A women-led Twickenham restaurant is celebrating the beauty of Afghan and Central Asian heritage through its food.
Nowruz on York Street specialises in serving both cuisines, and is dedicated to supporting refugee women.
The name translates to ‘New Day’ in English, a celebration of renewal and hope observed across Central Asia and the Middle East.
The owner, who requested not to be named, said: “This name reflects our heritage and the welcoming spirit we want our guests to feel.”
Nowruz symbolises new beginnings, unity and cultural pride, values that are all present within the restaurant.
The restaurant’s slogan is ‘A taste of the Silk Road’, reminiscent of the ancient route that connected the east to the west for trade.
Nowruz chose to use this slogan as it conveyed the blend of both cuisine’s influences in their menu.
The owner said: “Each dish tells a story of travel, trade and cultural connection, and we aim to take our guests on a culinary journey through this rich history.”
They choose to pay homage to the chaikhanas of Central Asia, traditional tea houses where people gather to eat and socialise.
Nowruz strives to recreate that communal spirit within Twickenham, by offering an authentic experience of their culture.
A key element of the business is that it is women-led, and proudly supports refugee women.
The restaurant is solely female owned, with all front of house staff employed being women.
They provide refugee women with employment and volunteer positions and take advice for recipes on their menu.
The restaurant explained how women are at the heart of the business, and are dedicated to celebrating refugee women’s culinary traditions.
With this, they want to convey a story of resilience, tradition and celebration, and showcase the strength of Afghan and Central Asian women.
The owner spoke of how they show the power of reinvention and connection through this initiative, as they not only celebrate food but also empower women.
She said: “It’s about breaking stereotypes and showcasing the talents, creativity and determination of refugee women.
“Our journey is not just about bringing Afghan and Central Asian flavours to the UK but also about sharing the strength and beauty of these cultures.”
Nowruz wants to popularise Afghan and Central Asian cuisine in the UK, through creating a culinary experience celebrating diversity and the stories of the Silk Road.
The owner said: “Our food carries the soul of our homeland, and through it, we can share our heritage and stories with British people.”
As there are not many Afghan and Central Asian restaurants in Twickenham, Nowruz views this as an opportunity to stand out and offer something truly unique.
The owner explained how Twickenham’s vibrant and close-knit community, and openness to exploring different cultures made it feel right to open Nowruz there.
She said: “We’re grateful for the welcome we’ve received and hope to enrich Twickenham with a touch of Central Asian tradition.”
They seek to expand these opportunities in the future, by offering cultural evenings, in which they can celebrate their culture’s art, music and storytelling, alongside the food.
They are also exploring partnerships with organisations that support refugees as they want to create a network of support and empowerment for the women in their community.
Nowruz offers student and key worker discounts, in order to offer gratitude and make these groups feel valued.
The owner said: “It’s our small way of saying thank you and making our cuisine accessible to those who give so much to others.”
Nowruz is proud to not just be a restaurant, but also a cultural space and community-driven project.
The owner said: “We aim to build understanding, support refugee women, and celebrate the beauty of Central Asian heritage.
“Through our food, atmosphere and mission, we hope to make everyone who walks through our doors feel at home.”
More information can be found at https://www.nowruz.co.uk/.
Featured image by Yumna Iqbal with food images provided by Nowruz, with thanks
