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Paghman Kabob looks to bring authentic, Afghan dishes to south Guelph (Updated)

'We’re hopeful that the community will try out our food,' says Paghman Kabob co-owner Daud Salimi

Update: On Jan. 20, 2021, Daud Salimi informed GuelphToday that he is no longer involved in the business.

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The owners of a new Guelph restaurant are sharing their culture through a variety of authentic and flavourful dishes.  

Daud Salimi and Speengul Safi are partners and owners of Paghman Kabob, a new dine-in and takeout restaurant opening Nov. 27 on Scottsdale Drive. 

Both having immigrated from Afghanistan to Canada, Salimi and Safi are delivering the flavours of their homeland to the residents of Guelph.

“We try to bring some old, traditional Afghan food,” says Salimi about their menu, which features shawarma, tandoori and a variety of kabobs.

Salimi has worked for more than 10 years in the food industry. Prior to Paghman Kabob, he worked at a small takeout restaurant called Mr. Grill Kabob House. 

When talking about other kabob restaurants, Salimi explains that each business makes their kabobs different based on recipes from different locations in Afghanistan.  

At their restaurant, he says they will be making kabobs based off of recipes from different parts of Afghanistan, and will offer customers a variety of flavours that would be found all over the country. 

“We wanted to bring something different,” explains Salimi, who adds that they also prepare their kabobs the traditional way, by cutting the meat, marinating it and then seasoning it again. 

Besides offering authentic cuisine, Paghman Kabob also has some popular take-out items, including pizza and wraps. Once up and running, all of their items will be available on Uber Eats and Skip The Dishes.

Salimi says he and Safi met in Guelph around 28 years ago while raising families. They decided to go into business together as restaurant owners when their current location  which be Ledger's bar and grill, in the same plaza as the Scottsdale library branch 2013 – came on the market earlier this year.

“The opportunity came and this unit was available,” recalls Salimi, “When you have a family, you try everything (to support them).”

Their wives and children have also gotten involved to help run the kitchen and serve at Paghman Kabob, along with hiring four other staff members. 

Salimi admits it has been nerve-wracking to open a new business during the pandemic, as indoor dining is tough to offer with COVID numbers rising.

"Everytime we hear the news it's heart breaking," says Salimi, "Our hope is that everyone in our community is safe."

However, he says he is optimistic that the community will support them, as some people are already showing an interest in their business.

“We feel very strongly that people care about us,” says Salimi about neighbours asking them when they open, “We’re hopeful that the community will try out our food.” 

If they can weather the pandemic, Salimi says he and his partner would love to see their business grow, especially within Guelph.

“One day, being more capable of opening more restaurants,” he says, “In the long run, we are hoping to be successful and be a part of the community.”

To learn more about Paghman Kabob, check out their Instagram page. 


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Ariel Deutschmann

About the Author: Ariel Deutschmann

Ariel Deutschmann is a feature writer and reporter who covers community events, businesses, social initiatives, human interest stories and more involving Guelph and Wellington County
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