OHMYGOODNESS! Of all the restaurant reviews I've written, I can't believe I've never written one for here. Well, if you've stopped by here before, you know that I'm passionate about food, especially ethnic foods. Indian food, just happens to be one of my absolute favorite cuisines. And while I am a Taiwanese-American, if I were to ever be reincarnated, I'd wish I was born into an Indian household. Why do I say that? Because I LOVE everything about their culture, the people, and most importantly, the food! Onto the review, when I used to live Norcross, I'd always drive by Global Mall, now known as an "Indian Mall," but I had never stopped by, until my sister dragged me out for lunch one fine day. I used to always go to Global Mall when I was younger and they had that massive playground, but over the course of fifteen years or so, that's changed drastically.
Let's get started:
♫The shopping center where Ashiana is located
♫Close-up of the sign
♫Inside of the restaurant
♫Plate 1: Fresh naan bread, palak paneer (deep green), tandoori chicken, mixed pakora (fried), chicken tikka masala (bright red), alok matar (peas and veggies) on fresh jasmine rice. Mostly everything offered on their buffet, minus 2-3 choices
♫Plate 2: Fresh jasmine rice, palak paneer, chicken tikka masala, mixed pakora and tandoori chicken
FOOD (5/5): I've had lots of Indian food in Georgia-I'd have to say that Ashiana is by far the most consistent in terms of taste and quality. I don't know/don't believe that there is an actual menu where you can order from, since I've only had their lunch and dinner buffet (same items, just a $1 difference), but I can tell you in terms of price also, you really do get your money's worth. Of their entire buffet, my absolute favorite is the chicken tikka masala. Incredibly large, juicy and tender chicke cooking in that red curry broth, which is also seasoned perfectly. I could literally eat plates of this alone. It's a staple dish at any Indian restaurant you encounter, especially a staple dish served in buffets. I've found other places to have tough pieces of chicken, hard to chew, and the red sauce incredibly salty or just extremely watered down or too oily, but not at Ashiana. I also really enjoy their palak paneer-it's like creamed spinach simmered with Indian spices. Very flavorful and creamy, and I love the fact that they add firm tofu chunks in theirs since it sets it apart from other places. And lastly-of the probably 20 or so times I've been just this year (I used to go at least once or twice a week), the tandoori chicken is consistently delicious. Warm, smokey, and incredibly moist. Sort of like a twist on grilled chicken, except it's slowly cooked and grilled in a tandoor. Add a squeeze of lemon and you're set. I've learned that once you find a treasure, you keep it, and Ashiana in my opinion, is a rare diamond hidden in the cave.
SERVICE (5/5): Impeccable. Service here is absolutely fantastic. I might be biased since I'm probably one of their BEST customers, but even since Day 1 when my sister first introduced me to this restaurant, their service was incredible. Usually 2-3 gentlemen, dressed in formal attire, are running the show here. They seat you immediately upon entering, take your drink order & provide you with whatever else you may need while helping yourself to the buffet. They do a great job of not intruding or disturbing you, while still giving their best service. Always really kind, talkative, and have a smile on their face. They've learned to just leave a water pitcher for me at my table every time I go here--thank heavens because I'm a water drinker-I hate having to wait for my water to be refilled. But here, in a metal pitcher, BAM...instant access. Also, they come and take away your plates as soon as you stand up to get a second helping. I've never experienced bad service here, definitely some of the nicest employees you'll come across, especially at an Indian restaurant. I'd totally pay for the service alone, and the fact that they're all uniformly dressed, adds formalness to the restaurant.
DECOR (5/5): I'd say the main dining area is probably a 3 alone-just because there's an awkwardly placed aquarium and palm trees/plant in the center of the restaurant. But the place is very neutral toned, so it's eyecatching and does not scream the flashiness of Bollywood. Their table linens are really nice in that they're white, but elegantly layered with gold on top. I really like the fact that there's booths to sit at too, if you don't enjoy sitting on wooden chairs, so that's definitely a plus. Their banquet halls deserve a 5 though from what I've heard. While I haven't physically seen them (but I will in June since my best friend's brother is hosting his engagement party there), I've heard it's "ALL-OUT," and decorated incredibly beautiful, from the chairs to the linens and purely to the size alone, so I really can't wait to check it out when the time comes.
Overall, I'd HIGHLY recommend this Indian restaurant amongst many/all of its contender in the Atlanta area. While it may be a trek for some, it's only a short drive from Atlanta to Jimmy Carter Road and from Gwinnett to here, but it's definitely worth giving a shot. Once you see the Global Mall sign, just walk in and follow the signs to go to Ashiana. It'll be on the first floor to your right. Their lunch/dinner buffet is always consistent and fresh, and for the price ($6.99/$7.99 weekdays and $9.99 for either lunch or dinner on weekends)....if you can find me a better price than that-I will be absolutely amazed. Drive on down here & get yourself a great meal :)
Norcross, GA 30071
Have a great day,
Sandy
FTC: I was not paid or compensated for this review, all reviews and opinions are my own.
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