Ashiana restaurant retains its charm with great food and attractive prices

As the name suggests, Ashiana is all about homely Indian food true to its authentic roots in a traditional seating with melodious music.


Housed in the plush locales of Hotel Sheraton Creek, Ashiana is one stop for lip-smacking North Indian cuisine served with great hospitality. Though the restaurant caters to Indo- Arab fusion food as well, but it is the North Indian cuisine that steals the limelight in this fine dining restaurant.

                                       



The authentic interiors add the right flavor to the delectable Indian food. Copper vessels, murals, antique chandeliers and even jharokha - styled panels, as if transport diners to the times of maharajas. As if this was not enough, there is an added delight- of being served amidst the melodious strains of ghazals rendered by in-house singers Amjad Ali and Madhuri.


Though operating since 1988, the restaurant has recently changed hands from Michelin starrer consultant Chef Vineet Bhatia (of Indego by Vineet fame). Earlier serving fusion food, now Ashiana is under the supervision of Head Chef Joseph Yohannan. With his twelve years of elite experience in authentic Indian food, he has successfully attempted to bring Ashiana back to its original theme of serving home type North Indian khana.


The meal was introduced with the evergreen, fabulously tasting pani puri served over a glass of mango paani. The other starters arrived in platter comprising of tantalizing cauliflower manchurian served on a round banana leaf. It tasted quite good! The usual paneer tikka was given a smart twist by stuffing it with tomato chutney and tempering the coating with the flavor of basil leaves, which lent a unique touch to this otherwise subtle starter. The mushroom galouti kebab was a great starter served on the base of a saffron paratha. All starters were amazing but malai broccoli won a special thumb up. It was something that I tried for first time and I could safely rate it as the best starter of the meal. The tantalizing samosa chat won our hearts both with its awesome presentation and equally mouth-watering taste.

After such tongue-tickling starters, we moved on to the main meal which consisted of the ubiquitous paneer, Pindi chole, baingan bhurta and dal makhani. Each one tasted great with the Khurmi Naan made out of paneer, onion and tomato stuffing. Even the lahsuni naan was equally relishing. We finished the main course with a round of flavourful vegetable biryani.

                                       

I, being vegetarian restrict myself to certain foods on the menu, but my friends happy to try the non- vegetarian fare. They seem quite happy with the Ashiana Murgh, which is home-style chicken curry.Chutney fish tikka and achari prawns tikka is something that they particularly love.


The best part was that the dishes were not calorie laden as they usually are, which reminded me of wholesome, home- made food. Our stomachs were more than full with these sumptuous delights, when came the dash of Indian sweets. The final touch came in the form of masala chai, which we gulped down without an inch of hesitation.


It goes beyond saying that the food at Ashiana is superbly delicious, the menu though simple and sober, yet each item tasted great. The staff was friendly and offered prompt service. And all this, at a great price!


I would rate it as one of the finest Indian restaurants in Dubai. A must visit if you relish well-loved dishes with the touch of authenticity and nostalgia. Ashiana is sure to lure you with its home styled food in five- star settings!!!


Location- Sheraton Dubai Creek

Décor- Classic Indian

Cost for a meal of two- AED 250

Food- Authentic Indian