LOCATIONLocated in Blawyn.
PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAIf you think that suburban shopping strips don’t have good places to eat then you should think again, especially if the suburb in question is Balwyn. Aashiana is one of those places that has earned suburban Melbourne a good name. It’s located in a small shopping centre on Belmore Road, cheek to cheek with other good little restaurants that are supervised by the neighbouring supermarket. When you walk into Aashiana you’re guaranteed to be welcomed with a smile and lovely, spicy scents wafting from the kitchen. The dining room itself is pleasant and warm, with Indian paintings decorating the saffron-coloured walls.
One of my favourite things about Aashiana is the tandoor oven, and it will most likely become an integral part of your dining experience, too. All of the dishes cooked in the oven are winners, from the mushrooms to the sheikh kebabs. The menu is clearly divided into two sections, with offerings that will please both meat eaters and vegetarians and there is an excellent range of banquet menus, perfect if you’re having trouble making up your mind. A few tips, though; the pumpkin masala, served in half a pumpkin shell is divine. Another standout is the baigan bharta, consisting of tandoor-roasted eggplant cooked with lots of spices and while it’s not much to look at, it is very enjoyable to eat. Old favourites like butter chicken and rogan josh are done expertly, too. The waiters are lovely but if you feel like a night on the couch, just ring up and ask to get your curry-fix delivered to your door.
Rita Erlich