East Kilbride Takeaway Named Scotland’s Best Chinese Restaurant

A local establishment in East Kilbride has been awarded the title of the best Chinese takeaway in Scotland at the Spice Awards 2025. The recognition was announced earlier this month, with Padi triumphing over competitors, including New Fun Heng in Kilmarnock and Ricepaper Takeaway in Irvine.

The Spice Awards, known for celebrating Asian and Indian cuisine across the nation, features 21 categories, highlighting the best in various culinary offerings. Padi’s bold flavors and innovative twists on traditional dishes helped secure its win, marking a significant achievement for the restaurant since its opening in 2021.

Community and Culinary Excellence

Following the announcement, co-owner Stephen Lau expressed his elation, stating, “We are absolutely over the moon. To be recognised at this level means so much – not just to us as owners, but to our incredible team who work tirelessly every day.” Lau emphasized the importance of community support, adding, “This award is also for the East Kilbride community who have supported us from day one. Without their loyalty and encouragement, none of this would have been possible.”

Co-owner Darren Teo also highlighted the restaurant’s mission, saying, “We’ve always believed East Kilbride deserves a place that can bring the flavours of Asia together. Winning Best Chinese Takeaway at the Spice Awards proves we’re on the right track – and we’re only just getting started.”

Local residents have celebrated the victory, with many expressing their congratulations. Comments from patrons included sentiments such as, “Well deserved guys, lots of hard work goes into that,” and “Congratulations to all the hard-working staff.”

A Unique Culinary Offering

Padi, which operates under the same ownership as the award-winning restaurant Mekong, aims to provide a variety of South-East Asian cuisines. The restaurant focuses on sourcing seasonal, fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets, which adds to the authenticity of its dishes. Among the most popular offerings are the chicken satay skewers and the beef rendang, both of which have garnered positive reviews from the community.

This achievement comes as Mekong also received accolades at the same awards, being named the best Chinese restaurant in Scotland. The recognition of both establishments highlights the growing reputation of East Kilbride as a hub for exceptional Asian cuisine.

As Padi continues to expand its culinary repertoire, it remains committed to delighting local diners. The recognition at the Spice Awards is not only a testament to its quality but also serves as an inspiration for the team to keep pushing boundaries in their culinary journey.