ashoka
MENU
Appetizers
Classic appetizers featuring poppadoms, chutneys, pickles, and tasty sides to start your meal perfectly.
Starters
Delicious starters including crispy pakoras, grilled meats, seafood, and traditional Indian flavours.
Vegan Starters
Fresh vegan starters prepared with vegetables, plant-based ingredients, spices, and authentic Indian recipes.
House Main Curries
Rich house curries featuring aromatic spices, creamy sauces, and traditional Indian cooking styles.
Vegetarian Menu
Flavourful vegetarian dishes made with fresh vegetables, lentils, paneer, and authentic Indian spices.
Vegan Curries
Delicious vegan curries prepared with plant-based ingredients, rich sauces, and traditional Indian flavours.
Speciality Dishes
Signature speciality dishes featuring premium meats, seafood, unique spices, and chef-inspired recipes.
From The Grill
Tandoori grilled dishes featuring marinated meats, seafood, and smoky flavours cooked to perfection.
Rice and Naans
Fresh rice and naan selections prepared with traditional flavours to complement your favourite curries.
Vegan Rice and Naans
Plant-based rice and naan options offering authentic taste with fresh vegan-friendly ingredients.
Drinks
Refreshing beverages including soft drinks, juices, and sparkling options to complete your meal.
Ashoka (Ashton Lane) (FAQs)
General FAQs
A: This location primarily offers traditional Indian cuisine selections.
A: Yes, appetizers such as Poppadoms, Chicken Pakora, and Vegetable Samosas are available.
A: Yes, there is a dedicated section for Vegan Starters and Vegan Curries available.
A: Main curry styles include Jaipuri, Chasni, Rogan Josh, Karahi Bhoona, and various house specialties.
A: Yes, there are main dishes available from the grill, such as Chicken Tikka Main and Tandoori Mixed Platter.
A: Yes, options include Mushroom Rice, Pilau Rice, Plain Nan, and Garlic & Corriander Nan.
A: Yes, the menu includes items like Bengali King Prawn Curry and Ashoka Sea Food Special.
A: Some dishes, like Rogan Josh and Peshwari Nan, explicitly state they contain nuts as an allergen.
A: Yes, there are several varieties of naan, including Plain Nan, Garlic Nan, and Peshwari Nan.
A: Vegetarian options include Vegetable Pakora, Aloo Chana Kumba, and Bombay Potatoes.
Pricing FAQs
A: Prices are displayed in Great British Pounds, such as £0.95 for Poppadoms.
A: Appetizers generally range from £0.95 to £7.95, while main curries are priced around £10.95.
A: Items marked with ‘hasCustomizations’ may result in different pricing upon selection.
A: Rice and naan items are generally priced between £1.50 and £4.25 based on the selection.
A: Vegan main curries are listed with specific prices, such as £11.95 for Vegan Chasni.
A: Canned soft drinks, like Coke Can 330ml, are priced around £2.75.
A: The menu displays the base price for each item, but specific VAT inclusion details are not stated here.
A: Yes, specialty dishes like Butter Chicken are listed at a higher price point than standard curries.
A: Yes, the lowest priced item listed is Tandoori Roti at £1.50.
A: Larger items like the Tandoori Mixed Platter are priced higher, at £20.95, compared to single mains.
Popular Items at Ashoka
When dining at Ashoka, you are greeted with a menu that honors both time-tested Indian traditions and creative culinary innovation. The popularity of their dishes stems from a deep commitment to high-quality ingredients, from their signature tandoori preparations to expertly spiced curries.
- The 48 Hour Chicken Tikka is widely chosen by regulars for its depth of flavor, achieved through a slow-marination process that makes the meat incredibly tender
- Railway Lamb remains a standout favorite among those seeking a classic, comforting dish, featuring succulent lamb cooked with new potatoes in a rich, robust sauce
- The Karamelised Kashmiri is frequently ordered by diners who appreciate a unique, chef-inspired specialty that balances aromatic spices with a subtle, delicate sweetness
- Freshly baked Tandoori Breads are commonly selected as the essential companion to any main, praised for their soft, pillowy texture and authentic charcoal-grilled aroma
Budget-Friendly Choices at Ashoka
Ashoka offers a sophisticated dining experience, and you can enjoy their high-quality traditional dishes while keeping an eye on your budget by focusing on their classic staples and curated sides.
| Option Type | What to Expect | Smart Choice Example |
| Value meals | Authentic, high-quality staples | Classic Curry |
| Light meals | Smaller, flavorful portions | Traditional Samosas |
| Saver deals | Simple, satisfying combinations | Roti or Naan with side |
| Everyday picks | Practical and robust flavors | Tandoori Chicken |
- Choosing a Classic Curry rather than a complex chef specialty is an effective way to enjoy the restaurant’s renowned spice blending at a more accessible price point
- Ordering a selection of sides like Traditional Samosas or fresh Roti allows you to sample a variety of textures and flavors while managing your total bill
- The Tandoori Chicken remains a high-value, protein-forward choice that showcases the kitchen’s expertise in traditional clay-oven cooking
What to Order at Ashoka Based on Your Needs
Because Ashoka caters to both traditionalists and those looking for something new, their menu provides a perfect balance for different occasions and individual tastes.
- For solo meals: A hearty portion of Railway Lamb provides a deeply satisfying, warming experience that stands well on its own
- For those seeking variety: Ordering a few starters like Kebabs or small plates allows for an enjoyable, tapas-style experience
- For meat lovers: The 48 Hour Chicken Tikka is the ultimate choice for experiencing the restaurant’s mastery of spice and marinade
- For those who enjoy comfort food: A classic, fragrant Biryani is always a reliable and popular choice for a complete meal
- For a quick, flavorful bite: Their Tandoori Breads paired with a simple vegetable side are perfect for a light, yet authentic, dinner
- If you prefer a spicier or stronger flavor, ask for their traditional spicy chef specialties, which are designed for those who appreciate bold, lingering heat
- If you are looking for a lighter option, the Tandoori-grilled meats are excellent choices that focus on lean protein and fresh, aromatic spices
What to Know Before Ordering from Ashoka
Knowing the restaurant’s culinary approach helps you select a meal that matches your appetite and expectations for flavor intensity.
- Portion sizes at Ashoka are generally designed to be substantial, especially when accompanied by bread or rice
- Their commitment to “Irani cafe” style ambiance means that the menu includes both familiar favorites and intriguing, less-common regional dishes
- Some signature items like the 48 Hour Chicken Tikka may have limited daily availability due to the intensive preparation process
- It is highly recommended to book a table in advance, as Ashoka is a well-regarded staple in local dining scenes and often busy
- The staff are knowledgeable about spice levels, so do not hesitate to ask for recommendations if you are unsure about the intensity of a particular curry
Is Ashoka Halal, Vegan, or Vegetarian Friendly?
Ashoka provides a thoughtful range of options to accommodate various dietary requirements, and their team is always available to guide you through the menu.
| Category | Availability |
| Halal | Many locations offer halal-certified meat; please verify with your specific branch |
| Vegetarian | A wide selection of traditional vegetable-based curries and sides are always available |
| Vegan | Several dishes can be prepared vegan-friendly upon request; check with your server |
Alternatives to Ashoka
If you are exploring the diverse world of Indian cuisine in the UK, these alternatives are often considered for their distinct regional styles and dedication to traditional cooking.
- Regional Tandoori Specialists are commonly chosen by diners looking for a deep focus on clay-oven cooking and charcoal-grilled meats
- Authentic Biryani Houses are often preferred by those who want to explore a wide variety of aromatic, spice-layered rice dishes
- Modern Fusion Indian Spots are suitable for users who enjoy traditional flavors blended with contemporary culinary techniques and local British ingredients
If you are planning a visit, would you like to know more about which regional Indian breads pair best with the specific curries on their current menu?Popular Items at Ashoka
When dining at Ashoka, you are greeted with a menu that honors both time-tested Indian traditions and creative culinary innovation. The popularity of their dishes stems from a deep commitment to high-quality ingredients, from their signature tandoori preparations to expertly spiced curries.
- The 48 Hour Chicken Tikka is widely chosen by regulars for its depth of flavor, achieved through a slow-marination process that makes the meat incredibly tender
- Railway Lamb remains a standout favorite among those seeking a classic, comforting dish, featuring succulent lamb cooked with new potatoes in a rich, robust sauce
- The Karamelised Kashmiri is frequently ordered by diners who appreciate a unique, chef-inspired specialty that balances aromatic spices with a subtle, delicate sweetness
- Freshly baked Tandoori Breads are commonly selected as the essential companion to any main, praised for their soft, pillowy texture and authentic charcoal-grilled aroma
Budget-Friendly Choices at Ashoka
Ashoka offers a sophisticated dining experience, and you can enjoy their high-quality traditional dishes while keeping an eye on your budget by focusing on their classic staples and curated sides.
| Option Type | What to Expect | Smart Choice Example |
| Value meals | Authentic, high-quality staples | Classic Curry |
| Light meals | Smaller, flavorful portions | Traditional Samosas |
| Saver deals | Simple, satisfying combinations | Roti or Naan with side |
| Everyday picks | Practical and robust flavors | Tandoori Chicken |
- Choosing a Classic Curry rather than a complex chef specialty is an effective way to enjoy the restaurant’s renowned spice blending at a more accessible price point
- Ordering a selection of sides like Traditional Samosas or fresh Roti allows you to sample a variety of textures and flavors while managing your total bill
- The Tandoori Chicken remains a high-value, protein-forward choice that showcases the kitchen’s expertise in traditional clay-oven cooking
What to Order at Ashoka Based on Your Needs
Because Ashoka caters to both traditionalists and those looking for something new, their menu provides a perfect balance for different occasions and individual tastes.
- For solo meals: A hearty portion of Railway Lamb provides a deeply satisfying, warming experience that stands well on its own
- For those seeking variety: Ordering a few starters like Kebabs or small plates allows for an enjoyable, tapas-style experience
- For meat lovers: The 48 Hour Chicken Tikka is the ultimate choice for experiencing the restaurant’s mastery of spice and marinade
- For those who enjoy comfort food: A classic, fragrant Biryani is always a reliable and popular choice for a complete meal
- For a quick, flavorful bite: Their Tandoori Breads paired with a simple vegetable side are perfect for a light, yet authentic, dinner
- If you prefer a spicier or stronger flavor, ask for their traditional spicy chef specialties, which are designed for those who appreciate bold, lingering heat
- If you are looking for a lighter option, the Tandoori-grilled meats are excellent choices that focus on lean protein and fresh, aromatic spices
What to Know Before Ordering from Ashoka
Knowing the restaurant’s culinary approach helps you select a meal that matches your appetite and expectations for flavor intensity.
- Portion sizes at Ashoka are generally designed to be substantial, especially when accompanied by bread or rice
- Their commitment to “Irani cafe” style ambiance means that the menu includes both familiar favorites and intriguing, less-common regional dishes
- Some signature items like the 48 Hour Chicken Tikka may have limited daily availability due to the intensive preparation process
- It is highly recommended to book a table in advance, as Ashoka is a well-regarded staple in local dining scenes and often busy
- The staff are knowledgeable about spice levels, so do not hesitate to ask for recommendations if you are unsure about the intensity of a particular curry
Is Ashoka Halal, Vegan, or Vegetarian Friendly?
Ashoka provides a thoughtful range of options to accommodate various dietary requirements, and their team is always available to guide you through the menu.
| Category | Availability |
| Halal | Many locations offer halal-certified meat; please verify with your specific branch |
| Vegetarian | A wide selection of traditional vegetable-based curries and sides are always available |
| Vegan | Several dishes can be prepared vegan-friendly upon request; check with your server |
Alternatives to Ashoka
If you are exploring the diverse world of Indian cuisine in the UK, these alternatives are often considered for their distinct regional styles and dedication to traditional cooking.
- Regional Tandoori Specialists are commonly chosen by diners looking for a deep focus on clay-oven cooking and charcoal-grilled meats
- Authentic Biryani Houses are often preferred by those who want to explore a wide variety of aromatic, spice-layered rice dishes
- Modern Fusion Indian Spots are suitable for users who enjoy traditional flavors blended with contemporary culinary techniques and local British ingredients
If you are planning a visit, would you like to know more about which regional Indian breads pair best with the specific curries on their current menu?
