As one of the oldest Indian restaurants in the city, Ashoka is known across Sheffield for its ‘reyt good curreh’ and unfailingly warm welcome.
Ashoka was established on Ecclesall Road in 1967 by Kamal Ahmed, a young Bengali who had no industry experience except waiting tables (he used to order tea at The Savoy to watch and learn the art of service) but was able to introduce the real flavours of Indian cooking to the neighbourhood long before multiculturalism entered the mainstream. Kamal went on to produce chilled ready meals in a Parkway factory which were sold to the likes of Harrods and Waitrose in the 80s, as well as opening two other restaurants in Sheffield and Dore. Over the years he trained front and back of house staff, many of whom went on to own their own restaurants in Sheffield and beyond.
Since Kamal’s retirement in 2004, the business has been in the hands of Rahul Amin, who has continued to focus on getting the basics right: a delicious plate of food, served by friendly people in a comfortable environment. In addition to good hospitality, Ashoka has always had a flair for standing out in the crowd. From handwritten calligraphy on the menus and Sheffield-made silver cutlery in the early days, to the unique Taxi Driver curry created by the restaurant, they know how to do things a little differently.
In 2020, Ashoka underwent a refurbishment inspired by the cafes of Mumbai and now features a monochrome tiled floor, tiffin boxes and wooden tables. These classic touches make it feel homely yet unlike most other curry houses, and the menu reflects this too. Karai, kashmiri and biryani jostle for diners’ attention alongside lamb chops, chicken tikka and butter naans from the traditional charcoal tandoor. Their drinks list, menu and service style is distinct to them, although it has inspired many other restaurants in the city over the years, and Ashoka remains a unique place thanks to its heritage in Sheffield.
Ashoka has been featured on The Times’ list of best curry houses in Britain and named in the Good Food Guide, but the biggest testament to its enduring success are the customers. Rahul and the team are grateful for each and every diner, from those who were there on opening day to first-time visitors. Consistency is key for any successful restaurant, with a touch of innovation, and that’s why the past 55 years have been amazing for Ashoka. Let’s look forward to many more years of delicious food and drink which is inspired by India and made in Sheffield.
