Ashoka Restaurant — Restaurant in Himachal Pradesh

The Ashoka is in a prime location on Jogiwara Road, in the heart of MacLeodganj. The downstairs seating has just 4 tables with a total of 16 covers. There's an upstairs rooftop seating as well, which I didn't check out. The downstairs dining area has pleasant maroon wooden walls and old pictures of McLeodganj that'll surprise you. However, the stone tabletops and granite floor gives the whole place a very cold appearance. This choice of décor is surprising in a place which is cold for half the year. Coming to the food, I ordered aloo mutter curry and roti for lunch. I was expecting a liquidy curry, but the food that turned up were chunks of potatoes and a few peas in a really thick masala gravy, prepared Mughlai style. There's a proper chef in a kitchen open on the sides. There's an extensive non-vegetarian offering here, and tandoori items are available in the evening. The service is brusque and oriented towards large groups, rather than solo...

That feeling when you take the first bite of something and just know you’ve made the right choice? That was Ashoka Restaurant for us. We ordered the Kadai Paneer and the Ashoka Special Chicken Masala, and honestly, both dishes were out of this world. The paneer had that perfect smoky, slightly charred edge, soaking up all the rich, spiced gravy. The chicken? Just incredible—fall-apart tender with layers of flavor that kept us going back for more.

Beyond the food, the service was spot on—friendly, fast, and effortlessly welcoming. There was no rushing, no long waits, just good food arriving at the perfect time. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel comfortable, like they genuinely want you to enjoy your meal.

If you’re in Dharamshala and craving North Indian food that actually delivers on flavor, this is your spot. Will 100% be...

Good Food, Poor Service. Good luck ordering food.

I first went to Ashoka nine years ago. I like their chicken Tikka masala and garlic cheese naan.

However my last two visits I simply wasn't successful in ordering food! Although Ashoka is usually near empty, I was never waited on. I waited fifteen minutes and left. This last time I went in at 11 am and ordered lunch, and then was told they weren't open for lunch. I asked when they did open, the waiter was nice enough said he'd go back and check and he came back and said "Sorry Sir".

I'd give any place a second chance but Ashoka flubbed it. I will not be returning. McLeod Ganj is full of good restaurants. Try Shangri-la down the street, Snow Lion, or Tibetan Kitchen. I don't see Ashoka surviving. It's...