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Step inside, sip some chai, and feel at home
Tanga was only ten when he fled Afghanistan and found himself in Peshawar.
Among the smoky street kitchens, he learned the language of spices, patience, and hospitality. Years later, that same passion travelled with him to Glasgow Khyber Sheenwari is his dream – a place where authentic Afghan food, family warmth, and baithak culture come alive.
Tanga was ten when the world he knew splintered. Fleeing the atrocities of what was left behind in his homeland Afghanistan, he found himself a refugee in Pakistan, a boy navigating a new world. In Peshawar, he didn’t just survive; he learned to live, working his way through the bustling streets. The vibrant markets and the scent of simmering curries taught him a new language, one of spices and flavours.
Tanga
Head Chef
The Legacy of the Sheenwari People
The Sheenwari (Shinwari) tribe is one of the proud Pashtun tribes of the Khyber region, settled along the majestic mountains that link Afghanistan and Pakistan. Famous for their courage, hospitality, and mastery in food, the Sheenwari people have been grilling meat over open flames and slow-cooking karahis for generations. In every Sheenwari village, food is more than just a meal — it’s a symbol of honour, brotherhood, and generosity. Guests are served first, the tea never stops pouring, and every dish carries the warmth of home
Tanga’s Journey – From Peshawar to Glasgow
Tanga was just ten when life took him far from his birthplace in Afghanistan. Escaping conflict, he found refuge in Peshawar, Pakistan, where he grew up surrounded by the aromas of roadside karahis, tandoors, and smoky kebabs. After years of hard work in kitchens across Pakistan and the UK, Tanga’s dream became clear — to open a place that feels like home. That dream now stands proudly as Khyber Sheenwari, where every recipe, aroma, and flavour tells his story.
The Essence of Sheenwari Cuisine
Sheenwari cuisine is rustic, bold, and pure — meat grilled over charcoal, cooked with minimal spices, but full of soul. It’s not about fancy plating; it’s about authentic taste. Signature dishes include: Lamb Charsi Karahi Chapli Kebab Kabuli Pulao Mixed Grill Platters Everything is cooked fresh, with patience, just as it’s done in the homes of Khyber.
The Culture of Hospitality
In Afghan and Pashtun culture, a guest is a blessing from Allah. When you enter a Sheenwari home — or now, our restaurant — you’re not a customer; you’re family. The seating in our baithak (traditional floor area) reflects that culture — where food is shared, conversations flow, and everyone eats together. We believe hospitality is shown not by words, but through the warmth of food and the smile of service. At Khyber Sheenwari, that tradition lives on — every meal is served with pride and sincerity.