Ashoka's aim is to treat diners to some traditional and innovative Indian dishes, in a relaxed atmosphere. Its demure entrance leads you to a large dining room, replete with rich dark hues and warm lighting.

The main draw is owner Rafiq Miah's specialities, which are tried and tested by the man himself. The ayre mas with sathkora is a blend of fresh, de-boned fish, slightly bitter lime, chillies and mustard oil, and chicken or lamb mashriki cooked in a thick sauce with green capsicum, garlic and onions with a hint of spinach. These specialities, served with pilaf rice, are made using seasonal ingredients and are subject to availability.

The menu is helpfully divided into sections based on different styles of Indian cooking, like tandoori, bhuna, dupiaza, rogan, balti, vindaloo and kurma. Other house specialities include garlic tikka king prawn and Mughlai chicken.