Move over Brick Lane, Rochdale has officially curried favour with the gods of gastronomy, as three local restaurants have scooped national awards for doing what they do best: setting your mouth on fire in the most delightful way.
At the 2025 Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, or as locals now call it, “Rochdale’s annual confirmation we’re better than Manchester”, Wild Ginger in Littleborough and River Beal in Milnrow took home top titles, leaving 1,300 less-spicy rivals choking on their mango lassi.
Wild Ginger was crowned North West Restaurant of the Year after judges were allegedly hospitalised with flavour-induced euphoria. “We’ve brought it home!” the team posted, presumably from the back of a stretch limo filled with naan bread and emotional chefs.
They’re now planning a celebratory bash complete with food, music and what they describe as “Wild Ginger magic”, a phrase which sounds slightly inappropriate but is apparently just excellent bhuna served with confetti.
Meanwhile, River Beal in Milnrow took the North West Takeaway crown, reminding everyone that yes, you can find Michelin-tier madras just down the road from the Co-op. The team credited their win to “love, support, and the local community,” which is touching, though we suspect the butter chicken played a larger role.
Not to be outdone, La Minhaz in Middleton bagged Indian Restaurant of the Year at the Northern England Curry Awards last month. Staff celebrated by smiling politely while cleaning vindaloo off a trophy.
Organisers praised all three venues for “dedication to quality food and hospitality,” though failed to mention the true secret to Rochdale’s success: a town-wide tolerance for spice levels that would make Satan weep.
The only downside to this national acclaim? Increased sightings of “cheeky grooms” in matching velvet loafers, dragging their stag parties across town in search of curry, clout, and a good Instagram story.
From down the M62, we raise a poppadom to our newly crowned curry kings and queens. Rochdale, come for the bhaji, stay for the gastrointestinal enlightenment.
