It has already won multiple awards, but now one of Blackburn's best known restaurants has been nominated for the Lancashire Telegraph’s Best Curry House competition.

Arif Amin and business partner Zafar Iqbal launched the Kebabish Original, based in Whalley New Road, Blackburn, 16 years ago.

Since then it has attracted visitors from across the North West keen to taste its ‘VIP’ karahis and other delicious dishes.

On their signature dishes, Arif said: “I think that is one of our defining features.

"People do travel from across the region to visit us. It is good for Blackburn and the area that people travel into the town to dine.

“That has to do with the food more than anything else.

“When we opened, we wanted to bring a true taste of Pakistani and Punjabi cuisine to the town and we have kept to those ideals. We wanted to serve authentic dishes to people.

“We wanted people who grew up eating curries to come here and leave knowing it has that traditional feel.

“It is something people of all cultures and backgrounds come here for. Only the best curries will do and we know people have their favourites.”

In recent years the restaurant has picked up the top spot on TripAdvisor and also won back-to-back honours at the Asian Restaurant Awards.

The restaurant takes up a prime spot in Bastwell and has two floors, offering space for parties and special occasions, with an open kitchen giving diners the chance to see the skilled chefs hard at work.

The restaurant has won numerous awards for its food and serviceArif said: “One of the things that we have always been keen to do is keep our menu fresh.

"It does mean we have added to the menu after realising people may want something other than a curry.

“The food is the priority but as people know every so often we have a revamp.

“This normally takes place during Ramadan when we have to give staff time off.

“We also have a great team who are dedicated to providing good service.”

Arif said winning awards was great, and success in the Best Curry House competition would mean a lot as it is voted for by the diners.

“The customers are the real heroes and the award winners," he said.

"I know we have had some great accolades but it is our loyal customers who should be rewarded for helping us make the restaurant we are.

“Like I say…you are only as good as your last great curry!”

The Best Curry Houses competition asked readers to nominate their favourite establishments for the much-loved cuisine, and you didn’t disappoint, with nominations flying in.

We have collated the votes and whittled them down to a top 10 that received the most nominations and have made the final shortlist.

Over the coming days, readers will be able to vote for their favourite restaurants by picking up a paper copy of the Lancashire Telegraph, with the winner announced next month.

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.