Curry is a delicacy that no doubt holds a special place in the heart of Mancunians, whether it’s This & That’s legendary, wallet-friendly rice and three, the warm, eternal glow of the winding curry mile or the roaring flames of Mughli’s tandoor, we really are spoilt for choice.
While we’ll hold our hands up and openly admit it’s simply impossible to cover every one of Manchester’s best curry joints, no doubt there are plenty of local hidden heroes that form an essential part of many a Sunday-night routine, here are a few of our favourites that you should definitely have on your must-visit list.
One that most will be familiar with by now, Dishoom is worth the visit for their breakfast naans alone. That being said, there are plenty of other reasons to stop by the stunningly gorgeous interiors, the fact the team just won the Great Service award at the MFDF awards, or that for every meal they serve they donate a meal to a child who would otherwise go hungry.
Hidden just behind Bridge Street, Wah Ji Wah — the exclamation made after a great meal in India — still feels like a hidden gem, but their authentic approach to Indian cooking is nothing short of spectacular.
Head chef, Manish, began his career in the vibrant city of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, where he worked alongside some of India’s most renowned chefs. From there, he spent time in Chandigarh and then Shanghai’s five-star Jin Jang Hotel. In 2001, he moved to the UK, working for a number of high-profile restaurants in London and the Midlands, before setting up shop in Manchester…A decision we greatly appreciate.
Zouk came about when brothers Tayub and Amjad wanted to share their love of authentic recipes with a modern twist in a relaxed, contemporary setting. The end result is a bustling, open-kitchen setup, one that generates a lively sense of theatre throughout the dinner service, channelling inspiration from street food staples from Lahore and more traditional dishes from across the Indian subcontinent.
Bloody hell, we love Mughli, a lot. One of the highlights of the curry mile, pure magic happens deep in those flaming charcoal pits. Their charred lamb chops hold a firm spot in our list of favourite dishes anywhere in Manchester. Getting a bit emotional just thinking about them, to be honest.
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There’s simply no way we could make this list and not include This & That. The iconic, family-run business is the stuff of legend in the city, and their rotating menu of rice and three has been serving hungry locals on a budget since 1984, and long may that continue.
The multi-award-winning, family-run Didsbury spot has over the course of three decades, cemented itself as a favourite with its bold, vibrant Nepalese classics, even earning the accolade of Best Nepalese Restaurant in the UK at the English Curry Awards.
The passion project of Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle, Asha’s takes all those big flavours we associate with Indian cuisine and pairs them with their own innovative, higher-end tilt on things. That approach grabbed them a spot in the Michelin Guide in both 2020 and 2021, along with a seemingly endless list of other impressive accolades throughout the years. The restaurant has just undergone a spectacular refurb, too, and the dining space looks even more stunning than it did before.
Bundo’s creative street food approach to Indian cooking has us visiting on a near-weekly basis. It’s hard to describe any setup as ‘perfect’ but Bundobust can’t be far off, especially with the recent introduction of their brewery site on Oxford Road. Pairing the restaurant’s seminal Vada Pav (a deep-fried potato burger) with a fresh pint of Peela, that’s literally brewed in the same room you’re eating in, is one of life’s true joys.
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Another curry mile highlight, Ziya feels like a proper, traditional curry house, backed by a menu that explodes with massive, ginormous flavours from every corner. If you’re looking for the genuine Curry Mile experience, this isn’t a bad way to start.
Another award-winning family affair, The Khandoker was founded in 1937 by the late Nazir Uddin under the original Bombay Restaurant right here in Manchester. Nazir was the pioneer of Indian cuisine in the North West of England and 70 years on, the family are still serving incredible, authentic Indian and Bangladeshi creations.
MyLahore have been around for a whole two decades now, which on its own is a pretty good indication the team know what they’re doing. The restaurant offers a unique merging of cultures, blending traditional, vibrant Indian flavours, with the heartiness of the founders’ Yorkshire roots. Open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, diners can work their way through an eclectic menu that ranges from sumptuous samosas and pakoras to flame-grilled burgers.
Eastern Revive boasts spots in Knutsford, Stockton Heath, Wilmslow, Hale and most recently Didsbury Village. The clay oven specials are fantastic, especially the Tandoori Fish Tikka and the Lamb Garlic Chilli Chops, and for those who like things with a kick, the Lamb Nagpuri is up there with the best.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Mon 30 Oct 2023
The Original Third Eye in Didsbury Village more than justifies its seemingly endless string of accolades and ‘best curry in Manchester’ recognitions. Relatively unassuming from the outside, the place is an institution and the team are genuine masters of their craft. If you’re after the best of the best in Nepalese and Indian cuisine, then you’d do well to find anywhere better.