The best: Indian restaurants in Manchester

Created to show that Indian food isn’t just about the classic curry stereotype, Mowgli’s big focus is on tiffin boxes and street food. Try an Indian twist on a chip butty – turmeric fries in a roti wrap with chilli pickle, red onion and Mowgli’s own tomato relish – or take a chance on a tiffin box, with each tier chosen for you by the chef. For the traditionalists, Mowgli’s curry offerings are impressive, too – the Temple Dahl in particular is lemony, fragrant and comforting. Prices are firmly situated in the reasonable category – the most expensive options on the menu are the substantial tiffin boxes, which are £16 (£14 for the meat-free option), street food starts from around £4, and curries are between £5 and £7. With both completely vegan and completely gluten-free menus available, there’s something for everyone.

Originally a tiny restaurant in Cheadle, Indian Tiffin Room now has a place in the heart of Manchester, right next to HOME, the cinema and arts centre. It’s open for lunch, from noon-2.30pm, opens again from 5pm till 10pm, and its location makes it the ideal place to grab something to eat before (or after) catching a film. The bold colours and quirky stylings of the restaurant are reflected in the food, with a substantial (and very reasonably priced) street food menu making this place perfect for sharing a few plates with friends. Their vegetarian puri selection is excellent, and a grazing platter with three of the best is only £7.75. Indian Tiffin Room also boasts an impressive drinks menu, with loads of signature cocktails to choose from.

Bundobust combines extraordinary value with extraordinary food, and brings it all together with craft beer – it’s one of the most impressive restaurants in the city overall. Bundobust emphasises on casual dining, with a layout is described as a ‘communal eating space’ (long tables and low benches, for the uninitiated). Their big selling point is that you could order everything on the food menu for £66, and you might be tempted to. It’s all delicious, particularly the Paneer Kadai, a super flavourful paneer curry. Also worthy of note is the Vada Pav – a ‘burger’ consisting of a deep-fried mashed potato ball. Their selection of craft beer is even more extensive than their menu, and always changing, bringing beers and ciders from the newest and most exciting breweries to tap. What’s not to love? 

Asha’s might not the place to go if you’re looking for cheap eats but it can’t be topped for luxury and indulgence. Look no further than its impressive list of celebrity patrons for proof of just how good it is – regulars include Jason Manford and even Ed Sheeran stopped in for a meal after a gig. The menu is extensive and impressive, with a huge variety spanning the traditional and the innovative. Try something new and start off with a venison samosa, then indulge in the super-creamy Kodi Curry. If you’ve got any room left, the Chilli Chocolate Tart brings a subtle heat to a traditional chocolate dessert. Asha’s is the only Indian restaurant in Manchester to ever feature in the Michelin Guide, so trust us when we say there’s really nowhere like it for a five-star curry experience.

Okay, Mughli is a little further out than the city centre, but it is absolutely worth the extra distance, and no list of the best curry spots in Manchester is complete without it. Located on Rusholme’s Curry Mile, Mughli stands leagues above the competition, and is one of the best Indian restaurants in the city. Their menu focuses on ‘Indian Soul Food’, and options are extensive, encompassing street food, curries, and loads of vegan and gluten free dishes – all absolutely packed with heat and flavour. Try the ‘medium-hot’ Sindhi jalfrezi, and cool down with Mughli’s exclusive beer, ‘Horn Ok Please’, brewed with First Chop brewery. 

No list of the best Indian restaurants in Manchester would be complete without mentioning Dishoom. As one of the newest spots to arrive in the City, the long-anticipated arrival of a Northern branch of this popular London eatery was met with queues around the block of its Bridge Street venue – always a good sign that the food inside is worth the wait. Visit Dishoom and there’s still a good chance you’ll have to wait thanks to its walk-ins-only after 5.45pm rule (tables can be booked before that time) – but once inside you’ll find a selection of small plates, grill food, salads and bread and rice options – all of which are happily affordable. Dishoom’s open for breakfast, has takeaway options and even offers an enviable vegan and pudding menu (the Dishoom Chocolate Pudding at just £6.90 is definitely worth sampling). Throw in a great range of cocktails, kids options and gluten and allergy alternatives – and Dishoom is a worthy addition to Manchester’s stellar Indian restaurant scene. Find out more by reading food review.