New Delhi: Legendary singer Asha Bhosle’s death on April 12, 2026, has left a deep void in the hearts of her admirers. Across a career spanning more than eight decades and over 12,000 songs in multiple languages, her voice shaped generations. Yet her legacy extends far beyond music. Few know that alongside her remarkable singing journey, Asha Bhosle nurtured a lifelong passion for cooking. This love began in childhood, when she travelled widely with her father’s theatre troupe and cherished shared meals with the entire crew.
Over time, that early fascination with food evolved into a serious culinary pursuit. In 2002, she launched Asha’s, opening its first outlet at Wafi Mall in Dubai. What began as a single restaurant soon grew into an international chain with 14 outlets across two continents. Her personal recipes and signature garam masala, pounded in Mumbai, became the foundation of its distinctive flavour. Let’s dive into her culinary journey.
Asha Bhosle restaurant journey and celebrity patrons
Asha Tai’s art of cooking
After her father’s death when she was nine, Asha and her sisters, including Lata Mangeshkar, took on family responsibilities while pursuing music. Cooking, initially a necessity, gradually became her creative refuge. She mastered North Indian and Maharashtrian dishes at home, refining techniques through practice and observation. Over the years, she developed a sharp instinct for balance of spices, texture and aroma, skills that later shaped her restaurant kitchens.
Expansion across Middle East and UK
Following a strong response in Dubai, Asha’s expanded to Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi and later to Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. The brand entered the UK with outlets in Birmingham and Manchester. While Asha Bhosle held a 20 per cent stake, reports suggested the venture contributed significantly to her reported net worth of Rs 200-250 crore.
Asha’s cuisine
- North Indian-focused menu with vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections
- Signature dishes include Bhatti Ka Chaap, Makai Seekh Kebab and Fish Biryani
- Muscat Gosht and Awadhi Chicken Biryani among customer favourites
- Kodi Curry and Peshawari Maa Ki Daal featured prominently
- Several recipes personally curated by Asha Bhosle
- Awadhi cuisine techniques learnt through close family associations
Tom Cruise and global admirers
In 2021, Tom Cruise visited the Birmingham outlet during a break while filming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. He arrived without prior booking and requested no special treatment. Seated among regular diners, he enjoyed Chicken Tikka Masala and ordered a second portion. The visit sparked the viral phrase “Two Tikka Tom”.
It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Tom Cruise to Asha’s Birmingham yesterday evening 🌟
Tom ordered our famous Chicken Tikka Masala and enjoyed it so much that as soon as he had finished, he ordered it all over again – The greatest compliment 😋 pic.twitter.com/gemd7QJUEg
— Asha’s (@Ashas_UK) August 22, 2021
The restaurant has also welcomed Ed Sheeran, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Pink, who once praised her meal publicly during a UK concert.
Statement from Asha’s Birmingham
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved founder and the voice that inspired generations, Asha Bhosle.
We remain dedicated to honoring her memory by continuing the culinary journey she so dearly loved. pic.twitter.com/heoXulk4BN
— Asha’s (@Ashas_UK) April 12, 2026
Dubai outlet closes in mourning
Following her passing, the Wafi Mall outlet in Dubai temporarily closed as a mark of respect. A statement on the official website described her as the heart and spirit behind the brand, crediting her instinct for flavour and hospitality for shaping its identity.
Asha Bhosle’s voice travelled across continents. Her garam masala did too. In every kitchen that carries her name, music and memory now share the same table.