Ashoka — Restaurant in England

The interior was pleasant, very much like a Goa'uld mothership. Looking at previous reviews I’d have expected this place to be excellent but that rather more points to personal preferences I suppose, although I can be objective in my reviews as I am quite the curry enthusiast and visitor of many, many establishments serving spiced delights. So then let me begin: The menu: Nothing different from a standard curry house here, same as what you’d expect anywhere. All the usual stuff to cater to the wants of the local population I guess. I’d love to see a place serving good, traditional home cooked Asian foods but I suppose business needs to make money and they cater to demand. The food: Nothing special, in fact mediocre in comparison to many other places. I get the impression this place sells itself as quite the exclusive dining arena and reading previous review, people seem to follow hype. Portion size, although in reality healthy and normal, was really quite small. I had a chicken dish and in comparison to most other places I’ve been to, the amount of chicken was sparse. I’ve received way more protein in a take away curry. The naan bread was light, yet delicious, rice was cooked well. Overall, for the price and its reputation, it doesn’t quite live up to what I’d expect, I’ve had better, more authentic and delicious dishes from a take away. Another thing I noticed. I understand it’s traditional in the north to consume alcohol and almost considered odd if you do not, however upon informing the server id like water with my meal, it appeared to confuse the young man. These places must make a lot of money from alcohol sales but hey I shouldn’t be made to feel bad because I’m not a poison enjoyer. Why can’t I get a nice cup of spiced black tea with my meal? I’ve only rated two stars because I can say with honesty that for the price and the amount of food I got, it really isn’t up to much. I’ve had far better for far cheaper in Shields and even from a take away. That said, the place was packed and seems very popular so they’re doing something right so check it out for yourself and, if like me you’re not impressed, go somewhere else...

I would never normally raise an issue like this online however, Ashoka Seaham have really disappointed us tonight, been here many a time spending £300-£400 for a group of 6 or more previously and we have been very happy with everything.

Booked for our anniversary for the two of us tonight. Initially after ordering we were really impressed after they had taken notice of an allergy suffered by my partner (which is rare). We had our starter was asked if everything was ok we replied yes at that time, our mains arrived and mine inparticular was really nice, my partners on the other hand and the naan bread was not up to par, it was charred and dry to the point.of inedible (like chicken had been say for a week) and the keema naan had barely any meat in it. At the point of paying for the £100 bill we advised we were not happy with one main and the naan. We were greeted with hostility and argument even after advising we were happy with the original service and ONE of the mains. The server we spoke to who we were originally very happy with basically argued with us saying we called him a liar because he stated he asked if all was ok during the main which he didn't.

I will never step foot in there again purely because anything that is raised they argue in the middle of a busy restaurant to the point where you feel so embarrassed you have no option but to pay your bill and leave.

Ashoka Seaham you need to learn the meaning of customer service.

I would like to add we had told 2 previous servers the food was not as we expected 1 walked away and 1 just basically told is "this is how it is".

Our anniversary meal is ruined and I will ensure everyone I know does not...

Lovely welcome... We had pre booked for downstairs in a nice area, as we'd never been before... So asked for the booker to choose us a nice table, so we were under his recommendation.

We were led upstairs, when there were still tables downstairs?

However we still went upstairs to check it out but there was only one couple up there and not much atmosphere, for our special night out.

So I mentioned I'd pre booked downstairs and the man then took us back down to see what he could do.

We were eventually sat in the window table and this was fine, as there was a better atmosphere and lots going on.

We ordered our meal quite quickly and asked for time in between courses so not to feel rushed. As we hadn't been before it would've been nice to be recommended extra starters ie poppadoms n pickles.....

As after ordering the starter, we hadn't seen them on the menu so we asked the waiter back after ordering to ask for them, nothing was a problem and this was sorted out.

We had the pickles and poppadoms and a relaxing drink chatting....

The main starter came, lamb chops and was beautiful, tasted lush! Not as much meat but still the taste was there....

The main came as requested with time in between.... Lamb korma and a coconut rice, I do like sweet tastes however this was too sweet for me, so I ate out the meat and a little lamb, again not much of the meat, very small bits....

Overall for what we paid it was nice but the meat content was a little low for our first visit.

Good luck for...