Parveen’s
£
Key
- (£) budget friendly
- (££) mid-range
- (£££) high-end eateries
– Vegan friendly.
What’s it all about?
Pakistani-inspired canteen building community through food.
Taste the Place - don’t miss:
The apple pickle. It’s used as a condiment on many of Parveen’s delicious curries and is guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling. Sweet tooth? The ras el hanout banana and chocolate cake is a must.
What's the inspiration behind Parveen’s?
As Pakistani Scots, twins Fariya and Sahar grew up with cooking at the heart of their upbringing. Inspired by recipes and stories from their mum and nano, the sisters not only learnt about flavours and traditional cooking methods from Pakistan, but also the important role they play in creating a sense of belonging and togetherness.
It wasn’t until Fariya and Sahar worked with social enterprise Milk Café, that they realised cooking with a social purpose was where their real passion lay. The pair grew their experience and confidence hosting supper clubs, before leaving their secure jobs to pursue their dream of running a food business. Taking up residency at Civic House’s communal canteen in 2022, Parveen’s was launched.
Fariya and Sahar serve up an innovative menu inspired by their Pakistani roots. Offering diners an informal and welcoming space, customers can choose from a small but mighty 100% plant-based menu that changes daily, consisting of nourishing mains and innovative bakes.
What role does Parveen’s play in creating a sense of community and belonging?
Growing up as Pakistani Scots, the sisters struggled with the lack of recognition given to those from a non-white background and how to go about creating an identity for themselves.
The twins met countless others who shared the same frustrations and challenges of growing up in Scotland with a mixed heritage. “In our eyes, cooking, food, and music are all about people, acting as a catalyst to bring everyone together and helping to eradicate that sense of isolation.” Sahar Sharif, Parveen’s.
In addition to serving great food, music also plays a key role in Pakistani culture. The twins regularly host their own unique parties at Civic House. Welcome to all, these events are designed to showcase Parveen’s food and the very best talent of the UK’s South Asian musicians and singers, promoting their Pakistani cultural identity and heritage.
Fun fact – did you know?
Parveen is a common name for Pakistani women. Naming the business Parveen’s allows the sisters to acknowledge not only their much-loved nano, but champion all the amazing Pakistani women in Glasgow – and beyond.
At-home recipe
This venue has provided a recipe for you to try at home.
Where to find them:
Civic House, 26 Civic Street, Glasgow G4 9RH