Published Tuesday 15 July 2025 at 10:07
A new restaurant offering traditional Pakistani and Afghan cuisine has opened in Blackburn town centre, adding a bold new flavour to the borough’s growing and diverse food scene.
Taste of Peshawar – already thriving in London and Cardiff – has chosen Blackburn as the location for its newest restaurant, bringing its unique menu and warm hospitality to the North West.
The restaurant is the brainchild of entrepreneur Muhammad Qadeem, who wanted to bring the rich culinary heritage of the Peshawar region to a new audience in a town known for its cultural pride and strong sense of community.
Located in the heart of town, the restaurant has undergone a £200,000 transformation, led by respected Blackburn businessman Mushtaq Hussain, who has lived in the borough for more than 50 years.
The interior has been stylishly renovated, with all food freshly prepared onsite every day using only high-quality ingredients – from slow-cooked meats and hand-crafted curries to fresh naan and aromatic rice dishes.
Their most popular dishes – Chapli Kebabs, Kabuli Pilau, Lamb Karahi, Chicken Karahi, and their impressive signature Platter Tawa, have quickly become customer favourites and really showcase the bold, authentic flavours the team is proud of.
Muhammad Qadeem, Owner and Founder of Taste of Peshawar, said:
We’re so excited to open our doors in Blackburn.
The town has a real buzz about it, and we felt it was the perfect place to bring our food and passion.
Our aim is simple – to serve freshly prepared, authentic food made with care, and offer a warm welcome to everyone. We hope to become a real part of the community here.
I’ve personally also invested over £150,000 into bringing Taste of Peshawar to the borough – a project I’m incredibly proud of and one that reflects my ongoing commitment to the Blackburn community.
Mushtaq Hussain, who led the local investment, added:
Blackburn is my hometown – it’s where I raised my family, built a life, and I’m proud to be part of its future.
This is more than just a restaurant – it’s a statement of confidence in our town. I’m proud to invest in something that brings people together and adds something special to Blackburn town centre.
The launch comes at a time of significant investment and regeneration across Blackburn with Darwen, with major projects transforming both town centres, creating new opportunities, jobs and spaces for local residents and businesses to thrive.
Cllr Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth and Development at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:
Taste of Peshawar is a fantastic addition to the town centre and shows the diversity and strength of our local economy.
This isn’t just about food – it’s about culture, entrepreneurship and community. The restaurant complements our growing food and hospitality scene and supports our wider ambitions for a vibrant, welcoming town centre.
Council Leader Phil Riley also welcomed the opening:
This is another brilliant example of businesses investing in Blackburn with Darwen.
The team behind Taste of Peshawar is bringing something fresh and exciting, and it reflects the ambition and energy we’re seeing in our borough.
We’re proud of our cultural diversity and want to be known as a place where quality, creativity and community come together – this restaurant helps do just that.
Taste of Peshawar is now open and ready to welcome diners from across the borough and beyond, offering an authentic dining experience that celebrates tradition.
Filed under : Leader | Taste of Peshawar