The popular Asha's restaurant in the heart of Manchester recently won the Best of Manchester Award at the Nation's Curry Awards 2023. The twice Michelin-recommended and British Curry Awards winning Indian restaurant was shut down for quite some time before reopening its doors in August last year with a brand-new look and feel.
Founded as a culinary brand by legendary singer Asha Bhosle in celebration of her own love of Indian cuisine, the Manchester branch of Asha’s is now part of the new boutique hotel Forty-Seven.
iGlobal decided to catch up with the General Manager of the revamped eatery, Ryan Thompson, for our latest Big Bite Series to find out more about the buzz it’s been creating and to get a peak behind its enticing menu.
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Please tell us how Asha's Manchester was born.
The inspiration behind Asha's is the legendary singer Asha Bhosle. The first Asha's was born in 2002 in Dubai. Since then, it has grown, and it was noticed that Indian food is quite liked in the UK, inspiring us to open Asha's Manchester in 2016. Today you can enjoy Asha's across two continents, five countries, and 14 Locations – Manchester, Birmingham, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
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What was the reason behind its closure for a period of time?
The restaurant was closed for refurbishment, and behind the scenes at 47 Peter Street we were working to open Forty-Seven, Manchester's latest boutique hotel with lavish suites and bedrooms. Forty-Seven is an intelligent luxury hotel for those who appreciate statement and style while they sojourn. There will also be the “Asha's Suite” inspired with delicate Indian patterns and rich colours to transport guests to the middle-east.
Reopening Asha's Manchester, we added a selection of new dishes as well as the appearance of the interiors. We have refreshed the welcome lobby setting the tone of a sophisticated and contemporary dining experience. Our latest cocktail lounge, 'The Peterman, ' offers guests of Asha's a spot to relax and recline for a signature aperitif, cocktail or post-dinner digestive.
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Please give us a taste of the menu and Asha’s signature style.
Asha's champions authentic Indian food and culinary innovation. The secret behind the success of Asha's is the same as that of the iconic singer herself – authenticity, beautifully refined taste and, above all, love.
The story of Asha's is a tale of personal passion and culinary innovation, where music and food come together in perfect harmony. Our contemporary signature dishes showcase an array of classic spice blends, preparations and techniques from the northwest frontier of Indian cuisine.
Muscat Ghosh, Kesar Biryani, and Rogan Josh are some of Ashaji's own recipes. Aromatic cardamom, piquant chillies, earthy cumin and other spices work harmoniously with sweet, bold, spicy and sour notes to create a perfect repertoire of her unforgettable dishes. Asha Bhosle still personally oversees the work of the restaurant's spice master to ensure the essence of her culinary philosophy is imprinted in every kitchen and in every diner's experience.
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What are some future plans in store?
Asha's will commemorate its 20th anniversary this year. In retrospect, a few top-selling dishes from the last two decades are being revived. Guests can reminisce about the exclusive 20-year menu and indulge in the gourmet signature dishes that will take you on a nostalgic journey of food and memories.
We aim to provide an award-winning dining experience in the vibrant heart of the UK's curry capital, Manchester, making it the perfect venue for an after-work gathering, a pre-theatre meal, or a post-movie curry. Signature cocktails and spectacular food in a stunning setting, enjoy the finest Indian culinary traditions in truly opulent surroundings. It's everything Indian cuisine should be. Inside, elegant interiors and lavish comfort befitting an Indian palace await – a setting worthy of Michelin-listed Indian cuisine.
*Info: Asha's Manchester