‘We are overwhelmed’: Spice Merchants celebrates ARTA win the same year as its 25th anniversary
The restaurant will open on Christmas day for the first time this year
An authentic Indian restaurant has proved it is a cut above the rest after successfully earning an award the same year as it celebrates 25 years feeding the city.
Family run restaurant and takeaway, Spice Merchants, in Osborne Road, is raising a glass after being crowned winners of the South Central Chef of the Year category at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2026.
The restaurant’s chef - Shahid Islam - who has been cooking up a storm for almost two decades at the site wowed the judges with his culinary skills.
Ripon Rahman, one of the mangers and nephew of the owner, said: “It’s a great achievement. We initially went in not thinking we were going to win but low and behold.
“It’s the first time entering. We were shortlisted and I think there were 1,200 restaurants that entered so it’s the first time we entered and we won - our chef has been with us for 17/18 years.”
The restaurant is also preparing to mark its 25th anniversary and the team said they are “overwhelmed” with the response from customers, friends and family.
Ripon added: “We are very unique in our menu - we have a lot of seafood and we try and promote healthy cooking as well.
“Where we have been here for so long we have seen a lot of customers. Here’s to the next 25 years.”
The team have also decided to open on Christmas day for the first time in Spice Merchant history in response to customer demand.