Nestled in one of the busiest food districts in Blackburn, Thira has been quietly making a name for itself in recent years.

Thira is one of ten restaurants which has been nominated for the Lancashire Telegraph’s Best Curry House competition.

The Thira Restaurant opened in 2017 on Darwen Street and attracts customers from across the region.

It is run by Subramaniam Iyer and business partner Bijumon S. Pillai who have picked up a number of national food awards.

Based close to a stretch of takeaways means there is fierce competition for custom.

Subramaniam said: “We are really happy to be shortlisted and it is great for the Lancashire Telegraph to be supporting local businesses in this way.

“Our customers have been supporting us when the competition was announced and we can’t thank them enough.

“We have a great loyal following and we have people coming from across Blackburn on a regular basis.

“This weekend we had diners from Ramsbottom and Burnley too. It is wonderful to have people from outside towns visits us.”

Uniquely the restaurant specialises in South Indian food and serves up curries as well as signature dishes you may not get anywhere else.

Bijumon S. Pillai is a chef and worked at the prestigious Taj Hotel range for many years. He insists on preparing meals to order and fresh.

He told us: "It is something quite unique in this day and age.

"The meals are certainly worth the wait though."

The famous Thira Thali which is popular with dinersSome favourites include include the include the number 36 or the Varutharacha Kozhi Curry.

Subramaniam said: “Our food is a little bit different and we have a great team here.

“As well the curries we have the Thalis which is a little bit of everything.

“The prawn mango curry is popular with some diners. It really is a varied menu and like most places, we take great pride is serving up the dishes.”

The 60-seater restaurant is open for lunch as well as the evenings during the week and from 1pm to 10pm on the weekends.

Subramaniam added: “I know most restaurants like ours don’t open for lunch but we do have people who like to dine with at that time. A lot of people who are working in the area and they pop in with their colleagues."

Readers can vote for the ‘Best Curry House 2024’ by picking up copies of the Lancashire Telegraph between Monday, October 28 and Saturday, November 9.