London, Aug 16 (IANS): The biggest chain of Indian restaurants in Scotland, Ashoka, is up for sale after a slowdown in curry consumption and people preferring cheaper eating houses, a report said on Sunday.

The Indian-descent owner of the chain, Sanjay Majhu, 48, has sold four of the 14 restaurants last year, including Ashoka West End in Argyle Street, Glasgow.

"It is getting harder. I do not see myself expanding into Indian restaurants any more. People like going to cheap restaurants," Scotland's Daily Record newspaper quoted Majhu as saying.

Majhu is a former Asian businessman of the year.

"We don't have the capability to compete with large businesses like that. Indian restaurants still do well but they're up against a lot of competition. I hope to sell most of them. I am definitely trying to wind down the business now," he added.

Moreover, industry leaders claim curbs on immigration has led to shortage of chefs. Hence, skilled Indian staff do not get visas, the report said.

Majhu reportedly bought the Ashoka chain for eight million pounds ($12 million) in 2005.