Over the last month, south east London’s Asian food scene has been celebrating some significant wins, with some being recognised among the best in the country.
From family‑run restaurants to gourmet eating spots going strong for 40 years, we’ve rounded up the Asian restaurants in south-east London that have won awards this month and what you need to know:
The Bombay, Swanley
Award won: Named among the UK’s Top 100 Asian restaurants at the UK Top 100 Asian Restaurant Awards 2026
This family-run restaurant is the sister site to the long-standing Bombay branch in Orpington.
Run by brothers Shahjahan Miah, MJ Miah and Kobir Hussain, the restaurant serves a range of Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, including tandoori and biryani options.
The award marks the second major accolade for the restaurant, which only opened in April last year after winning national newcomer of the year at ARTA 2025.
Co-owner Shahjahan Miah said: “We’re beyond proud to share that we’ve been named one of the top 100 Asian restaurants in the United Kingdom.
“This recognition belongs to all of you as much as it does to us.”
Masala Inn, Bexleyheath
Award won: Outstanding achievement award (Curry Champion of the Year) at the Southern Curry Awards 2026
Masala Inn in Bexleyheath has won at the Southern Curry Awards 2026 (Image: Masala Inn)
This long-established Indian restaurant in Bexleyheath features a wide range of traditional curries, biryanis, tandoori dishes and chef’s specials, all served in a recently refurbished space.
The restaurant has also received recognition at the English Curry Awards and Good Food Awards in recent years, highlighting its continued success.
Owner Jilal Uddin said: “Receiving the outstanding achievement award is a tremendous honour for our entire team.
“We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers and dedicated staff who have supported us throughout our journey.”
iNaga, West Wickham
Award won: Named among the UK’s Top 100 Asian restaurants
iNaga, West Wickham winning at the Top 100 UK Asian Restaurant awards (Image: Abdul Hay)
Run by owner Abdul Hay alongside chef Ruhal Rahman, the restaurant has dishes including lamb morisa and shashlik masala.
It has previously been named Asian restaurant of the year for Greater London.
Owner Abdul said: “I’m over the moon to have another trophy in the restaurant and I’m just so happy that we have won this award.
“Being nominated by our customers was lovely, and we really appreciate the support we have. I am so proud.”
Panas Gurkha, Blackheath
Panas Gurkha owner Sujan Katuwal with the restaurant’s award for being among the UK’s top 100 Asian restaurants (Image: Panas Gurkha)
Award won: Named among the UK’s Top 100 Asian restaurants at a national awards event
Panas Gurkha is a Nepalese‑Indian restaurant that has been serving south-east London for more than a decade.
The business is run by Sujan Katuwal MBE, with the kitchen led by chef Saroj Thapaliya, and has dishes inspired by family recipes such as Mum’s Chicken Curry.
The restaurant focuses on celebrating Gurkha and Nepalese heritage through its food, with a strong emphasis on tradition and hospitality.
Sujan said the team were “incredibly honoured and proud” to be recognised, adding that the award reflects the “passion, dedication, and commitment” of both staff and customers.
Babur, Forest Hill
Award won: Named among the UK’s Top 100 Asian restaurants
The team at Babur in Forest Hill (Image: Colleen Monaghan)
Babur is a long-standing fixture in Forest Hill, having first opened its doors in 1985.
Owned by Emdad Rahman, the restaurant has built a reputation as a destination dining spot in south-east London, earning AA Rosettes and recognition in the Michelin Guide.
The team said they were “thrilled” to receive the recognition, calling it “a testament to decades of support from our guests and dedication from our staff”.
