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A number of takeaways and restaurants across Greater Manchester have been nominated for a top award celebrating the very best in the country’s curry industry. Earlier today, the finalists for the fourth Nation’s Curry Awards, which are held each year by Oceanic Awards, were unveiled across a number of categories, including a dedicated Best of Manchester prize. The winners will be announced at a grand ceremony taking place in January. Leading the pack for the city-region in the Curry Restaurant of the Year – North category are Royal Balti House, which is Bolton's oldest Indian restaurant and dates back to 1969, and Indian Affair, which has two sites in Ancoats and Chorlton . Royal Balti House, on Market Street in Farnworth, has also been nominated for the Indian Restaurant of the Year – North prize. It's said to be a popular dining spot with famous faces including Paddy McGuinness, Dave Spikey and Shameless actor Ciaran Griffiths. Stay connected with our City Life newsletter here In the Outstanding Curry of the Year category, it is IndianHouse, on Hereford Street near Sale ’s Stanley Square, which represents Greater Manchester. The venue is known for its top Indian grills, pot biryanis, and curries. Shamoli, in Knutsford, is also included in the shortlist. The Best of Manchester category is made up of ten venues, including The Original Third Eye, in Didsbury , city centre spot Arnero Indian Restaurant, Bardez, in Rusholme, and Hungamaa in Chorlton. The city centre’s Delhi House Cafe, vegan spot Sanskruti Restaurant, and West Didsbury’s The Great Kathmandu also make up the list, alongside Little Hulton’s Spice n Spirits, Northern Quarter ’s Mala, and Ziya Asian Grill in Rusholme. The shortlist for Curry Kitchen of the Year included the Gharrana Indian kitchen in Altrincham , as well as Curry Cottage and Ouvra Indian Kitchen, both in Sale. Manchester’s Kerala Curry House was also nominated. Bolton ’s Ayaan’s was nominated for Pakistani Restaurant of the Year, whilst Kabul Karahi & Grill, in Levenshulme, and Bolton’s Afghan Cuisine’n’Grill were both recognised with a mention in the Afghani Restaurant of the Year shortlist. Alongside its Best of Manchester recognition, The Great Kathmandu, in West Didsbury, was also praised in the Nepalese Restaurant of the Year category. Punjabi Dera, in Longsight, was shortlisted for Punjabi Restaurant of the Year. Sanskruti Restaurant, on Mauldeth Road, earned its second nomination this year in the Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year category. Audenshaw venue The Pearl Restaurant Bar & Lounge was nominated for Bar Curry Restaurant of the Year. Street Food Restaurant of the Year included a mention for Rusholme and Didsbury spot Bardez, as well as Prestwich ’s Ahaar Indian Street Food and Bolton’s Mr Chaat - Indian Street Food. Irfan Younis, spokesperson for the 2026 awards, said: “We look forward to once again celebrating the finest in the UK’s curry scene, recognising the creativity, innovation, and exceptional service that have become synonymous with this beloved cuisine. “The UK’s curry industry is a vital part of our culture, and these awards recognised the exceptional talents of the individuals and businesses that make it so special. We’d like to congratulate all of our finalists and wish them the best of luck.” The full list of nominations for the Nation's Curry Awards 2026 can be found here. Join our Manchester Food and Drink WhatsApp group HERE
