Asda is to launch restaurant-standard curry counters in a number of its supermarket stores following a successful trial of the takeaway scheme.
Britain’s second-largest grocery retailer set up the first in-store curry counter in one of its Birmingham stores in April.
The concession, run by Bradford-based restaurant Zouk, proved extremely popular with local shoppers and was recently introduced at three other stores across the Midlands.
Dozens more are planned for next year, including several in Asda’s London stores which will be operated by award-winning chain Chak89.
Asda ethnic buyer, Noor Ali, said: “Launching a series of restaurant-managed curry counters into our stores and giving local businesses the opportunity to expand, is a natural step for us.”
“Our customers love the authenticity and quality of the range at Zouk and with more and more families on a budget, but not wanting to sacrifice eating out, launching this new concept is a winner.”
The Zouk-run takeaway counters give customers the choice of a wide range of authentic Indian dishes, including Lamb Nihari, Goan Fish Curry and Punjabi Lollipop. Prices range from 40p to 50p per item for starters and from £3.25 to £3.50 for mains.