Asha’s

Tasty Indian in Kahlidaya Mall 3 Reviews

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The first thing I wondered upon sitting down in Asha’s was just who the titular restaurateur is. Photographs of her were everywhere, covering the walls and adorning the menu. My curiosity got the better of me and so I asked a waiter, who said she was Asha Bhoshle, a famous Bollywood singer, and now, professional gourmand. Was this a multi-talented woman? Or was she too busy crooning to really be successful in cuisine?

The lush interior of Asha’s was typical of a chain restaurant, lacking spontaneity with the feel that every satin pillow was placed with scientific precision. Still, I couldn’t fault the place for making an effort. A server led me to a linen-draped table and fetched a tray of roasted and fried popadoms (though I couldn’t differentiate between the two) and a trio of dips: sweet papaya, medium-hot mint, and spicy mixed pickle. I’ve done the complimentary popadoms and chutney thing many times before, but Asha’s were better than average. The slivers of candied papaya were crisp and juicy and, for once, I liked the pickle – it was tangy, but not overpoweringly sour.

A few minutes later, a waiter brought out the nizami shorba, a soup of chicken, lentils, and apple. Hints of sweet red fruit and coriander lingered in every tasty spoonful and, though I don’t think of soup as a must-have item at Indian restaurants, this one was subtle and curious – a worthy first course. My waiter whisked away my bowl the moment I finished and continued to check on me throughout the meal, though he might’ve just been bored; I was one of three customers during what I thought would be a lunchtime rush.

For my main, I took a recommendation from Asha, who noted in the menu that the hare baingan ka bartha is one of her favourites. A mixture of smoky mashed aubergine, it was flecked with seeds and fresh green chilli. I scooped up the tasty dish with scraps of warm chapatti, a thin bread similar to a tortilla, and didn’t realize how spicy it was until my tingling lips urged me to order another soda. By the end of the meal I’d decided, while I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Asha’s music, I had definitely become a fan of her cooking.

The bill (for one)
Nizami shorba Dhs30
Baingan ka bartha Dhs36
Total Dhs66

• Previous reviews
  • 22 December,2009- reviewed by Time Out Abu Dhabi staff

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