Essex restaurant makes Britain's Top 100 Indian list

Pakwaan, in Writtle, Chelmsford, has been included in the British Indian Good Food Guide’s Top 100 for 2026.

The annual selection recognises 100 Indian restaurants across England, Scotland and Wales, ranging from neighbourhood and family-run restaurants to regional specialists and contemporary fine-dining establishments.

Pakwaan is the only Essex restaurant to feature on the 2026 list.

It appears alongside restaurants from across the South Coast, East and Home Counties, including Navadhanya in Cambridge, Montaz in Newmarket, Dastaan in Epsom and Sindhu in Marlow.

Although Pakwaan is numbered 100 on the published list, the Guide stresses that restaurants are presented by region and the numbering does not represent a national ranking.

Selection is based on an editorial assessment of cooking, flavour, consistency, hospitality and the overall dining experience.

The Guide said: “Indian cuisine is woven into British life.

“For generations, Indian restaurants have been part of communities across the country, and today that tradition continues to evolve.

“Our 2026 selection reflects that breadth, from much-loved neighbourhood restaurants and regional specialists to some of Britain's most ambitious modern kitchens.”

More than a quarter of this year's Top 100 are newcomers, with 27 restaurants entering the selection for the first time.

Pakwaan is not listed among those 27 new entries.

Elsewhere in the East of England, Navadhanya in Cambridge was named the region's champion for 2026, while Sindhu in Marlow took the Home Counties title.

The Guide's highest national honour went to Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar in Newcastle-Gateshead, which retained its National Champion title for a second consecutive year.

The restaurant first received the accolade in 2025 and was praised by the Guide for the consistency and quality of its cooking and overall dining experience.