Asha Bhosle opens restaurant in UK

LONDON: Legendary singer Asha Bhosle has opened her first restaurant in Britain, Asha's, after the chain's success in Kuwait and Dubai.

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, Asha's has become a star attraction for its exotic 'desi' fare for the British palate, a spokesman of the eatery said on Sunday.

The singer spent three months developing a menu for the new restaurant which serves traditional Indian dishes and contemporary flavours.

The menu also includes Asha's late husband, singer RD Burman's favourite dishes.

"We picked up something from Punjab, something from Maharashtra, and by picking up bits and pieces from many places I prepared the menu," Asha told 'Curry Life', a culinary magazine.

The 73-year-old singer, who has lent her voice to over 900 movies, said she devotes equal attention to cooking as she does to her singing.

"My father was a big stage artist and classical singer, and he liked to eat good food. Every morning he ate chicken and in the evening fish, every day, so we were also eating that food with him; we liked good food. Now I am not eating that every day, but I like to cook good food," she said.

Four years ago the first Asha's restaurant opened in Dubai, followed by one in Kuwait. She plans to have more outlets in Leicester, Manchester and London by the end of this year.

The menu at Asha's is both extensive and exotic, and includes enticements like Jheenga Ajwain Waala (jumbo prawn kebabs) and Dhaniya Murg (chicken cooked in a coriander seed and cashew nut gravy) alongside a cornucopia of cocktails, breads and deserts.