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Ashiana

One of the first things I do when I get home to Belfast is go to Spicy world, and Indian restaurant and take-away near our house. On our regualr trips to Thessaloniki, we stock up on the Sharwoods range of Indian cooking sauces, curry pastes and puppodoms.

So, I was quite excited to learn that Tirana now has its own Indian restaurant. It's called Ashiana and it is by the Lana not far from Rinia Park. It's tiny - only holds about 20 people - and those who have tried it say that they need to be a bit more generous with the spices. However, I wish them success, and am planning my first visit soon.

Below is the blurb from the flyer announcing their opening.
Revered Sirs / Madam We have the pleasure to announce the opening of the first and only Indian Restaurant in Albania.

Location: Set in the chic locale of Tirana, the Indian restaurant provides a cozy nook for those looking for ambiance, elegance and of course good Indian cuisine.

The decor is unique with its recessed lighting and alcoves lined with wooden statues from Tamil Nadu, India. With soft classical tunes of the sitar and tabla playing in the background and paintings depicting the Moghul era lining the walls, Ashiana provide an atmosphere of modern elegance combined with traditional touches.

The menu is extensive with Chef Shankar Atulmana preparing each dish according to the individual palate. Dal Makhni, Chicken Tikka Masala, Zeera Aaloo, Lamb Curry, veg kurma, Kadhai Gosht dum phukt biryani ( Lamb/beef/chicken cooked with ginger, green peppers, tomatoes and hot spice in an Indian work…a speciality of the house), followed with gajar ka halwa or badam milk for desserts. We cook only Basmati rice.

Ashiana is an ideal place for a medium party or a romantic diner for two. For more… you can contact us at +355 69277 4459

Comments

bryan-in-greece said…
Sounds like an interesting place. Where do you stock up on Indian spices in Thessaloniki? I go to Kosmas Delicatessen in Vas. Irakliou St, but was wondering if you know of any other places (apart, say, from Vasilopoulos)... I'd be interested to know of anywhere with even more variety. BTW, an Indian has been open in Thes/niki for about a year now (a branch of the Maharajah in Hanioti in Halkidiki) and it is near the harbour, by Ladadika. If the Hanioti places is anything to go by, the new Thessaloniki Indian should be good for a visit.
11:13 am
bryan-in-greece said…
Sorry, on second thoughts that should be the Maharanj in Hanioti, not the Maharajah!! I have a feeling the place in Thes/niki goes by the same name.
11:43 am
eni said…
looks promising...
6:26 pm
Ll.T. said…
Alwyn, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Can't you find any good Albanian joints? :)
6:51 pm
olli said…
Bryan we cheat and buy everything in prepared sauces. We get them at Carrefour and another local supermarket - AB? Can't remember the name.

LLukan, I eat out at least three times a week, nearly always in Albanian restaurants. Everyone needs a little variety - spice of life.
7:00 pm
Ll.T. said…
Good, for a sec you had me worried that we needed to get you an Albanian cook :)
7:06 pm
olli said…
Maybe I should start doing some restaurant reviews on here.
7:32 pm
Ll.T. said…
I'm all for it; I need a good guide to use myself :)
8:58 pm
bryan-in-greece said…
AB is Άλφα Βασιλόπουλος, A Vasilopoulos (near IKEA) - if you like Thai and Chinese food, Kosmas is worth a try too, they have a good range of various foods from that part of the world...
9:29 pm
Anonymous said…
Alwyn, where exactely is this restaurant? I will be there in March, would love to try it.
5:43 pm
Anonymous said…
Hi, I have been to this resturant. It was a great experience. I am an Indian, and found that owner Mr Gunsen is from my native place. Had long chat wth him.

Food, is preety indian. Although I had ordered only one plate..which was great... i am going to try other dishes soon. and let you guys know...
11:08 am
Anonymous said…
http://www.spicyworldgroceries.com
Spicyworld Indian Groceries Belfast
5:26 pm
VNR said…
Chakra Jonë is the only Indian restaurant in Tirana, Albania. Traditional Indian cuisine is prepared by an Indian Chef Manish Rana.

https://www.facebook.com/ChakraJone

www.chakrajone.com
11:28 pm
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