British Curry Day 2026

British Curry Day is an annual celebration of the UK’s long-standing love affair with curry, honouring the rich history, culture, and contribution of Indian cuisine to British food culture. This special day pays tribute to the pioneering South Asian restaurateurs who introduced curry to the UK and highlights the importance of supporting local curry houses, many of which have faced challenges in recent years. It’s a time to enjoy delicious food, reflect on the heritage of curry, and support the industry that has brought joy to so many.

What is British Curry Day?

British Curry Day is an event dedicated to celebrating the UK’s vibrant curry culture and the history of Indian cuisine’s integration into British society. Curry has become one of the nation’s favourite dishes, with classics like chicken tikka masala and balti now staples in households and restaurants across the country. The day also recognises the vital role of South Asian communities in shaping the British culinary landscape, especially in creating a multimillion-pound curry industry that continues to thrive.

When is British Curry Day?

British Curry Day is celebrated annually on December 1st. This date was chosen to reflect on the evolution of curry in the UK and to pay homage to the restaurateurs who helped curry houses flourish. The day encourages people to dine out or order from their favourite curry houses while learning about the cultural heritage of this beloved cuisine.

How to Get Involved

Here are some ways to celebrate and support British Curry Day:

• Dine at Local Curry Houses: Visit your favourite curry restaurant or try a new one. Enjoy the variety of dishes and support the hardworking chefs and staff who keep the tradition alive.
• Try Cooking at Home: Experiment with making traditional curry recipes at home. Gather family and friends for a curry night and share your love for this flavourful cuisine.
• Learn About the History of Curry: Take some time to explore the history of curry in the UK and its origins in South Asia. Many curry houses have unique stories that are worth discovering.
• Share Your Experience: Post pictures of your meals or your own curry creations on social media. Use the official hashtags to join the conversation and inspire others to celebrate.
• Support Curry House Charities: Many restaurants participate in British Curry Day by donating a portion of their proceeds to charity. Look for events or initiatives in your area and contribute to the cause.

History of British Curry Day

British Curry Day was established to celebrate the profound impact of South Asian cuisine on British culture. The campaign aims to highlight the challenges faced by the curry industry, particularly the declining number of curry houses due to changing demographics, staffing shortages, and other pressures. It is also a day to remember the pioneering restaurateurs who introduced curry to Britain during the mid-20th century, creating a culinary phenomenon that would become a staple in British food culture.

Over the years, British Curry Day has grown into a nationwide celebration, fostering appreciation for the heritage and flavours of curry while encouraging the public to support local curry restaurants.

Relevant Hashtags

Share your love for curry and support the campaign with these hashtags:

• #BritishCurryDay
• #LoveCurry
• #SupportCurryHouses
• #CurryCulture
• #TasteOfIndia