Asian Restaurant Owners Network Takes Third Annual ARON Awards Show Virtual

The awards place an emphasis on transparency by recognising eateries with #GenuineMerit, something they reinforce with winners that are chosen by mystery shopping the establishments.

9th March, 2021 – A year later than originally planned, the Asian Restaurant Owners Network held their 3rd Annual ARON Awards Show on March 8th, this =me as a virtual event. The ARON team cancelled the original venue last March due to the pandemic, but felt it was important to hold the event virtually to keep businesses informed of industry trends and highlight some of what the hospitality industry has endured and accomplished in the last year.

For many restaurants, the last year has been extremely tough. Business owners were forced by the pandemic to navigate uncharted waters with no real end in sight. The ARON Awards gave restaurants an opportunity to shine and be recognised for their achievements during the difficult year. As always, the entrants were judged through ARON’s uniquely transparent process of mystery shopping the establishments. According to the ARON MD Rehan Uddin, ‘I place genuine merit achievements at the forefront of the process.’

Unlike other awards which require payment for entry, the ARON Awards is completely free, ensuring ‘a fair and equal platform to support and inspire the future of the industry.’

Restaurants and takeout businesses from across the country entered the awards. Each of the 11 categories were narrowed down to the final three choices in each area. During the live online awards show, members of the network listened as winners shared stories of their successes and the contributions that they made to their local communities in the last year.

Tambapanni, a Sri Lankan street food eatery that dramatically reduced their carbon footprint, went on to win the WOW (Works of Wonder) award and received a £500 ARON eco-grant to help further their work and encourage others.

Rational AG, the world leaders in combi oven technology, picked up the Asian Tech Style award for their commitment to kitchen technology. The company’s iCombi Pro oven is widely regarded as the future of tandoori cooking. During the awards ceremony, they shared a video that showcased the entire tandoori cooking process, which normally takes between 15 to 20 minutes, completed in under 6 minutes. Attendees described it as “a true revolution for Asian Hospitality.”

In addition, Ranie Sirah, Head Chef and owner of, Jah Jyot was the night’s double champion, taking home both the Rising Star award and the Best Street Food award.

The winners included: Best Restaurant – Spice Valley Norwich; Best Chef – Taj Tandoori Cambridge; Best Events Caterer – Blue Lotus Inspirations London; Best Concept – Thakers Houslow; Rising Star – Ranie Sirah’s Jah Jyot Leeds; Most Inspirational – Garima Poddar Birmingham; Best Takeaway – Home Curries Lincoln; Asian Tech Style – Rational AG; Best Customer Service – Horsham Tandoori; Best Street Food – Ranie Sirah’s Jah Jyot Leeds

The entire award show can be viewed on the Asian Restaurant Owners Network Facebook page. Communities are encouraged to show support for the winners by following them on social media and patronising the eateries as they push forward to improve on their already high standards.