I had the pleasure of being invited to Asha’s Manchester to try out their small plates with some friends. I got there early so had a good snoop around and had some time to practice my photography skills.



Bar
When you enter Asha’s, you are given two options, head downstairs for the bar or go upstairs to be seated. Since I had a bit of time I was allowed to explore, so I ventured downstairs to the bar first. Beautifully decorated and stocked full of treats, there is nothing more that could be said about it.
Downstairs also doubles a function room including a fantastic private dining suite that can be hired out for special occasions.
Overall Asha’s vibe as you walk into this place is fabulous. Excellent experience even before we got to dive into the food!
Drink – Mango Lassi
Asha’s Mango Lassi had to be one of my all-time favourite drinks when having Indian food, sweet, creamy and very refreshing, you will not regret ordering this. I would only suggest you ask for a jug as a glass merely isn’t enough.


British Lamb Chop £6.95
Crispy potato chunks accompanied a lamb chop marinated in ginger, garlic, yoghurt and in-house ground garam masala, chargrilled in the tandoor. The lamb was cooked well, and the crispy potatoes were the perfect addition to the plate. £7 for a single lamb chop would leave most people disappointed I feel, not to mention we have had better for much cheaper elsewhere.


Monkfish Tikka £6.95
Now to the star of the show for me. The Monkfish tikka was just beautiful. It was seasoned well and melted in your mouth. I regret swapping for a piece of chicken tikka with FoodShak…
It is sourced from Scotland, cooked in the tandoor with pink peppercorns and chestnuts. If you haven’t had monkfish before this is less fishy than you would think, this was well worth the price and I would highly recommend you to have when visiting.

Murgh Makhni and Rice £6.95
When it comes to Indian food, especially chicken curry, I am tough to please, so I don’t envy Asha’s having to accommodate for such a fussy eater. I was served chicken tikka in a tomato and cream gravy, delicately flavoured with dried fenugreek leaves. I don’t have much to say, it was a good curry, but didn’t excite me. I needed more spice and flavour, but for most people, this would have been exceptional. Everyone on our table really enjoyed this dish, but if you like a bit of heat, you need to ask them when ordering.
Rogan Josh and Rice £6.95
Tender, succulent lamb in yoghurt and delicately spiced onion gravy. This dish was a winner. The lamb was beautifully tender and melted in your mouth, and the curry itself was full of flavour, spiced perfectly.
Ratings:
Food – 8
Price – 6
Service – 9
Recommendation
Asha’s offers very sophisticated Indian cuisine. Overall the food we had was excellent and definitely requires another visit or two to try what else they have to offer. Be sure to check out their fantastic deals too including a set menu for Mothers day if you are still looking!