There’s no doubting that the taste of India is all pervasive and you can see influences across the globe from curries being the No. 1 dish in the UK to the popular biriyanis right here in Kuwait. In their new Global Desi menu, Asha’s brings you a world of new dishes. They have taken the very best of traditional fare that we know and love and successfully put the Asha’s twist on it. You are in for a journey where diverse flavor profiles complement and lift each other to deliver astounding new taste and texture sensations.
The glorious royal colors of the interior of Asha’s at the Boulevard is a portent of the rich deliciousness to come and it is thrilling to sit down in this wonderfully luxurious environment. Chairs are furnished in a plush velvet paisley pattern and others display a devoré velvet backing. The deep-purple velvet sofas create a booth-like seating situation and their edges slightly wrap around those seated which creates a feeling of privacy, but you’re still visible to the attentive servers.
While we perused the new menu, we nibbled on an appetizer of three dips and papad. But there is nothing standard about this particular offering. As well as the expected green mint chutney and spicy mixed pickle with chunks of mango seed, the homemade Asha’s exclusive sweet papaya pickle is a recipe secret they keep only to themselves, so you will have to visit any Asha’s to give this a try.
To whet the appetite and cleanse the palate it is suggested to try one of the most popular drinks available. Half a huge strawberry placed in a well of half a passion fruit sits atop a crushed ice medley of strawberry, passion fruit, rose water, lemon juice and topped with 7-Up. This mocktail is beautifully put together and the passionfruit really comes through. Probably because they are clever enough to provide you with a straw which allows you to suck up the whole seeds, so this adds to the taste experience.
Of the 10 new dishes on the menu we decide to go for 4 which represent four areas of the world well-known for their food; America, Italy, UK and the Caribbean. First to the table is the Makhani Mac and Cheese. Each of the four mac and cheese balls are exactly the same size, so there’s no fighting over who gets the biggest as we’ve decided to share this main dish. The bread-crumbed exterior crunches open with a silver fork and the hot, gooey, cheesy macaroni oozes out with steam rising to reveal chunks of chicken tikka enveloped in this comforting concoction. A side sauce of Makhani Marinara is made up of a cream of tomato with fenugreek and adds to this indulgent experience.
Next we cross over the pond to the traditional UK treat of Fish and Chips with a Masala makeover. A stack of perfectly cooked fish sits next to a pile of the fluffiest chunky chips imaginable and a twist of a tartar sauce with its foundation of labnah. It can only be the delicately spiced coating that is keeping this golden-brown fried hammour fillet together, because as soon as you bit into it, the fish just melts in your mouth and you luxuriate in the feeling as well as the various masala flavors that come through. This is such a light meal that you don’t feel bad about gobbling down each and every last chip on the plate!
As we’re in Europe already, we saunter up to Italy with a big bowl of steaming risotto and a pile of prawns placed in the middle. This was a recommendation by the servers and we are so glad they did. The Burnt Garlic Risotto Khichdi is tomato based with parmesan running through the sauce to create a rich texture but stays true to the vegetable’s fresh taste. The prawns are seared to perfection and the tender shellfish are easy to bite through. This particular risotto surpasses expectation, and despite its large serving for such a dish, leaves you feeling comfortably replete.
Last but not least we journey to the Caribbean and this is a plate that looks bountiful with pure goodness. Brimming with chunks of lamb, there is a subtle taste difference to a Caribbean curry that is so particular to these tropical islands. Asha’s has carefully created a Quorma blend that embraces the migrant Indian influence on this traditionally goat dish. The jasmine rice could almost be a dish by itself with kidney and black beans running through this daily staple. This herbed side is delightfully tasty and sits well with the green salad that also comes with this menu option. The salad’s freshness perfectly cuts through the sauce of the curry and it’s a very well balanced meal.
To finally return home, we’re brought what is typically the drinks order of the day in Kuwait. This is the new take on Lemonade and Mint. What Asha’s has added is ginger and this freshens up the whole thing completely! As we stir this mocktail with our straw we can see bits of ginger, lemon and mint floating in the luscious liquid and when we try it, wow is this fresh!
The new Global Desi menu is certainly a journey that is worth taking the time to explore and enjoy. The service at Asha’s is impeccable, extremely attentive and the environs always charming. Where will your taste buds take you next?
Asha’s new menu is available at all Asha’s locations; The Boulevard lakefront, Marina Crescent, The Avenues, Spoons (Mahboula) and 360 MALL. For more on the dishes available at the restaurants and the latest updates, follow @ashasmiddleeast on Instagram and Facebook. Enjoy your favorite dishes from Asha’s within the comfort of your own home and enjoy their dedicated delivery service either by calling 1852 852 or order through Talabat.com.
