The changing face of the curry house – Linlithgow restaurant blazes a modern trail but keeps the tradition

Chef Tariq Ahmed was taught to cook by his father, Rashid, who founded the popular eaterie on Mill Road in 1984 after moving from the Punjab area of Pakistan.

He said: “He taught me in the kitchen here and I am proud to be carrying on in my dad’s footsteps. He liked cooking anything but his favourites always had a thick sauce, like karahi.

“I keep that going to this day, using the same recipes. I particularly like making naans which are very large, as is the tradition.”

And for the Ahmed family who run the Linlithgow restaurant, there is no need for alcohol to enjoy their fine cuisine.

Tariq’s brother, Ackie, said having a “dry” restaurant meant it was a place where families can relax more. He added: “It is part of a cultural change that we are seeing everywhere – we supply a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks, including beers.”

Modern decor

Ackie, who also cooks in the kitchen, said that although traditional recipes are very important, there has to be a modern twist, and that includes the way the restaurant looks.

He said: “There are no sticky carpets, velour curtains, flock wallpaper or a fish tank in the corner. We have given the place a contemporary feel because that is what the customers want.”

Helping others

There are a number of ways The Ashmaan helps others, both close to home and over in Pakistan.

They have teamed up with the Linlithgow Grange Rotary Club who refer people who use foodbanks to the restaurant. They are given a voucher which means they can go in for a free meal.

They also support many local sports clubs and charities.

In Pakistan, family and friends tell them of people who are struggling to access fresh water – a major health problem in that part of the world. The team at the restaurant then supply water filtration units and pumps to allow water to be safely taken from bore holes.

Younger brother Farooq said: “My mum, Rashida Begum, would have liked to have known we do this. She was always very keen to spend money on the poor and she was always wonderful to us.

“We don’t want to shout about it but people are struggling here, and in Pakistan and other places across the world. It is part of our religion as well but we are just pleased to be able to help, however small or large the problem may be.”

To book a table, read the menu and learn more about the what makes The Ashmaan a great place to eat, go to www.theashmaan.co.uk or call 01506 845097.