The finalists for this year’s Asian Restaurant Awards in Scotland – the only accolades open to the full spectrum of Asia’s rich and diverse cuisines – have been revealed.

The complete shortlist, featuring over 70 of the nation’s leading Asian restaurants and takeaways, can be viewed at  www.asianrestaurantawards.org.  Over 10,000 of Scotland’s spice lovers voted online for their favourite venues, by region, in Central Scotland, Glasgow, Highlands & Islands, Lothian, Mid Scotland and Fife, North East, South and West.

Now in their 7th year, these prestigious awards were launched this summer at Holyrood in June, at an event hosted by Foysol Choudhury, MSP.  Winners will be feted at a gala dinner and glittering ceremony being held at The Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh on 18th September, presented by BBC News anchor Samantha Simmonds.

For the first time the Awards will include categories for ‘Best Brunch’ and ‘Afternoon Chai’, recognising innovative restaurants, faced with numerous business challenges, seeking new avenues of income from alternative offerings throughout the day.

Organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) with Just Eat as its headline sponsor, the Awards have become the highlight in Scotland’s Asian restaurant industry calendar, with recognition for innovation, vision and exceptional food.

Further supporters of this year’s awards include Cobra Beer; Tyl by NatWest; and business immigration and HR systems specialists, Work Permit Cloud.

Glasgow-based outlets dominate this year’s shortlist, with 16 restaurants and takeaways. Thirteen Edinburgh entrants also make the cut, along representatives from Aberdeen, Aviemore, Bonnybridge, Broxbourne, Cumbernauld, East Kilbride, Elgin, Dalkeith, Dundee, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Fort William, Glenrothes, Inverness, Inverurie, Kinross, Loanhead, Montrose, Paisley, Penicuik, Perth, Shetland, Sterling, Stonehaven, Thurso and Troon.

ACF Chairman Yawar Khan said: “We are seeing some remarkable creativity by pioneering restaurateurs and chefs, adapting to challenging trading conditions and more sophisticated customer preferences, showcasing Scotland’s world-leading produce, especially its seafood, game, neeps and tatties.”

The shortlist was determined by over 10,000 votes from members of the public. The establishments are being visited by a panel of judges from the ACF, to determine the winners for both national and regional award categories.