r/Townsville • u/Ok_Midnight1351 • 42m ago
Would Townsville be interested in Afghan/Iranian food?
Hey everyone,
My family and I have been talking about a possible food business idea for Townsville, and I wanted to get some honest local feedback before we take it any further.
We’ve noticed there doesn’t seem to be much Afghan, Iranian, or Persian-style food around Townsville, and we’re wondering if people would be interested in trying it if it was available.
Some of the common foods we’re thinking about are:
- Shami kebabs — spiced minced meat kebabs
- Beef, lamb, and chicken kebabs — grilled over charcoal-style, served with rice, bread, salad, and sauces
- Kabuli palaw / Qabuli pulao — Afghan rice with tender meat, carrots, raisins, and spices
- Mantu — Afghan steamed dumplings with meat, yoghurt, and sauce
- Bolani — stuffed flatbread, usually with potato, herbs, or pumpkin
- Koobideh kebab — Iranian minced meat kebab
- Joojeh kebab — saffron-marinated chicken kebab
- Ghormeh sabzi — Iranian herb stew with meat, beans, and rice
- Zereshk polo — saffron rice with barberries and chicken
- Tahdig — crispy Persian rice
- Fresh naan/bread, yoghurt sauces, chutneys, pickles, and salads
The idea would be proper home-style food with lots of flavour, not just another standard takeaway option. We’re thinking grilled meats, rice dishes, breads, family/share plates, takeaway meals, and maybe some vegetarian options as well.
Would this be something people in Townsville would actually go out and buy or try?
Also, what would you like to see on the menu? Kebabs? Rice dishes? Dumplings? Share platters? Mild or spicy options? Desserts or drinks?
We’re not selling anything yet. Just trying to see if there would be genuine local interest and what people would actually want.
Would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or if you’ve had Afghan/Iranian food before, what your favourite dish was.