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These 11 Mancunian Foods Might Steal Your Heart (and Stomach)
Manchester’s not just about footy, unpredictable rain, and music legends – it’s a city dishing out food so good, you’ll be loosening more than just your belt buckle.
Whether you’re a die-hard Manc or just here for a visit, these dishes will have you daydreaming about your next bite before you’ve even finished the first.
Prepare your taste buds (and maybe your waistband) because these local delights are harder to resist than that “just one more” episode of Corrie.
We’ve taken on the tough job of eating our way through the best of Manchester, so you don’t have to – but honestly, you’ll want to dive in for yourself.
Black Pudding
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Where to Try: The Koffee Pot
Black pudding might be the subject of a bit of a turf war. Scotland and the British Isles lay claim to it, but many believe the French imported it to Bury, North Manchester.
The word “pudding” might throw you if you’re not from the UK – it sounds sweet, doesn’t it? Well, this dish is a savoury delight. The name comes from the French word “boudin,” and the French have been noshing on it for centuries.
Historians reckon the first black pudding in Manchester was sold at Casewell’s on Union Street in Bury in 1810, and while you can find it in any supermarket, nothing beats picking it up fresh from a butcher in Bury itself.
So, why not head to The Koffee Pot for a full English featuring this classic delicacy?
Pro tip: Fried black pudding? Now you’re talking! With that perfect crispy exterior and rich, savoury inside, it’s absolute crispy perfection. |
Parched Peas
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Where to Try: Bury Market
You might hear them called black peas, badgers, or Carlin peas, depending on where you are in Northern England. These little gems are dried in the fields before being boiled to rehydrate – the process is called “parching.”
When done right, they should have a nice bite to them, served simply with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar. Around Greater Manchester, they’re especially popular on Bonfire Night – 5th November, if you fancy experiencing the tradition.
Parched peas are a cold-weather favourite, often spotted at the Christmas markets or street vendors in Manchester. Bury Market is your best bet for tasting this nostalgic Northern snack.
Pro tip: Don’t hold back on the vinegar – it’s what makes the dish! That sharp, tangy hit cuts through the earthy peas, elevating the flavour and making each bite pop. |
Rag Pudding
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Where to Try: Jackson’s Rag Pudding
Rag pudding is Oldham’s gift to the world – and one of the most traditional dishes you’ll find in Greater Manchester. This savoury gem is made with minced meat and onions, all lovingly wrapped in suet pastry before being cooked in a cloth, or “rag,” as the locals call it.
The name might raise a few eyebrows, but trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s stuck around. It’s usually served with chips and a generous helping of rich gravy, making it the ultimate comfort food for a chilly Manchester day.
For the best experience, head over to Jackson’s Farm Fayre in Oldham. They’ve perfected the art of rag pudding, serving up this nostalgic dish with all the flavours and heartiness that Mancunians have loved for generations. It’s proper food with a bit of history on the side!
Pro tip: Get it with mushy peas on the side for the full Mancunian experience! |
Eccles Cakes
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Where to Try: Robinsons Artisan Family Bakery
Eccles cakes are the sweet cousin of Chorley cakes, and they’re an absolute staple for those with a sweet tooth in Manchester. Made with buttery, flaky pastry and stuffed with currants, they’re like little pockets of indulgence.
While the recipe is simple, the flavour is anything but – imagine biting into a warm pastry, fresh from the oven, where the sweet currant filling is balanced by a perfectly crisp crust.
These beauties originate from Eccles, a town just west of Manchester, but you can find them in bakeries all over the city. For a top-notch Eccles cake, head to Robinsons Artisan Family Bakery, where tradition meets irresistible taste.
Pro tip: Enjoy them warm with a cup of tea for the ultimate experience! |
Manchester Tart
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Where to Try: Robinsons Artisan Family Bakery, Failsworth
The Manchester Tart is the crown jewel of local desserts – a custardy, coconut-topped dream with a cherry sitting proudly on top. This isn’t just a pretty dessert; it’s a beloved piece of Manchester’s culinary history.
Layers of shortcrust pastry, jam, custard, and coconut come together to create a taste that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. If you grew up in Manchester before the ’80s, chances are this was your school pudding.
It’s thought to be a modern take on the Victorian-era Manchester pudding, and its flavours have stood the test of time. If you want a taste of the best, Robinsons Artisan Family Bakery in Failsworth is where you should head – they’ve perfected this iconic treat.
Pro tip: Pair it with a cuppa and feel those nostalgic school dinner vibes! |
Chorley Cakes
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Where to Try: Greenhalgh’s Bakery, Manchester City Centre
Chorley cakes might look like Eccles cakes, but they’ve got their own personality – and a bit more of a bitter twist. These flat, pastry-filled cakes are less sweet than their Eccles counterparts, made with unsweetened pastry and currants that give them a delightfully tart bite.
Originating from Chorley, just a short drive from Manchester, they’re best served warm, fresh from the oven. Traditionally, people would enjoy them with a slice of Lancashire cheese, and trust me, that combo is heavenly.
Chorley cakes are humble, easy to make, and perfect for those who prefer a less sugary treat. Greenhalgh’s Bakery in Manchester does a cracking version of this classic if you’re keen to try one.
Pro tip: Try it with Lancashire cheese, the balance of sweet and savoury is spot on! |
Mughli’s Lamb Chops
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Where to Try: Mughli Charcoal Pit
Manchester’s Curry Mile is legendary, and Mughli Charcoal Pit stands tall among its stars, but it’s their lamb chops that really steal the show. Picture this: fresh from the tandoor, with an irresistible orange glow that gets you salivating before they even hit the table.
The chops have that perfect balance of crispy, charred edges and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Every bite is a smoky, spiced celebration of flavours that’ll have you tearing through them with pure joy.
If you’re after an unforgettable experience, Mughli’s lamb chops are an absolute must-try – a moment that’ll stay with you long after the meal.
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the chutney – it takes the flavour to another level! |
Bakewell Tart
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Where to Try: Patisserie Valerie, Manchester City Centre
The Bakewell Tart might not be born and bred in Manchester, but it’s certainly won the hearts of many Mancunians. Hailing from the quaint town of Bakewell in the Peak District, this beautiful tart has made its way into the city’s favourite bakeries.
And why wouldn’t it be? A layer of sweet, tangy jam, rich frangipane, and toasted almonds all encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry – the Bakewell tart is as pretty as it is delicious.
The traditional version features almond flakes delicately scattered on top, adding a bit of crunch to each bite.
But if you’re after something a little more vibrant, you might stumble upon a cherry Bakewell, with its glossy white icing and a perfectly placed bright red cherry sitting on top. Both are stunners, visually and taste-wise.
For a proper slice, Patisserie Valerie in Manchester is the go-to spot, but if you’re up for a day trip, Bakewell itself is a charming little town where the tart was born. Either way, you’re in for a real treat with this iconic dessert!
Pro tip: Pair it with a steaming pot of your favourite tea, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate indulgence. |
Lancashire Hotpot
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Where to Try: The Briton’s Protection, Manchester
The Lancashire Hotpot is more than just a hearty dish; it’s a slice of Manchester’s history. Back in the days of the Industrial Revolution, workers in the cotton warehouses needed a meal that could cook itself while they laboured away, so they turned to this slow-cooked wonder.
Traditionally made with lamb, onions, and topped with sliced potatoes, it was left to simmer all day. Nowadays, lamb has replaced the mutton, but the essence remains the same – a warming, comforting meal perfect for cold days.
Head to The Briton’s Protection, a Manchester pub steeped in its own history, for a bowl of Lancashire Hotpot done right.
Pro tip: Enjoy it with a pint of local ale, it’s the perfect pairing for this timeless dish! |
Lancashire Cheese
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Where to Try: The Cheese Hamlet, Didsbury
Lancashire cheese is a proud staple of Britain’s dairy history, and it’s been gracing tables for centuries. Originally made by farmers to use up surplus cow’s milk, this crumbly delight has stood the test of time.
Now, you’ve got three main varieties to sink your teeth into: the Young Creamy Lancashire, the Mature Tasty Lancashire, and the Crumbly Lancashire. If you’re looking for a mellow cheese, the Young Creamy is where it’s at – mild, soft, and perfect for spreading.
On the other hand, the Mature Tasty has that rich, full-bodied flavour that packs a punch, ideal for those who love a stronger cheese. As for the Crumbly Lancashire, while it’s a more modern addition for mass production, it still offers that signature tang.
For the best of the bunch, head over to The Cheese Hamlet in Didsbury – a proper treasure trove for cheese lovers. You’ll find every variety of Lancashire cheese under one roof.
Pro tip: Pair your Lancashire cheese with a Chorley cake for the ultimate sweet-and-savoury comb. |
Meat and Potato Pie
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Where to Try: The Little Northern Pie Company, Altrincham Market
When it comes to no-frills, hearty meals, the Meat and Potato Pie is a true Northern legend. This humble dish, made with slow-cooked beef, tender potatoes, onions, and a rich, meaty gravy, has warmed the bellies of Mancunians for generations.
You will spot mini versions of these pies in local bakeries, perfect for grabbing on the go, but if you want to do it properly, sit down at a pub with a big plate of pie and a pint of ale – you’ll be set for the day!
If you’re serious about pies, The Little Northern Pie Company at Altrincham Market has built quite the reputation for delivering perfect pastry-wrapped parcels of joy.
Their meat and potato pie is as comforting as it gets, with generous fillings and flaky crusts that’ll have you coming back for more.
Pro tip: Order a pint of local ale to wash it down, it’s the perfect companion to this hearty dish. |