I am all for the traditional foods and tend to steer clear of the curry at Christmas. But I know there are many who can’t.

Blackburn has some of the best curry houses around and is a hot spot for curry connoisseurs from across Lancashire. If you are one those curry fans who just has to have a spicy dish during the holidays you could try one these.

Jaan's Restaurant - Saag Ghosht
Jaan’s wins hands down for the Saag (spinach) Ghosht (lamb) dish. Now, quite a few do this really but there also a whole lot who do it quite badly. At Jaan’s they appear to have got it just right. 

Kebabish – Karahi King Prawns
The prawn dish might a be tad spicy for some but it is one of the best in town. The lads at Kebabish have been winning awards nationally for their dishes and there is a reason why. 

MyLahore – Chana Daal
The daal dish is the staple diet of many in the South Asian community and has made a bit of a resurgence over the past few years. This has been inspired by some of the more famous brands, like MyLahore bumping it up the menu. The restaurant have certainly mastered it here.

Thira Restaurant – Paneer Butter Masala
This blend of Indian cottage cheese cooked in tomato sauce is a firm favourite of curry lovers. The Thira attracts visitors from across the county attracted by its traditional curries with a South Indian twist.

Imran’s – Keema Matar / Ghosht
Love Imran’s for the reason. It is quaint and very traditional and reminds of the old style curry houses that are stuck in a time warp. Excellent value for money and the service is always the best in town.

Shandar Sweets House (Whalley New Road) – Paya 
Paya are trotters or feet of a goat or lamb and are a traditional breakfast dish but you won’t get arrested if you have it in the evenings. Probably an acquired taste but well worth it if you are looking for something a little different.

Lazeeza Karahi – Keema Matar
I have advised quite a few people to head down here and they have yet to be disappointed. The mince meat and peas dish is pretty rich and comes in a healthy portion. You might need to ring ahead to order but the wait is worth it.

Lahore Qila Restaurant – Chicken Karahi
Let’s face it, this is the most popular curry ever invented by anyone, anywhere on the planet and to get it right you have to be pretty decent at your job. Yes, you can get a Chicken Karahi anywhere but not like this.

The Khyber – Keema Matar
The granddaddy of the Keema Matar (mince meat and pea) dishes – the Khyber has been churching these beauties out for decades. Best to ask for an extra portion of boiled egg on top – might as well make a night of it.

Sultan’s Blackburn – Various
I say various, as you won’t know what is in the pots until you turn up. This has to be the most traditional curry house still standing in Blackburn. Pick one of the three pots, order your rotis, and sit down. Try not to talk or make pointless conversation - it just spoils the atmosphere.