Celebrating the 28th Annual National Curry Week: A British Love Affair with Spice
National Curry Week celebrates the UK's love for curry, highlighting its rich history and inviting everyone to join in the festivities from October 5th to 11th, 2026.
From humble beginnings in 18th-century coffee houses to a modern culinary phenomenon that shapes high streets nationwide, curry holds a proud, permanent place in the hearts and plates of the British public. Every year, millions of curries are enjoyed up and down the country, making it a true unofficial national dish.
This October marks the 28th Annual National Curry Week, running from the 5th to the 11th of October 2026. It is the ultimate opportunity to celebrate everything from classic local takeaways to home-cooked spice creations.
The Fascinating History of Curry in the UK
The British relationship with curry stretches back much further than many realise. Long before local high-street curry houses became a staple of British culture, trade with the East India Company brought exotic spices back to British shores.
Bringing the Heat: The National Curry Week Cook-Offs
Food Festivals
Coming up in the UK and beyond
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To celebrate the 28th annual event, National Curry Week has taken things to an international level with an incredible Curry Cook-Off World Tour series on YouTube. Contestants have been put through their paces, tackling international styles and flavors under the watchful eye of expert judges:
Episode 1 – India: Watch the culinary action unfold in The National Curry Week Curry Cook-Off: EPISODE 1 - India.
Episode 2 – Thailand: Explore Southeast Asian spices in The National Curry Week Curry Cook-Off: EPISODE 2 - Thailand.
Episode 3 – Japan: Discover unique umami profiles in The National Curry Week Curry Cook-Off: EPISODE 3 - Japan.
Episode 4 – Jamaica: Experience bold island flavors in The National Curry Week Curry Cook-Off: EPISODE 4 - Jamaica.
How to Get Involved
Whether you want to support your hardworking local restaurant, try your hand at an official recipe book creation, or binge-watch the exciting global cook-offs online, there are plenty of ways to join in:
Visit Your Local: Support independent curry houses in your area during the celebratory week.
Cook at Home: Grab an official recipe or experiment with fresh spices and rich coconut creams.
Join the Community: Head over to the official National Curry Week website for inspiration, recipes, and social media competitions.
Let’s keep the tradition alive, support our local spice masters, and celebrate 28 fantastic years of National Curry Week!
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