A Caldicot curry restaurant is in the running to be crowned Restaurant of the Year at the 19th Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) Awards 2026.

Indian Empire in Caldicot joins three other popular curry houses from across Wales which will go head-to-head for the prestigious title, alongside restaurants from other regions across the UK. The regional winners will be announced at the 19th BCA Awards on Sunday, November 1 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.

The awards celebrate the chefs, restaurateurs, staff and entrepreneurs behind British Bangladeshi restaurants and takeaways — an industry that has helped shape the UK’s food culture for more than six decades, turning curry into a national favourite.

At a time when restaurants continue to face rising costs and staffing pressures, the shortlist recognises the businesses working hard to serve their customers and support their local communities.

19th BCA Awards 2026 judges at shortlisting
The judges in action (BCA)

The winning restaurant for Wales will be chosen by a judging panel based on food quality, service, hospitality, presentation, consistency, innovation and the overall customer experience.

The BCA Awards also recognise chefs, staff, business leaders and emerging talent across the sector.

BCA President Oli Khan MBE said, “Reaching our 19th BCA Awards is a proud moment for the Association and our industry. This year’s theme, ‘Honouring today’s achievements, inspiring tomorrow’s success’, reflects the spirit of everyone who has built this sector, from the pioneers who opened the UK’s early curry houses to the chefs, families and entrepreneurs shaping its future. Our shortlisted restaurants show the skill, resilience and ambition that continue to make this industry such an important part of British life.”

The Bangladesh Caterers Association represents the interests of the Bangladeshi catering and hospitality sector in the United Kingdom and represents 12,000 curry houses and takeaways across the UK, supporting around 100,000 jobs and approximately £4.2 billion in sector turnover.