The finalists for The Northern Echo's Best Curry House 2026 competition have been revealed, from family-run favourites to award-winning restaurants.
Restaurants from Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and Crook make up the final ten, while reigning champion Babul's is chasing a third straight title after winning in 2024 and 2025.
Earlier this month, readers were invited to nominate their favourite curry houses from across the region.
The Northern Echo Best Curry House 2026. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
A strong response produced the final shortlist.
Darlington dominates the shortlist, with seven of the ten finalists based in the town.
Babul's on Skinnergate is chasing a hat-trick after winning the title in 2024 and retaining its crown in 2025.
Babul's has taken home the Best Curry House crown for the past two years. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Speaking after last year's success, owner Shuhel Ahmed said: "There are so many south Asian and Indian restaurants in Darlington, so it is a really proud moment for us to win.
"The fact this award is chosen by readers of The Northern Echo makes winning it even more special because it is a vote-led award."
Northern Echo editor Gavin Foster said: "We have some fantastic curry houses in the North East, with exceptional restaurants right across the region.
"Curry houses are loved across the country, from quiet meals to big celebrations with friends and family, and we want to celebrate the people behind them.
"We want to hear about your favourite restaurants, so don't miss the chance to have your say and nominate the best in the North East."
The finalists for Best Curry House 2026 are:
- Arvelli Indian Restaurant, Darlington
- Babul's, Darlington
- Bengal Heritage, Darlington
- Bengal Lounge, Newton Aycliffe
- Bombay Gate, Darlington
- Masala Art, Darlington
- Namaste, Spennymoor
- Spice Island, Darlington
- Star of Bengal, Darlington
- The Indian Cottage, Crook
Readers will decide the winner in a public vote for The Northern Echo's Best Curry House 2026 title.
We will feature one finalist each day for the next two weeks.
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To vote, complete the form in The Northern Echo each day for the next two weeks and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Curry House 2026, Local IQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP.
Votes will be counted soon after voting closes.
The winner will be announced after voting closes on November 7.