Categories > Guides and Tips
The 12 Best Pan Asian Restaurants in Manchester
Manchester’s a melting pot, buzzing with flavours from every corner of Asia, making it a haven for foodies craving a taste of the exotic right on their doorstep. It’s all here, from the sizzling streets of Bangkok to the bustling markets of Manila.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best Pan Asian restaurants across the city, where each dish tells a story, and every bite takes you on a journey.
Ca Phe Viet
Media from capheviet
Website: Ca Phe Vet
Address: 80-86 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 228 6888
Opening Hours:
- Thur – Tue 10:30AM-5:30PM
- Wed Closed
If you’re after the real deal in Vietnamese coffee and bites, Ca Phe Viet is your go-to. Nestled in the heart of Manchester, this cosy spot serves up traditional Vietnamese coffee that packs a punch, alongside a selection of banh mi and sweet treats.
It’s a small but mighty cafe that transports you straight to the streets of Hanoi with its authentic flavours and laid-back vibe. The décor, complete with Asian-inspired artwork, adds to the immersive experience.
It’s not just about the brew; their pho is a must-try, striking the perfect balance between rich, aromatic broth and fresh ingredients.
| Pro tip: Their egg coffee is a game changer. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! |
Kambuja
Media from kambujacambodianisaankitchen
Website: Kambuja Marple
Address: 50 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2FE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 834 1234
Opening Hours:
- Wed – Sat 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-11PM
- Sun 11:30AM-11PM
Kambuja, over on Deansgate, is something a bit special – it’s one of the few spots around Manchester where you can get a proper taste of Cambodian, or Khmer, grub. It popped up in 2017, first going by the name Angkor Soul, and it’s been turning heads ever since.
This place is a proper treasure trove of flavours. We’re talking tangy salads, cosy curries, and their fish amok – mate, it’s like nothing you’ve had before. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s packed with all the right spices.
Now, for the vegans out there, Kambuja’s got you sorted with a banging vegan menu. Tofu, seitan (yeah, that trendy meat substitute that monks have been munching on for ages) – it’s all there.
| Pro tip: Seriously, don’t skip the fish amok. It’s a game-changer. |
Tarp’s Filipino Fusion Street Food
Media from tarps_filipino_fusion
Website: N/A
Address: 1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 222 3456
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 10AM-5PM
Tarp’s is where Filipino comfort food meets Manchester’s street food scene (street food manchester). It’s a vibrant, buzzing spot that serves up hearty, flavour-packed dishes drawing from the Philippines’ diverse culinary influences.
Think sizzling sisig, adobo that falls off the bone, and sinfully good halo-halo for dessert. Tarp’s is all about bold flavours, generous portions, and the kind of food that feels like a hug in a bowl.
The casual, friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for a laid-back meal with friends.
| Pro tip: Their lechon kawali is crisp, juicy, and utterly addictive. Make sure to order it! |
Pho Cue
Media from phocuekitchen
Website: Pho Cue
Address: 100-102 High St, Manchester M4 1HP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 832 6334
Opening Hours: Wed – Mon 12PM-9PM
Pho Cue specialises in bringing the soul-warming comfort of Vietnamese pho to Manchester’s foodies. This spot is all about simplicity and flavour, serving up bowls of pho that are both authentic and deeply satisfying.
The broth is simmered for hours to achieve its rich, complex flavour, and the noodles are perfectly tender. Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, Pho Cue has got you covered with a variety of options.
The minimalist, modern decor adds to the tranquil dining experience, making it the perfect place to unwind with a bowl of goodness.
| Pro tip: Customise your pho with their array of fresh herbs and sauces for the perfect bowl. |
My Thai Manchester Northern Quarter
Media from mythai_uk
Website: MyThai Restaurant Manchester
Address: 43 John St, Manchester M3 4DR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 833 9388
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-9:30PM
Alright, let’s talk My Thai in the Northern Quarter, yeah? This place is a proper nod to Bangkok’s street grub – vibrant, full of flavour, and just bang on.
The team behind it, a cracking mix from Yorkshire and Thailand, reckon it’s all about dishing up authentic Thai nosh in a chill setting without you having to splash too much cash.
Their menu? It’s like a flavour bomb went off – from your go-to pad Thai to slurp-worthy noodle soups and curries that’ll have you sweating bullets in the best way.
| Pro tip: If you’re up for a bit of a kick, tell the chefs to turn up the heat. Just be warned, Thai hot is a whole other level. Whether you’re craving a classic green curry or daring to try the spicy crispy pork, My Thai’s sorted it. |
Rosa’s Thai Cafe Manchester
Media from rosasthaimenu
Website: Rosa’s Thai
Address: 184 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 509 5949
Opening Hours:
- Mon – Sat 12PM-10PM
- Sun 12PM-9PM
Rosa’s Thai Cafe in Manchester is where East End charm meets Mancunian vibe, all thanks to Saiphin, a chef with roots in Khao Kho, Thailand. This joint’s got a story, starting from a simple caff named Rosa’s, where Saiphin began serving up authentic Thai dishes.
The menu? It’s like a culinary tour of Thailand – think chicken satay skewers, tom yum soup, and a green curry that’ll knock your socks off, Rosa’s style. Whether you’re a meat-eater or a veggie, they’ve got you covered.
For the sweet tooth, the steamed sticky rice with mango is a winner. Wash it all down with Rosa’s own IPA, a Thai whisky, or one of their quirky cocktails.
| Pro tip: The drunken noodles offer a spicy kick that’s perfect for spice enthusiasts looking for an authentic Thai flavour adventure. |
Tampopo Manchester Albert Square
Media from tampopo_uk
Website: Tampopo
Address: 16 Albert Square, Manchester M2 5PF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 161 819 1966
Opening Hours:
- Mon – Sat 10:30AM-11PM
- Sun 10:30AM-10PM
Fancy a culinary adventure through East Asia without leaving Manchester? Tampopo at Albert Square is where you’ll want to be.
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a passport to the vibrant streets of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan, all served up in a lively, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect whether you’re out for a friendly gathering or a cosy dinner date.
The menu is a treasure trove of authentic dishes, from fiery curries that will have you reaching for the water to noodle bowls that are comfort food personified. The staff are as genuine as the food, always ready with a recommendation to ensure your meal is memorable.
| Pro tip: The tasting menu is a fantastic choice for the indecisive. It’s a culinary tour de force that lets you sample the best of what Tampopo has to offer. |
Siam Smiles
Media from siamsmilescafe
Website: Siam Smiles Cafe
Address: Deansgate Mews, Unit G Upper Level, Great Northern, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Contact: +44 161 237 1555
Opening Hours:
- Mon 12PM-5PM
- Tue 4PM-8PM
- Wed – Sun 12PM-8PM
Siam Smiles, it’s a bit of a hidden gem, this one. Tucked away but oh, what a find for those in the know! It’s gone from a snug spot in Chinatown, nestled next to supermarket aisles, to a slightly roomier joint, but with Chef May still at the helm.
And let me tell you, Chef May’s story is proper Manc legend material. Never professionally trained, she picked up her skills from YouTube, of all places, channelling those family recipes that have been passed down through generations, then blasted across the globe.
You’ve got your moo ping, those tender grilled skewers of marinated minced pork, kuitiew tom yam with its riot of flavours and a proper spicy kick, and koaw moo deng moo grob, a delight of BBQ pork and crispy pork belly served with jasmine rice.
| Pro tip: Don’t pass up the chance to try their pad Thai; it’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and salty, making it utterly addictive. |
Thaikhun
Media from thaikhun
Website: Thaikhun
Address: The Avenue, 3 Hardman St, Manchester, M3 3HF
Contact: +44 161 819 2065
Opening Hours:
- Mon – Sat 11:30AM-10:30PM
- Sunday 11:30AM-9PM
If you’re gagging for some proper Thai street scran but can’t deal with the faff of flying halfway across the world, Thaikhun has got you sorted. It’s like a little slice of Bangkok right here in Manny, complete with its very own tuk tuk parked out front – you can’t miss it.
This place was dreamt up by Kim Kaewkraikhot, who knows a thing or two about Thai grub, having started the Chaophraya empire. Thaikhun’s all about that authentic Thai buzz, from the stir-fries that’ll have you feeling like you’re munching your way through a Bangkok night market.
Start your dining experience with the street food platter. It’s an excellent introduction to the variety of flavours Thai cuisine has to offer.
| Pro tip: Check out the “pinto”, a stack of metal boxes brimming with a mix of curries, stir-fries, noodles, and rice. It’s a mint for sharing, so you and your mates can have a bit of everything. |
Viet Shack Manchester Ancoats
Website: Viet Shack
Address: 65 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, M4 5AB
Opening Hours:
- Mon 5PM-9PM, 12PM-2:30PM
- Tue 5PM-9PM
- Wed 12PM-2:30PM, 5PM-9PM
- Thur 5PM-9PM, 12PM-2:30PM
- Fri 12PM-2:30PM, 5PM-9:45PM
- Sat 12PM-9:45PM
- Sun 12PM-12:30AM
Viet Shack brings a slice of Vietnamese street food culture to the heart of Ancoats, serving up dishes that are as vibrant and lively as the neighbourhood itself. Here, it’s all about fresh, bold flavours, from the crunch of a perfect banh mi to the zing of a noodle salad.
The setting is cool and urban, mirroring the innovative spirit of the menu. Whether you’re in for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Viet Shack offers an experience that’s both satisfying and Instagram-worthy.
| Pro tip: The beef brisket pho is a standout – a comforting bowl of rich, flavourful broth that’s perfect for Manchester’s cooler days. |
A Tavola
Media from hgcavola.newbaha___
Website: A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana
Address: Albion Rd, New Mills, High Peak SK22 3EY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7478 743293
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat 4PM-11PM
Alright, let’s talk about A Tavola. You might walk past it and not think much – it’s got that ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ vibe from the outside. But, step inside, and it’s like you’ve hit the jackpot in Sicily.
It’s cosy, or ‘intimate’ as they fancy calling it, which means you’ll be rubbing elbows with fellow diners, especially after you’ve had your fill of their belting Sicilian scran.
You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s just another pizza joint at first glance, but oh, you’d be dead wrong. They’ve got pizzas, yeah, but that’s just scratching the surface; we’re talking proper Sicilian street food, pasta that’ll make you weep tears of joy.
| Pro tip: Save room for that tiramisu. Seriously, it’s that good. |
Lazy Panda Pan-Asian
Media from lazypanda.panasian
Website: Lazy Panda Pan-Asian
Address: 570 Ashton New Road, Manchester, M11 4RP, England.
Contact: +44 161 230 8044.
Opening Hours:
- Mon 5PM-9:30PM
- Tue-Thur 12AM-9:30PM
- Fri-Sat 12AM-10PM
- Sun 12AM-8:30pM
Next up, Lazy Panda Pan-Asian – this place is a bit of a game-changer; picture this: a dish so flavourful it’s like a party in your mouth. That’s their sisig – a Filipino masterpiece that’s all sorts of spicy, tangy, and creamy goodness, all at once.
They throw in mixed veg and chillies, top it off with crispy shallots, sesame seeds, a dollop of mayo, and a sprinkle of spring onions, and bam, you’ve got yourself a dish that’s out of this world.
The vibe in here is just as good as the grub. It’s laid-back, friendly – the kind of place you can chill with your mates and explore some top-notch Asian flavours. Whether you’re already a fan of Filipino food or looking to try something new, the sisig is a must-eat.
| Pro tip: When they bring out that sisig, get stuck in. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an explosion of flavours that’ll have you coming back for more. |
