Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia, California, affectionately known as Little India, is a vibrant hub of Indian culture and cuisine. Amidst this bustling stretch, Ashoka the Great, located on Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia, stands out as a consistently popular restaurant. Named after the great Indian emperor who reigned from 273 to 232 B.C., Ashoka the Great offers a taste of authentic Indian flavors in the heart of Artesia. Owner Darshan Singh’s vision brings traditional Indian dishes to life, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine cuisine of India in Artesia, CA.
Upon being seated, guests are welcomed with a complimentary basket of papadum, crisp and peppery baked wafers that awaken the palate.
Fresh mint chutney and spicy pickled carrots at Ashoka the Great, Artesia, CA
Accompanying the papadum are vibrant fire-red pickled carrots, offering a spicy and tangy kick, and a cooling mint chutney, providing a refreshing counterpoint. These complimentary starters perfectly set the stage for the flavorful journey ahead at Ashoka the Great.
For starters, the Mulligatawny soup ($2.99) is a hearty and satisfying choice. This flavorful soup, made with chicken, lentils, and a blend of aromatic Indian spices, offers a warming and comforting introduction to the meal.
Hearty Mulligatawny soup with chicken and lentils at Ashoka the Great Indian cuisine restaurant
Another excellent appetizer option is the Keema Samosas ($2.99). These crispy, spiced ground beef turnovers are served with a tangy tamarind chutney, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Savory Keema Samosas with ground beef and tamarind chutney, Indian appetizer
The Mix Tandoori Grill ($11.50) is a show-stopping dish, perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of tandoori specialties. This sizzling platter arrives piled high with onions and features a delicious assortment of tandoori chicken, seekh kabab, chicken tikka, lamb tikka, and tandoori fish, all cooked in a traditional tandoor oven.
Sizzling Mix Tandoori Grill platter with tandoori chicken, seekh kabab, and more
For a classic Indian curry, the Chicken Palak ($6.99) is highly recommended. Tender pieces of white meat chicken are simmered in a rich and creamy spinach curry, creating a flavorful and comforting dish.
Creamy Chicken Palak with tender chicken and spinach curry, Indian cuisine
The Roghan Josh ($7.75), with its regal name, is another standout curry. This dish features succulent boneless lamb chunks enveloped in a flavorful sauce of ginger, garlic, aromatic herbs, and spices, delivering a truly authentic Indian culinary experience.
Flavorful Roghan Josh lamb curry with ginger, garlic, and spices
Vegetarian diners will appreciate the Saag Paneer ($5.75), a classic and comforting dish of firm, house-made white cheese in a creamy spinach sauce.
Homemade Saag Paneer with spinach and cheese in creamy sauce
No Indian meal is complete without the perfect bread, and Ashoka the Great offers a variety of savory options. The tandoor-fired naan ($1.25) is a must-order, known for its fluffy texture and crisp base. For extra flavor, the Garlic Naan ($1.75) adds a delightful complexity.
Fluffy Tandoor-fired Naan bread, essential Indian cuisine side dish
Even more indulgent are the Poori ($1.50), deep-fried discs of puffy bread that are simply irresistible.
Delicious Poori, deep-fried puffy bread from Indian cuisine
For rice dishes, the Vegetable Biryani ($5.50) is a flavorful and aromatic choice. Cooked with fragrant basmati rice, onions, tomatoes, yogurt, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a satisfying and complete meal in itself.
Aromatic Vegetable Biryani with rice, vegetables, and yogurt, Indian rice dish
To complement the rich flavors, Raita ($1.50), a refreshing blend of yogurt and diced cucumber, acts as a tangy and cool condiment.
To drink, the Mango Lassi ($1.99) is a quintessential Indian beverage. This textbook version is perfectly creamy, sweet, and refreshing.
Refreshing Mango Lassi, classic Indian yogurt drink
While Ashoka the Great may not be reinventing Indian cuisine, it consistently delivers flavorful and authentic dishes at remarkably affordable prices. Located on Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia, Ashoka the Great is a fantastic option to experience the genuine taste of India without breaking the bank. For a delicious and budget-friendly cuisine of India experience in Artesia, CA, Ashoka the Great is definitely worth a visit.
Ashoka the Great: Paying Tribute to Indian Ruler in Artesia
