The 2026 English Curry Awards have crowned Chillika, a Bexleyheath restaurant inspired by the street food of India's eastern Odisha state, as the best curry house in London. The award was announced at a ceremony held at Grand Station in Wolverhampton on August 10, where the restaurant beat out stiff competition from across the capital.
Chillika's Winning Formula
Founded by Subhakanta Das and Partha Sarathi Panda, Chillika takes its name from Asia's largest brackish lagoon, Chillika Lake, reflecting its culinary focus on the flavours of Odisha. The menu combines traditional Odisha recipes with vibrant Indian street food, with standout dishes including sizzling tandoori chicken and a richly spiced goat curry.
The restaurant is located at 195 Broadway, DA6 7ER, and has quickly become a local favourite for its authentic and creative approach to Indian cuisine.
The English Curry Awards: Celebrating Excellence
Now in its 15th year, the English Curry Awards honour the best chefs, restaurants, and takeaways across the country. The annual accolades recognise curry mastery in each English region, as well as crowning one overall national champion. This year's ceremony celebrated the winners in a lavish event at Wolverhampton's Grand Station.
Chillika's victory marks a significant achievement for the Bexleyheath dining scene, which has now seen two consecutive wins in the London category. Last year, Masala Inn, also in Bexleyheath, took home the top prize. Masala Inn also received the 'Outstanding Award' at this year's ceremony, further cementing the area's reputation as a curry hotspot.
Other Notable Winners
Among the other accolades, Vijay Indian Restaurant in Kilburn was 'recognised for excellence.' Established in 1964, Vijay Indian holds the distinction of being the first South Indian restaurant to open in the UK, and it continues to impress diners with its traditional dishes.
These awards highlight the diversity and quality of Indian cuisine across London, from the bustling curry houses of Brick Lane to the refined establishments of Mayfair.
For curry enthusiasts looking to explore more of the capital's best Indian and South Asian restaurants, Time Out's ranking offers a comprehensive guide to the top spots.
