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Bristol curry house named among top UK Asian restaurants
A Bristol-based takeaway has been officially recognised among the top curry houses in the UK.
Achari, located on Cotham Hill, has been named in the “Top 100 Asian Restaurant Winners 2025” list, which was unveiled during an official ceremony at the House of Lords.
The industry event was hosted by lord Kamal Ahmed and presented by the BBC News anchor Samantha Simmonds, as part of the Asian Catering Federation’s Oriental Chefs Competition & Awards.
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The event at the House of Lords brought together the leading figures of Asian restaurant industry in the UK – photo: Achari
Achari and its predecessor – Indian Ocean, has been a staple on Cotham Hill’s food and drink scene for over three decades, specialising in cuisine from the breadth of India – Kerala to Kashmir, Bangalore to Bengal, and Goa to Hyderabad.
This latest recognition follows Achari’s double award at last year’s Asian Curry Awards 2024, where it was named Best Asian Restaurant in the South West.
The House of Lords event featured an afternoon networking lunch in the Cholmondeley Room, where chefs, restaurateurs and industry leaders gathered to celebrate excellence in the British-Asian culinary scene.
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Kamrul Islam, founder and head chef at Achari, expressed his delight at the national recognition, saying it helps put “Bristol firmly on the map” among the UK’s leading Asian restaurants.
He said: “This incredible achievement reflects our dedication to serving authentic Indian, Bangladeshi and British Indian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation.”
“Our goal has always been to offer high-quality, flavourful dishes that cater to everyone.Winning these prestigious awards motivates us to keep innovating and delivering memorable dining experiences. ”
Projects Against Plastic (PAP), founded by the Fishponds-based businessman Naseem Talukdar (l), is an initiative dedicated to reducing single-use plastic within the hospitality sector – photo: Achari
The event was also attended by local businessman and environmental campaigner Naseem Talukdar, founder of Projects Against Plastic (PAP) – an initiative dedicated to reducing single-use plastic, particularly within the hospitality sector.
The curry house, located just a short walk from the University of Bristol’s Clifton campus, has long been a popular stop among students, with the courtesy of its meal deals and Bring Your Own Alcohol (BYOA) policy.
Achari and its predecessor – Indian Ocean, has been a staple on Cotham Hill’s food and drink scene for over three decades – photo: Milan Perera
Its signature dishes include Keralan Sea Bass, Desi Butter Chicken, Nalli Gosht and Gobi Manchurian, showcasing a burst of spices and flavours from across the Indian subcontinent.
Main photo: Achari
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