40 years after selling the first curry in Royal Burgh, this Indian eatery is still using traditional recipes
The Ashmaan restaurant and takeaway in Linlithgow first opened in 1984 and is still selling authentic dishes, prepared in the traditional way, with the big portions expected as a matter of honour by the Ahmed family.
Rashid’s son Farooq says: “My father learned how to cook because, like many truck drivers in Pakistan, he was away from home for days on end and needed a source of cheap and nutritious meals.
“The family were originally from Punjab and moved to Pakistan. They learned from their families because, despite times being tough financially, providing food for family and friends was an important part of the culture, an honourable thing to do.”
When Rashid moved to Scotland Glasgow in the 1960s he continued to drive trucks and set up a haulage business. His travels led him to Linlithgow and he bought a building on Mill Road, turning it into his own restaurant in 1984.
Farooq AhmedWho would have thought that Linlithgow, miles from the nearest cities where Indian restaurants were being established and taking off, would play host to a restaurant serving authentic Pakistani Punjabi food. ‘If the food is good, customers will come,’ my father would say, and that’s what we believe to this day.
Fine food, always
It was the first curry to be sold in the Royal Burgh and the quality is still delivered today. In the last 40 years the restaurant has seen two major revamps but the food remains much the same. Farooq adds: “Full portions, full taste – my father would say that customers must always be happy.”
Rashid Ahmed passed away in 2010 and The Ashmaan is now run by his children Ackie, Tariq, Farooq and Kausar.
The Tandoori dishes are always a favourite, according to Farooq, as are the naans, which have remained a large size, as is the Punjab tradition.
But there are also modern twists. Farooq said: “We have a range of gluten free options, the chapatis are very popular cooked this way. We are also aware of allergens and allow for them in our cooking, altering dishes when needed.
“For the future we have big plans to keep providing traditional food, but also adding to the menu. Watch this space!”
A proud tradition
Farooq said he has great satisfaction to be still providing great dishes and continuing the family tradition. He said: “Here we are, 40 years on, family run and family owned.
“Our parents would be proud, they were proud. ‘Keep your feet on the ground,’ they would say. ‘Be thankful and grateful. Work hard and don’t forget where we’ve come from.’”
To book a table, read the menu and learn more about the history of The Ashmaan, go to www.theashmaan.co.uk or call 01506 845097.