I recently attended the media opening night of Ashoka in Time Square Casino. Ashoka is a newly opened authentic Indian restaurant in the recently constructed and absolutely stunning Time Square Casino. Having not yet been to Time Square in Menlyn, I was very keen to finally be visiting it. The engineer in me, was in awe of the amazing structural steelwork at this recently opened Sun International Casino. Love the look of this modern designed building that very uniquely boasts the complex engineering. The foodie in me however, was looking forward to trying the Indian cuisine at Ashoka.

On our arrival at Ashoka we were treated to rose water welcome drinks outside on the warm and heater toasty balcony. We were also offered authentic henna artwork – I opted for the Ashoka 24 spoke wheel henna tatoo on my hand. After the arrivals, we were seated at tables inside. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and has a traditional Indian theme to it. I was fortunate to be seated at a table where everyone was happy to have all our meals placed in the centre of table so that we could each share and taste a little of everything; the best way to taste a vast variety of food. The starter platters at Ashoka included chicken Malai tikka, lamb sheekh kebab, cocktail chicken samoosas, as well as some vegetarian options such as mixed vegetable tikka, paneer tikka and cocktail Punjabi samoosas. I loved the chicken Malai tikka and the Punjabi samoosas – so very flavourful. For the main we shared each of the options between our table seating. This included the butter chicken, lamb Roganjosh and the vegetarian option which was Dhal Makhni and Muttar mushroom. This was served with traditional butter naan cooked in a tandoori oven and basmati rice. All the meal options were delicious however, my absolute favourite was the butter chicken. It was incredible. The chicken was tender, beautifully cooked and absolutely flavourful; a most impressive butter chicken indeed! The naan bread too, was remarkable. For dessert we were treated to carrot Halwa samoosas with coconut ice cream. I loved this dessert! The samoosas were sweet and tasty perfectly accompanied by the genuine tasting and delicious coconut ice cream – a very refreshingly unique dessert (I have yet to see this available in any other South African based Indian restaurant). Ashoka also stocks a wide range of wine and craft beer. I enjoyed a glass or two of the Annandale Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 – a delicious and smooth Cabernet Sauvignon – perfect for a chilly winter’s evening.

I had a great time visiting Ashoka in Time Square Casino. The food was lovely, the setting was stunning and the service was wonderful! Ashoka has certainly raised the standard for good authentic Indian cuisine in Gauteng. I look forward to returning to Ashoka again soon to try some of my personal Indian favourites such as Madras and Korma and of course let’s not forget that fantastic Butter Chicken!