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The 11 Manchester Arndale Food Market Stalls You NEED to Try!
Manchester Arndale, located on Market Street near Piccadilly Gardens, is one of the many markets in Manchester. This shopping centre, a landmark since the late 1970s, is home to the lively Arndale Market.
Arndale Food Market, as it’s fondly called by Mancunian foodies, is a favourite for its affordable and delicious food. It’s like a mini-international community, offering cuisines from Europe, Africa, and Asia.
While some food stalls have been around for years, many traders come and go. This constant change keeps the market exciting, with new flavours to discover.
We explored the market to find the best food so you don’t have to go on trial and error. Without further ado, here’s Master Manchester’s foodie guide to Arndale Market!
Sushi Dragon
Media from Sushi Dragon
Address: Arndale Market, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH
Contact details: 7460 921921
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Menu
Sushi Dragon has been a staple at Arndale Market since 2022, specialising in all things sushi. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a hearty meal, they have you covered.
For a light snack, try the 2-piece Tamago (egg roll) Nigiri. If you’re feeling more indulgent, go for the 16-piece Salmon Tempura Roll.
Not in the mood for fish over rice? No problem—Sushi Dragon also offers a variety of sashimi and Japanese meat dishes like Yakitori and Gyoza.
We love having a Japanese food stall in the market because the cuisine is generally healthy and well-balanced. Plus, there are plenty of vegetarian options available.
Pro tip: If you can, opt for one of their assorted sushi platters (minimum of 40 pieces). Best mix of tastiness and economy, in our opinion!
Micro Bar
Media from Micro Bar Manchester
Address: Arndale Market, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH
Contact details: 7852 617295
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 6:15 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Who would’ve thought that it would be a great idea to put a bar right beside the entrance to the Arndale Market? Well, the brilliant minds behind Micro Bar did!
The Micro Bar at Arndale Market offers a wide selection of spirits, just like its other branches. A large chalkboard lists all the current offerings, making it easy to see what’s available each season.
Sip your favourite pint of ale while watching the people around Arndale Market, or finally try that bottle of cider you’ve been eyeing for years. Only time’s the limit here, since the bar closes around 6:00 PM.
Pro tip: Grab your drink at Micro Bar and pair it with your favourite food from the other stalls in Arndale Market. It’s the perfect combination!
Dunkin’ Burgers
Media from @dunkin_burgers
Address: Unit F8, Arndale Market, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Menu
The name Dunkin’ Burgers might remind you of a certain chain popular with American cops, but don’t be mistaken—this stall stands out with its teal blue colour scheme. The menu is varied and definitely worth exploring!
Since smashburgers are their specialty, we highly recommend The Manc. This burger features double patties, bacon, a fried egg, veggies, and a tub of house gravy for dipping. Pair it with some Cheesy Fries and a can of soda for a perfect meal.
For a vegetarian option, try the Buddha Burger. However, it contains peanut sauce, so it’s not suitable for those with nut allergies.
Pro tip: Dunkin’ Burgers offers a Click and Collect service. You can order your favourite burgers online while shopping around Manchester Arndale Centre and pick them up on your way home.
Takoyaki Master Manchester
Media from Takoyaki Master Manchester
Address: Unit NF9, Arndale Market, 49 High Street, Manchester M4 3AH
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Takoyaki Master Manchester is the brainchild of the lovely couple Violet and Pong Ho, who previously ran a successful takoyaki stall in Hong Kong before moving to Manchester in 2022.
The stall’s yellow and white motif easily catches the eye, and the aroma of takoyaki balls being cooked (typically filled with octopus, but also available with fillings like Peri Peri chicken or scallions) is mouth-watering.
If you’re new to takoyaki, start with the four-piece Traditional Takoyaki topped with sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes. These soft Japanese pancake balls are a great introduction.
For a more filling meal, try the Takoyaki Set with Peri Peri chicken shreds, rice, and veggies on the side.
Pro tip: Takoyaki is best enjoyed right off the grill, but be cautious—the inside can be very hot. Take small bites to avoid burning your mouth!
Little Piece of Bahia
Media from Little Piece of Bahia
Address: Arndale Market, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH
Contact details: 7956 361186
Operating hours: Daily – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu
Bahia is a state in Brazil and the hometown of Camila, the owner of Little Piece of Bahia. The cuisine here is a delightful fusion of South American and African cooking traditions and techniques.
True to its name, Little Piece of Bahia brings the colour and flavours of the state with authentic recipes, lovingly passed down from Camila’s late mother, Maria.
Start with Brazil’s national dish, Feijoada—a hearty stew of black beans and assorted pork and beef cuts. For a vegan option, try the Caruru, a coconut milk stew with okra and toasted nuts as the main ingredients.
Pro tip: Bahia cuisine with rice: 10/10! To know what other stuff pairs with rice, no need to experiment further, as this kid already did.
MEOKJA!
Media from MEOKJA!
Address: Unit NF37, Arndale Market, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Menu
MEOKJA, which means “let’s eat” in Korean, is a relatively new addition to Arndale Market, having opened in late 2023. It has quickly become a popular spot for both fans of Korean cuisine and those curious to try it.
The menu is concise and straightforward—a promising sign for any restaurant if you ask us. Personally, I love the Bibimbap here as it’s packed with veggies, and the sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
For a standout dish, try MEOKJA’s Kimchi Jiggae [sic]. This classic spicy kimchi soup, available with tofu or pork, is perfect for cold or rainy days.
Pro tip: Our Muslim brothers and sisters can enjoy the delicious Korean food at MEOKJA without any worries, as the shop serves halal food.
Just Natas
Media from Just Natas
Address: Arndale Market, 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH
Contact details: 7539 581801
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Just Natas keeps it simple with two main menu categories: the Portuguese Pastel de Nata (custard tart) and drinks. This straightforward approach is typical of the no-frills team behind Federal Cafe on Oxford Street.
Naturally, you should try the famous Nata with a cup of coffee of your choice. The tarts are baked fresh daily, and the shop often introduces exciting new flavours to spice up this humble dessert.
However, don’t just order one—get at least a box of three. If your taste is anything like ours, one tart simply won’t be enough!
Pro tip: A vegan version of the Nata is available. Be sure to visit earlier in the day to catch these custard tarts before they sell out!
A Nice Sip
Media from @anicesip_arndale
Address: Unit FC13-14, Arndale Market, 49 High Street, Manchester, M4 3AH
Contact details: 0161 819 5393
Operating hours: Daily – 11:30 AM to 6:15 PM
Pricing: £
Website
Menu
The bubble tea craze might be mellowing in its home turf, Asia, but it’s just getting started in the West. Enter A Nice Sip, the boba tea representative at Arndale Market.
This stall offers authentic boba teas, as well as other tea-based hot and cold beverages. We are particularly addicted to the Black Sugar Milkfoam Green Tear right now.
The well-trained staff craft each cup of milk tea with carefully brewed tea bases and high-quality ingredients straight from Taiwan.
In addition to their delicious drinks, you can also get the quirky hexagonal bubble waffle, available in cheese, chocolate, matcha, or plain variants.
Pro tip: Order online thru A Nice Sip’s website for pick up or advance orders.
Pancho’s Burritos
Media from PANCHOS BURRITOS Arndale
Address: Unit FC1, Arndale Market, 49 High Street, Manchester, M4 3AH
Contact details: 7931 629321
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:30 AM to 6:15 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Experience authentic Mexican burritos at Pancho’s, a beloved spot in Arndale Market for over a decade. Known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, Pancho’s is a go-to for delicious Mexican cuisine.
Crowd favourites include burritos filled with Pork in Cochinita Pibil featuring pork marinated in lime and spices. For those on a vegan diet, the Tofu Fajita filling is a tasty alternative.
If burritos aren’t your thing, Pancho’s offers a variety of other Mexican dishes like nachos, tacos, and enchiladas. A word of caution, though: we hope you can handle your spices, because Pancho’s doesn’t just play with the fire—it loves it.
Pro tip: For those who love toppings on their burritos, rejoice! Pancho’s allow up to five free extra toppings on your order.
Viet Shack
Media from VIET SHACK
Address: Unit 8, Arndale Market, 49 High Street, Manchester, M4 3AH
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Viet Shack began as a small food stall in Arndale Market a few years ago and has since expanded to a restaurant in the trendy Ancoats area. Despite this growth, the owners remain committed to their roots, keeping the Arndale food stall thriving.
As the name suggests, Viet Shack specialises in Vietnamese street food. Enjoy a Banh Mi sandwich or my personal favourite, the fresh Summer Rolls!!
Vietnamese food is known for being refreshing and healthy, and Viet Shack’s dishes are no exception. Their flavourful creations will surely have you coming back for more.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to order any of Viet Shack’s signature sauces with your food. We’re suckers for the original peanut butter sauce, but we hear that the Sriracha chilli sauce also packs a punch!
Kokob Italian Cafe
Media from @kokobitalian
Address: Arndale Market, 49 High Street, Manchester, M4 3AH
Contact details: 7507 122134
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If you’re looking for cuisine that’s truly unique, then we highly recommend you to try some of Kokob Italian Cafe’s food. Although it can be inferred with the name that Italian cuisine is the forte of this stall, it’s actually the Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes here that are the stars.
Don’t miss the Spicy Lamb Meat Stew served on Injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread. Kokob often accompanies this dish with a salad to balance the flavours in one plate.
To sum it all up, don’t reach out for the “Italian” stuff on the menu. The African dishes here are where it’s at.
Pro tip: Kokob offers larger servings of their Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes, perfect for sharing!
