that the flavours, traditions, and innovation that define this industry continue to thrive across the UK.”