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11 Must-Try Indian Restaurants in Manchester
Manchester’s food scene is buzzing like a bee on a hot day, and when it comes to Indian grub, we’re absolutely spoilt for choice. The spices here don’t just tickle your taste buds—they throw a full-on Diwali for your taste buds.
I mean, the first time I had a proper vindaloo in this town, it nearly blew my head off (in the best possible way, of course)! And good news for you, our list below is your golden ticket to navigating the crème de la crème of Indian eateries scattered around Manchester!
Zouk
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Website: Zouk
Address: 5, The Quadrangle, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5QS, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 233 1090
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Zouk isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary movement, run by a team of brothers eager to share their take on modern Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The place oozes charm with its warm, contemporary decor—perfect for letting the vibrant, halal-prepared dishes steal the show.
They’re all about healthier choices here, so you can indulge without the calorie count nagging at you. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, their extensive menu has something for everyone.
And if the sun decides to grace Manchester, their outdoor terrace is a real treat. Sundays are special here, with a traditional roast that can feature a whole roast lamb if you’re feeling fancy.
| Pro tip: Their seafood options are brilliant, but that lamb nihari? Can’t miss it. Seriously, give it a go! |
Dishoom
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Website: Dishoom
Address: 32 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 537 3737
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8AM-11PM
- Sat 9AM-11PM
- Sun 9AM-10PM
Dishoom takes you back to the old Bombay with a posh twist. Nestled in one of Manchester’s grand old buildings, the place mixes marble, gold, and soft leather with a dash of warm, inviting lighting.
The vibe is lux but laid-back, perfect for a natter over their innovative Bombay-inspired dishes. Breakfast here is a bold affair with their legendary bacon naan roll, while the all-day menu offers everything from small plates to hearty “Ruby Murray” curries and Tikka grilled meats.
It’s a bit of Bombay right here in Manchester, with a twist that’s earned them more than a few accolades.
| Pro tip: Snag a table in the evening on the verandah. It’s like a slice of Bombay under the stars. |
Indian Tiffin Room
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Website: Indian Tiffin Room
Address: First Street, Unit 2, 1 First St, Manchester M15 4FN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 228 1000
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
The Indian Tiffin Room is a slice of the Indian street scene right here in Manchester, run by a family that knows a thing or two about authentic flavours.
The vibe? It’s eclectic—a mix of traditional Indian styles with funky neon lights and even shipping containers for a touch of the contemporary. Here, it’s about tasting your way through India with a menu inspired by its many regions.
They’re big on healthy, finger-licking street food, offering everything from grazing dishes to full-on Indian Tiffin plates and a plethora of vegan options.
| Pro tip: You’ve got to try their Dahi Puri and Paneer Tikka. They’re spot on! |
Bundobust
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Website: Bundobust
Address: 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 359 6757
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Bundobust isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s an experience, boasting a lively beer hall vibe with its vast selection of local beers on keg and cask. Perfect for the veggie lovers out there, this joint dishes up some cracking vegetarian street food.
The menu is full of hearty, casual bites like Bhaji butties and okra fries, not to mention their saag curry that’ll leave you wanting more. With combo trays that are ideal for sharing (don’t miss the vegan option!), it’s a spot where you can try a little bit of everything.
Alongside their own beers, you can expect to find guests and collaborations with the likes of Deya, Verdant, and more of the best names in brewing. If you’re up for a feast, consider ordering the entire menu for £105, which feeds up to eight people.
| Pro tip: Their Masala Dosa is a must; grab one and see why this place has become a staple in the city centre. |
Mowgli Street Food
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Website: Mowgli Street Food
Address: 16, Corn Exchange, Exchange St, Manchester M4 3TR, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 832 0565
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Founded by Nisha Katona in 2014, Mowgli Street Food offers a punch of authentic Indian flavours, serving dishes that Katona grew up with, alongside some inventive takes like Himalayan cheese on toast.
This place is all about the kind of real, home-cooked meals that aren’t usually found in your typical UK takeaway.
With colourful, vibrant dishes ranging from lamb keema to ginger chicken and even a cheeky Indian chip butty, it’s clear why Mowgli has already spread to over 10 cities. The atmosphere? It’s as lively and homely as the food.
| Pro tip: You can’t go to Mowgli and not try the Chat Bombs. They’re a flavour explosion not to be missed! |
Asha’s
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Website: Asha’s
Address: 47 Peter St, Manchester M2 3NG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 832 5309
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Right in the heart of Peter Street, you’ll find Asha’s, a real gem that’s spicing up Manchester’s food scene with a touch of Bollywood glamour. The place is decked out like something straight from a film set—think lush purple velvet and golden sparkles everywhere you look.
Named after Bollywood icon Asha Bhosle herself, who’s part-owner, this spot is all about bringing a slice of her cinematic flair to the dinner table. You’ll find yourself tucking into not just your usual curries but posh nosh like venison samosas and lobster with a fancy twist.
The menu’s a cracking mix of old-school and new vibes, inspired by Asha’s own star-studded career. From creamy korma to a fiery jalfrezi or a lush tikka masala, each dish is like a story from a Bollywood blockbuster, served up right on your plate.
| Pro tip: Their Biryani is a feast for the senses. Make sure you give it a go for a truly royal treat. |
This & That
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Website: This & That Cafe
Address: 3 Soap St, Manchester M4 1EW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 832 4971
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30AM-4PM
proper hidden gem in the Northern Quarter. This place is what we Mancunians call a ‘rice ‘n’ three’ canteen, and it’s been dishing out top-notch curries since the 80s.
It’s the sort of no-nonsense, laid-back spot you wander into on a whim, only to leave chuffed to bits that you’ve discovered it. Every day, the menu at This & That flips to offer a fresh set of curries, always ensuring there’s a hearty mix of both meat and veggie options.
It’s perfect for those of us who fancy a bit of variety without breaking the bank—dinners start from just £6. The setup’s pretty simple: long wooden tables that fill up fast during lunchtime, where everyone’s chatting away and tucking into their plates
| Pro tip: Swing by for lunch but get in early. Their best dishes can sell out fast, especially when they’ve got their popular lamb on the menu! |
Mughli Charcoal Pit
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Website: Mughli Charcoal Pit
Address: 30 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5TQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 248 0900
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-11PM
Just a trek down to Rusholme’s Curry Mile will bring you to Mughli Charcoal Pit, a place that’s more than earned its stripes as one of Manchester’s top spots for Indian grub.
This family-run spot dishes out what they call ‘Indian soul food’ from a vibrant setting that captures the essence of India’s street food scene. Think sizzling kebabs and rich curries like Balti and Jalfrezi, all coming from an open kitchen where you can see your food being made.
The atmosphere is always buzzing, making it a great spot for a lively dinner with friends. And yes, the rumours about their butter chicken are true—just ask Ed Sheeran.
| Pro tip: The butter chicken here is the stuff of legends; give it a go and see why it’s been raved about worldwide. |
Rajdoot Tandoori
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Website: Rajdoot Tandoori
Address: 18 Albert Square, Manchester M2 5PE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 834 2176
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-2PM, 5PM-11PM
Rajdoot Tandoori has been a cornerstone of Manchester’s Indian dining scene for a whopping 50 years. It’s the kind of place that feels like stepping back in time, thanks to its warmly traditional decor and a menu that hasn’t strayed far from what made it a hit half a century ago.
From tandoori-cooked meats that have been marinated and grilled to perfection in their original charcoal pit, to classic curries that have been refined over generations, this place oozes history and flavour.
Regulars swear by the authenticity and consistency of the food here, and it’s easy to see why it’s remained a go-to spot for Indian food lovers.
| Pro tip: Their tandoori dishes are a must—cooked in an authentic pit for that irreplaceable smoky taste. |
Scene Indian Street Kitchen
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Website: Scene Indian Street Kitchen
Address: 4a Leftbank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3AN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 839 3929
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Nestled in the bustling heart of Spinningfields, Scene Indian Street Kitchen offers a unique dining experience that marries the vibrant streets of India with the modernity of Manchester.
The menu is a festival of flavours, featuring traditional dishes like tandoori salmon and Vindaloo, alongside inventive creations such as the chicken and samosa burger. For those who love a culinary experiment, there are Indo-Chinese options that surprise and delight.
Vegetarians and health-conscious diners will find plenty to choose from with dedicated menus catering to their needs.
| Pro tip: Grab a seat outside if the weather’s good. The riverside setting is perfect for a leisurely dinner, especially with one of their creative street food-inspired dishes. |
Bombay to Mumbai
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Website: Bombay to Mumbai
Address: 123, Bramhall Ln, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 2EY, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 161 439 8080
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-10PM
A stone’s throw from Bramhall Park, Bombay to Mumbai stands out as a treasure trove of Indian culinary delights. This spot isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a journey from the historical charm of old Bombay to the vibrant energy of modern Mumbai, reflected in the décor and the dishes.
Antique Raj-era elements blend seamlessly with colourful modern murals, creating a captivating backdrop. The menu is a vibrant mix, from street food starters and tandoori grills to a selection of curries and Indo-Chinese specials that are anything but standard.
Keep an eye out for their special Sunday tasting menus, which are a fantastic way to sample a selection of their offerings.
| Pro tip: The Sunday tasting menu is a must if you’re here over the weekend—it’s like a culinary tour of Mumbai without leaving Manchester. |
