Celebrate your graduation with an Indian summer at Asha’s

Graduation is a long-awaited celebration that Hollywood movies have persuaded us is the ultimate coming-of-age moment. But what happens after those awkward moments spent waiting patiently in line to have your picture taken throwing your cap in the air?

Celebrations with the family can sometimes be tense, as not everyone’s idea of a great night out or of fantastic cuisine is quite the same. So why not have a little fun at your graduation meal?

Getting an Indian may seem like a 3am choice after back-dooring it from Sound Control (RIP), but Asha’s is pure class.

Gold pillars announce the entrance and lead to a grand staircase, which takes diners up to the main area or down to an intimately lit second dining room and bar dubbed the “Bollibar”. All the tables are set up with wine glasses the size of small planets, so you’ll be sure to have a bolli-good time.

The décor is lavish and the large round tables upstairs make dining as a party feel inclusive. In addition to all their other spaces, Asha’s also possesses a private dining room that can accommodate groups up to 20 and is available to reserve with no upfront charge – meaning you and your party can enjoy your meal in private. Great if your granddad hasn’t quite mastered PC convo yet.

You may think Indian food can sometimes be a bit on the heavy side. Not at Asha’s. Having recently updated their menu for summer with light options using seasonal British ingredients, cooked using traditional Indian techniques, Asha’s offers guests the light but filling flavours of an Indian summer with every bite.

Asha’s is adventurous with food, but passion for flavour is what you taste the most.

Seafood is prevalent on the fine-dining menu with standout dishes such as the tandoor stone bass and sunchoke curry catching our attention, but other delicacies like lal maas (spicy lamb) and chicken cooked in a tandoori with chilli and caraway mean there’s something for everyone. There are also loads of veggie and vegan options, too.

If your parents have skinted out with your graduation present and booked you a meal to celebrate instead, take full advantage with the reasonably priced whole five-spiced lobster sourced fresh from the local fish market. Or stock up on cocktails and prosecco to celebrate how on earth you managed to finish your dissertation with a passing grade.

Asha’s also offers sharing menus to accommodate large parties, so if there’s a big group heading down everyone can indulge in a proper feast. The emperor’s platter, for example, contains the lobster alongside a whole school of seafood for all to enjoy. Alternatively, try the restaurant’s speciality kebab platter demonstrating their versatility with spices.

The fine-dining aesthetic of Asha’s means the red carpet is already laid out when you arrive, and staff treat you like a VIP from the offset. Frequented by celebrities, including Ed Sheeran after his recent stint of Etihad tours, if you’re looking for a premium experience Asha’s won’t let you down.

To congratulate the brilliant students of Manchester, the restaurant will be giving a glass of fizz to everyone dining as part of a graduation party. So your parents won’t be the only ones forking out for how fab you are.

Enjoy a toast to your brilliance and line your stomach with some great food before you head off to rule your first night out as a fully functioning member of society. Ish.

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