Indian street food is a tantalizing symphony of flavors that ignite the senses and celebrate culinary diversity. Taking inspiration from the bustling streets of Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kerala, Punjab, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Delhi, Asha’s presents a limited-time menu that will tantalize your tastebuds! We headed down to Asha’s by the scenic lake at The Boulevard for a feast for the senses. Complemented by a delightful Lassi Drinks menu, it was an indulgent afternoon of Chaat and Paratha galore!
We loved that most of the items on the limited-time menu were perfect for sharing, and we dove straight into Asha’s selection of Chaat. From the savory crunch of Pani Puri, bursting with spicy tamarind water and a melange of chutneys, to the enticingly crisp Onion Bhaji, where deep-fried onion fritters boast a perfect blend of spices and a hint of sweetness. And then there’s the Papdi Chaat, a delightful mosaic of crispy dough wafers, yogurt, tangy chutneys, and aromatic spices, all of which create a harmonious dance of textures and tastes. These iconic Indian street food creations capture the essence of Mumbai’s culinary tapestry, offering a journey through a spectrum of flavors that are as diverse as they are delicious. There’s also the Chennai-inspired Chicken Cutlet, delicately flavored with micro herb.
We also tried the Pav Bhaji, a beloved street food originating from the bustling city of Mumbai, India. This culinary delight hit the spot with the toasted butter Pao’s, the perfect accompaniment to the vibrant medley of curried mashed vegetables that is the Bhaji. The Bhaji is the star of the show, crafted from a mixture of mashed vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, peas, carrots, and capsicum (bell peppers). This medley is sautéed with a fragrant blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, infusing the dish with an enticing aroma and a hint of warmth. From Mumbai, our tastebuds traveled to Kolkata, where Paneer is beautifully celebrated in the Chilli Garlic Paneer dish, classic cottage cheese tossed with onion, pepper, and a punchy chili garlic sauce. Slightly sweet, with a warm kick of spice, our palates were dancing with joy at this point. For chicken lovers, Asha’s Street Food of India Limited Time Menu also offers a chicken rendition of the same dish.
The main dishes from Asha’a limited-time Street Food of India menu are very heartwarming and morish. We opted for two offerings which stood out to us the most: The Delhi’s Choley Poori and the Punjab Railway Chicken Curry. We absolutely fell in love with the Choley Poori. This dish arrives from the heart of Delhi’s bustling streets as a culinary revelation. Tender chickpeas, simmered to perfection in a medley of aromatic spices, create a rich and flavorful base. This delectable concoction is accompanied by golden-fried pooris – delicate, puffed bread that serves as the perfect vessel to scoop up the savory goodness, offering a blend of textures and tastes that captures the essence of Delhi’s vibrant street food culture. We couldn’t have enough of the beautiful fried Poori bread!
As for the Railway Chicken Curry, we were told by Asha’s friendly staff that the inspiration for this dish comes from the heart of Punjab. This chicken curry featured a tomato gravy base, with a careful blend of aromatic spices used to enhance the succulent pieces of chicken to deliver a bite that is both robust and comforting at the same time. We loved the presentation of the Railway Chicken Curry, served in a traditional dabbas, with a heartful serving of white basmati rice and chopped salad.
To cool down our palates as we indulged, we had glass after glass of refreshing Lassi. With incredibly fresh summer renditions like Watermelon to Pomegranate spice, a visit to Asha’s is a must simply to try them out! We enjoyed Watermelon, Date & Banana and a delicious Gulab Jamun and Rose flavored Lassi which could be a filling dessert, all on its own.
At Asha’s, we truly dove into a kaleidoscope of flavors and aromas with their limited-time Street Food of India Menu. And while we can’t just pick up and fly off to India to indulge in the country’s diverse food heritage, a visit to Asha’s will give you an immersive and authentic experience that brings the bustling markets and vibrant culture of India right to your taste buds.
For more information, please visit Asha’s website ashasme.com and follow @Ashasmiddleeast on Instagram for the latest updates.