A former international student from India has swapped his recruitment job for life in the kitchen.
Ashik Jose moved to Bolton from Warrington two weeks ago to start his own small eatery in Bolton Town Centre.
Originally from India, Ash brings a taste of his homeland in his cuisine to Bolton, with a range of food he likes to make at home as well.
On the menu, people can find Ashik’s own version of tacos, various wings with different sauces, loaded fires, burgers, wraps, and spiral potato sticks.
Food from Ashmade (Image: Ashik Jose)
He said: “It’s just a little takeaway with food made my Ash – me.
“It’s a very new business yet.
“I love cooking and was in recruitment before, but cooking is my passion.
“The people of Bolton are amazing and love eating out and trying new things, so I came here from Warrington to start my new business.
“I just do not want to depend on anyone and it’s a risk actually if this does not work but only I will suffer if this does not work out.”
Ashik wants to turn the business into a successful franchise one day, but his main goal is to share his food with the people of Bolton and turn his lifelong cooking hobby into a career.
Ashik said: “I recommend people try the wings because you do not find these flavours everywhere.
Ashik Jose (Image: Ashik Jose)
“I also make South Indian kebabs which is quite different to the ones people normally get from restaurants.
“It’s just so rewarding for me to see people enjoying my food.”
Ashik came to the UK in 2021 and studied logistics but said he wanted to leave his ‘white collar job’ for cooking.
The business has started off slow for Ashik, but he is hopeful that he will be able to cement his business in the town centre.
READ MORE: New food hygiene ratings for five of Bolton's eateries
READ MORE: Tortilla open third store in Manchester - we paid it a visit
READ MORE: Westhoughton's Provenance Food Hall Cafe to undergo transformation
He said: “Some days are not that good, and I struggle as it is in a blind spot too, so I try and put boards out and let people know I am here.
“What makes the place so unique is that I am only cooking here.
“I am making dishes that only I make this way and I hope people will come and try my own recipes.”
Ashmade is now open for service and can be found on Bridge Street.
On Wednesdays, Ash makes chicken mandi rice, an Arabic dish, while on Thursdays, butter chicken is the special, and on weekends, it is biriyani.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article