Having limited experience with Indian cuisine (think Wholesome Choice Market "food court" Indian food) this fairly nearby establishment intrigued me to take a trip up to Little India, Artesia.
Ashoka was not hard to find as it was in the heart of Little India and faced Pioneer Blvd; and with a name after the legendary Ashoka, Emperor of India, I figured it would be a good place to start with real indian cuisine.
We went for dinner and walked into a fairly large restaurant complete with tables with white tablecloths. Very classy but we opted for the red booths.
After placing our order, our complimentary papadums came with 3 chutney sauces. The papadums looked like tortillas but were crisp and very thin. It was also flecked with black pepper. The chutneys were slightly chunky sauces to accompany the papadums, and the one that sticked out the most was a bright green one that looked like a green apple slushee. I later found out that it was the Mint Chutney and the other sauces were Tamarind and Tomato. It seemed all the sauces were too spicy for me. Next time, I'll pass on this one.
Our orders starting coming
^ The Chicken Tikka Masala- Tender and flavorful
^ The Lamb Curry Combination- I was okay on the Lamb but loved everything else
^ Garlic Naan (comes with Lamb Curry Combi)- Would have liked it to be softer instead of crisp
^ Tandoori Shrimp- Very plump and juicy, the winner of the night
^ Kheer Rice Pudding dessert (comes with Lamb Curry Combi)- Soothing after an intensely flavored meal.
At the beginning of the meal, I also ordered a Mango Lassi, which is an Indian yogurt shake with mango puree (looks like an orange shake). This was absolutely wonderful! It's a great drink to have especially when I'm such a wimp when it comes to spice as it soothed off the heat immediately after a sip. The taste by itself is tasty too, and I'm also a fan of mango.Tables all around us (all Indian customers- good sign!) were ordering samosas though (fried triangular pastries filled with various things). I'll have to try it next time.
Ashoka Cuisine of India
18614 Pioneer Blvd
Artesia, CA 90701
Ph 562-809-4229
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