Asha’s has long been known to be a restaurant full of innovative and modern dishes. It remains as one of the best restaurants that serves authentic Indian food, while continuing to present new dishes, seasonal menus, stunning interior designs, and leaving a lasting impression on its frequent guests here in Kuwait. Asha’s has managed to keep up the quality it holds, and with their latest beautiful branch at Boulevard, we spoke to Chef Navin to know more about the dish makers of Asha’s.

What drove you to become a chef?

I was always an avid foodie, the inception of love of food is credited to my father who loved to travel and eat. Initially, I wanted to get into fashion designing at India’s most premier fashion institute given my love for art, however, I chose to pursue a career in hotel management. The very moment I saw senior chefs slicing onions at lightning speed, I knew I wanted to master that skill. Since then, there was no turning back.

What a switch! From your love for the arts to becoming a Chef at Asha’s. Where and how were you trained?

I completed my hotel management from IHM Mumbai, famously known as the Dadar Catering College – one of the first colleges in Southeast Asia and a home for many world-renowned chefs. Then I was selected for ITC Sheraton hotels in India. I started my career as a management trainee and underwent a rigorous training regime. I always aspired to master Indian cuisine and trained in the best Indian restaurants like Bukhara (voted one of the best restaurants in the world and visited by more than 70 heads of countries) and Dum Pukht (Grand cuisine of India). My first tenure was Bukhara and then I moved to Peshawari which at the time was amongst the 50 Best restaurants in the world.

But tell us, in your opinion, what makes Asha’s special and unique?

At Asha’s, we keep our guests at core, always! We have been in the region for 16 years and are ever evolving. We have been consistent in delivering the best Indian food and service. We have kept our food authentic yet simple. Besides this we understand the pulse of our guest and have successfully created seasonal menus. Many of these dishes have been well received which inspires us to pursue further innovations and development.

And how do you essentially test the quality of your ingredients?

All ingredients are sampled, tried and tested before being approved. We host a series of culinary trials to approve primary and secondary ingredients. We like to use some of the best available local ingredients that complement our food.

You must have a favorite dish at Asha’s, what’s the star dish and why is it your favorite?

I have two favorite dishes in Asha’s. One is the Kesar Biryani which is Asha Bhosle’s recipe. The preparation is quite simple and yet full of flavors. It is a unique recipe of lamb and rice with richness of saffron and tomatoes. My second favorite is the Butter Chicken – yes, it is the most known Indian dish, but this recipe is unlike any other. Our guests adore Asha’s Butter Chicken, once you’ve tried it you will always crave it! It’s creamy and velvety with a hint of fenugreek. It’s our most selling dish across all our restaurants in the Middle East.

We stand for Asha’s Butter Chicken for sure! Tell us what are your thoughts on different fusion cuisines? And would you include them on Asha’s menu?

I like fusion cuisine, but to a certain extent, not beyond it. I love mixing ingredients, plate ware and cooking technique, but with keeping the soul and the identity of the cuisine intact. The food needs to be tasty and done well. All style and no substance- this is when we have too much fusion. Balance is key.

Is there a food trend that you’re hoping to see within Indian cuisine?

I would love to first explore many cuisines which are in India. Use our ingredients to create more healthy options from different regions. Would love to see a global QSR or Café based on Indian cuisine.

Which spice would you give the crown to? And how can you add it to a dish that will surely make it much better?

Saffron – King of the Spices and also my favorite. It has a delicate and rich character to it. When added to Biryani it completely enhances the taste. I would like to add Love as the main ingredient to any dish which I am cooking. This is the most pure and simple ingredient which can be used in any dish. I always tell this to my team, it is the same onion, tomato and the spices which everyone uses, the difference is how much love you add to creating it – only then will the dish be truly unique.

How do you make sure that all branches of Asha’s in different locations serve the same quality as the rest?

First step, consistency is always an accurate recipe. Second is the right ingredients and raw material sourced locally or from the best regions to ensure the best quality. Last but not least is continuous training, consistency in execution and constantly tasting your own food.

What are you hoping to achieve and create more with Asha’s menu?

I would like to continue to be the benchmark in the market. I want everyone to compare with us. My current focus is on regional cuisines of India, nutritional and lighter options to appeal to all-day dining whilst always on the lookout to create some of the best biryanis.

Asha’s is located in Marina Crescent (2208 1122/21), The Avenues (2228 3503), 360 Mall (2208132/24), Boulevard (2208 1374/5), and Spoons (2225 4097). Visit their website for more information at or follow them on Instagram @ashasmiddleeast.