aashiana

My chicken wrap quest has taken me in both the Greek and Lebanese directions, so my visit to the heavily Indian-influenced Aashiana was a new experience.


I entered the small restaurant space tentatively, and a man in the corner immediately jumped up from a table and greeted me warmly. There were a few other patrons and a LOADED buffet. The smell of curry (not my favorite) permeated the air, but I pressed on and ordered the Kebab Mashweh ($5.99 + tax), described as a chicken kebab wrapped in bread. Lettuce and tomato were included, and I got the sauce on the side.


Proof of the skewering!

As I waited for my wrap to be made, I watched the diners go back to the buffet again and again. Apparently, the buffet is quite a draw, and from what I could see, the variety and quantity were outstanding.

But I wasn’t there for the buffet, I was there for a delicious chicken wrap. Did I get one? Yes, yes, I did. My first bite included some SUPER spicy (we’re talking lip burns here) hunks of chicken ensconced in a soft, pillowy, and slightly chewy naan. I loved the burn, I loved the nicely-browned naan, and I loved the amazing sauce, which was a bit thin but perfectly-made with bits of dill and cucumbers.


The only complaint I can possibly make is that the chicken was quite fatty--I don’t care who you are, you don’t want gristle in your mouth and I don’t either. The owner was extremely nice, and pretty much ordered me to come back and try the lunch buffet. I think I will.

Aashiana
31 Central Ave.
Albany, NY 12210