The award recognises restaurants that have made “outstanding contributions” to introducing Indian gastronomy to local communities worldwide.
Asha’s Restaurant in Birmingham has been honoured with the prestigious global recognition from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), awarded to only five restaurants on a global stage. The venue, located on Newhall Street and loved by both locals and international visitors, is the only restaurant in the UK to receive the Annapurna Certificate, a rare accolade presented by the Government of India for its role in promoting authentic Indian cuisine and preserving cultural heritage globally.
Marking the 75th anniversary of the ICCR, the award recognises restaurants that have made “outstanding contributions” to introducing Indian gastronomy to local communities worldwide, and for upholding the essence of India’s culinary traditions. The award was presented at the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi on 9th April, attended by senior dignitaries and key representatives. The evening was marked by the presence of Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Honourable Minister of External Affairs, who served as the Chief Guest acknowledging the role of Indian cuisine in shaping cultural dialogue across borders.
Zanai Bhosle represented Asha’s Restaurants International — founded by her grandmother, the legendary Asha Bhosle — at the ICCR’s 75th anniversary celebration in New Delhi, attended by Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar.
Representing Asha’s Birmingham at the ceremony, general manager Nouman Farooqui led the delegation to New Delhi to accept the award. Reflecting on the recognition, Farooqui shared: “We’re delighted to be acknowledged by the Government of India for our dedication to offering the highest quality Indian cuisine.”
This honour holds special meaning for Asha’s — a brand inspired by the legendary Asha Bhosle, one of India’s most iconic voices. Beyond her musical legacy, Asha Bhosle’s passion for cooking, rooted in memory and experimentation, laid the foundation for what would become a culinary brand with global reach.
From its first location in Dubai, Asha’s has grown into an award-winning restaurant group with over 14 locations across two continents, Middle East and United Kingdom. The recognition from ICCR follows a string of accolades for Asha’s. Just last autumn, it was ranked seventh in the UK’s Top 10 Indian Restaurants by the British Indian Good Food Guide — the only Birmingham restaurant to make the Top 20.
Over the years, Asha’s has quietly built a following among some of the world’s most recognisable names — from Hollywood actors like Tom Cruise and John Malkovich to music legends including Ed Sheeran and The Rolling Stones. Its thoughtful approach to flavour has also been acknowledged by celebrated chefs such as Heston Blumenthal, Glynn Purnell, Paul Rankin, and James Martin, each appreciating the consistency and depth behind every dish.
Known for its contemporary approach to traditional Indian cuisine, Asha’s menu is a blend of North-Western specialities, Indian home-style dishes, and modern interpretations, many of which are inspired directly by Asha Bhosle’s own personal recipes — giving guests not only a remarkable dining experience, but a cultural story behind every dish.
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