These Indian restaurants have won 2023 Awards for Excellence

Several Indian restaurants recently received prestigious awards at the 2023 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence. SBS Hindi has assembled a comprehensive list of winners from different states and territories.

Owners of Sydney's Nilgiri's Indian Restaurant (R) have won top award this year/Winners of 2023 Restaurant & Catering Awards

The Restaurant and Catering Association, founded in 1922, serves as a leading body for Australian hospitality businesses.

Involved in initiatives like training, government advocacy, and offering resources to the hospitality sector, the association also hosts annual awards to acknowledge and honour excellence among restaurants, cafes and catering services in each state and territory.

Among the recipients of the 2023 Restaurant and Catering Association Hostplus Awards for Excellence are several Indian restaurants.

Queensland

Indian Empire in Runaway Bay has achieved the title of Queensland's best Indian restaurant this year.

Established in 2007, the culinary endeavour was founded by brothers Pankit and Sachit Sharma, drawing inspiration from their father, Subhash Sharma.

Western Australia

Chakra Restaurant, situated in Inglewood, was honoured as Western Australia's best Indian restaurant.

Chakra Restaurant owners and team member at the state awards.

Known for a modern interpretation of traditional Indian dishes, the restaurant has received acclaim for their innovative approach.

Additionally, the head chef, Ashish Gagneja, was recognised with the Head Chef Award of WA by the Australian Hotels Association WA this year.

Australian Capital Territory

Blu Ginger Restaurant, located in Canberra, has been recognised as the top finalist in the state, alongside the state's winner Daana, which was closed this year.

The restaurant was initially established in Sydney in 2000, and in 2009, it expanded to the capital city.

Victoria

Moonee Ponds-based Banyan Tree Indian restaurant clinched the title of the best Indian restaurant in Victoria.

Banyan Tree owners Alok and Preeti Patel.

South Australia

Laxmi's Tandoori Indian Restaurant won the award for the best Indian restaurant in South Australia.

Laxmi's tandoori Indian restaurant was originally established in 1999. Supplied by: Akash Kalia

Its owner, Aakash Kalia, a professional chef with 25 years of experience, took over the business two years ago and has since earned numerous accolades.

New South Wales

Nilgiri Restaurant, situated in Cremorne, has been awarded the title of the best Indian restaurant in the state.

Apart from this, Woy Woy's Spices 29 Goan Indian Restaurant won the best Indian restaurant award in the NSW Regional Indian restaurant category.

Spices 29 Indian Goan Restaurant's team members with the award certificate.

Nelson Fernandes, a native of Goa and the director of the establishment, has brought the essence of Goan cuisine to the forefront at Spices 29.

National winners

Nilgiri (NSW) secured the prestigious Gold medal for the best Indian restaurant in Australia.

Ajoy and Meera Joshi, owners of Nilgiri Restaurant, at the 2023 award ceremony.

Founded in 1998 as a modest eatery by Ajoy and Meera Joshi, the restaurant later grew into a larger establishment.

Banyan Tree (Victoria) won the silver award, while Spices 29 (NSW) earned the bronze medal nationally in the Best Indian Restaurant category.

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