A new dining area dedicated to homegrown restaurants launches at Trafford Centre

Trafford Centre has unveiled its brand-new dining development, which is dedicated entirely to homegrown restaurants.

The newly refurbished ‘Eastern Garden’ area, in the Upper Orient, showcases independent brands from across Greater Manchester, including Nichi, Chit ‘n’ Chaat, Hello Oriental restaurant and bakery, and Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery.

Diners are promised a ‘vibrant and visually stunning dining destination’, blending traditional and contemporary aesthetics, including a canopy of beautiful cherry blossom flowers.

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to officially welcome these homegrown restaurant brands to the centre, who represent the best of the best in the dynamic culinary scene of Greater Manchester.

“We know that our guests love combining a day of shopping, leisure and dining at the centre, so we’re confident that our new Eastern Garden dining destination will prove popular for visitors looking for an exciting and vibrant dining experience.”

What restaurants are in Trafford Centre’s Eastern Garden?

Nichi

Nichi, a contemporary Japanese dining experience with a Peruvian twist, was born in Manchester and opened its flagship 3,000 sq ft restaurant in the centre in late 2024. The restaurant offers a ‘premium, immersive dining experience’, specialising in sushi, live robata cooking and tableside flambé. It will also feature a mezzanine level for private omakase dining and boasts a late licence, with live DJ performances on weekends.

The seasoned team includes Head Chef Kentaro Yanagisawa, who comes from renowned restaurants Sexyfish and Nobu.

Hello Oriental

Much-loved Mancunian street-food hall, Hello Oriental, opened its first branch just off Oxford Road. Founded by Ricky Yip and Azim Koura, the menu boasts over 100 dishes including popular East Asian street food and traditional favourites, ranging from dim sum to noodles to Cantonese roast meats and also includes a full kids’ menu.

Chit ‘n’ Chaat

A proper Mancunian success story, Chit ‘n’ Chaat occupies a 2,000 sq ft unit in the centre, marking its fifth location in the region. Since its inception in 2020, Chit ‘n’ Chaat has been passionate about delivering authentic, Indian street food and delicious Indi-Chinese dishes.

Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery

Founded by Phil and Claire Howells, Blanchflower has its own bakery in Sale, producing bread, cakes and pastries. Opening in the coming weeks, visitors will be able to get their hands on everything from cruffins and Bakewell tarts to focaccias to homemade granola, all handmade by a small team of bakers and pastry chefs using locally sourced ingredients.