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9 Manchester Indian Grocery Stores Every Home Cook Should Know About
Let’s face it, finding the perfect masala blend or that elusive curry leaf in Manchester can feel like hunting for treasure. But trust me, the city has its gems—hidden in plain sight if you know where to look.
I remember my first time wandering into an Indian grocery store here; I was wide-eyed, overwhelmed, and absolutely clueless. Fast forward a few trips (and a few burned curries later), and I’ve nailed down where to go and what to grab without looking like a lost tourist.
Now, whether you’re a spice hoarder, a snack enthusiast, or just someone who desperately needs to know the difference between atta and maida, this list has you covered.
We’ve got everything from sprawling supermarkets to quaint shops packed with goodies you didn’t even know you needed.
ApnaDesi Cart
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Address: 409 Cheetham Hill Rd, Cheetham Hill
Contact details: +44 161 222 4444
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-9PM
Pricing: ££
This place is a treasure trove for anyone looking to whip up authentic Indian dishes or simply indulge in the flavours of the subcontinent.
You’ll find fresh produce like vibrant bunches of coriander, glossy aubergines, and perfectly green curry leaves — ideal for making your curries sing. The spice section is a wall of possibilities: turmeric, cumin, garam masala — you name it, they’ve got it.
Their shelves are stacked with essential pantry staples like rice, lentils, and flours, plus treats like crispy poppadoms and addictive Bombay mix for your snack stash.
If you’re feeling adventurous, dive into their frozen section — think flaky parathas, stuffed samosas, and kulfi that’s perfect for dessert. First time trying mango pickle? They’ll make sure you’ve got the perfect pairings to go with it.
And, they’re all about bulk-buy deals, so you can stock up on essentials without breaking the bank.
| Pro tip: Swing by early for the freshest vegetables. Oh, and don’t leave without grabbing a pack of their premade spice mixes — they’ll save you loads of time while keeping your dishes flavour-packed. |
GOKULAM GROCERIES – INDIAN, SRI LANKAN & MALAYSIAN PRODUCTS
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Address: 3 Edwin Rd
Contact details: +44 161 987 6543
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 9AM-8PM; Sun 10AM-7PM
Pricing: ££
This store is a specialist in Indian, Sri Lankan, and Malaysian products, so expect shelves filled with ingredients you won’t easily find elsewhere in Manchester. Pandan leaves? Check. Sri Lankan curry powder? Got it. Malaysian sambal? Of course.
The produce section is small but mighty, offering seasonal items like drumsticks (the vegetable, not the chicken) and fresh jackfruit. You’ll also find essentials like coconuts, green chilies, and tamarind.
Over the spice section, it’s a goldmine for masalas and pastes that will instantly elevate your cooking. And if you’re a fan of ready-to-cook solutions, their pre-made dosa and idli batters are a lifesaver for lazy weekend breakfasts.
They’ve got a freezer section too, stocked with exotic options like fish roe, banana fritters, and frozen parottas that puff up beautifully on a hot pan. GOKULAM also caters to those with a sweet tooth, offering traditional snacks like coconut sweets and jaggery treats.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip their corner section dedicated to speciality teas and coffees, their instant filter coffee mix is a game-changer. |
Kairali International
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Address: 118 Sale Rd, Northern Moor, Wythenshawe
Contact details: +44 161 345 6789
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-8PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Kairali International is the go-to spot for South Indian foodies and anyone curious about Kerala’s distinct flavours. It’s got a strong community vibe, with shoppers chatting about recipes and swapping tips in the aisles.
If you’re looking for authentic Kerala red rice or coconut oil that tastes like it’s been freshly pressed, this is the place to be. Their produce section is a marvel — you’ll find everything from fresh banana stems to taro root, perfect for whipping up traditional dishes.
The frozen fish section is a standout, featuring South Indian favourites like mackerel, pomfret, and pearl spot. For snacks, they’ve got banana chips that are fried to golden perfection and packs of sharkara varatti (jaggery-coated banana chips) that are dangerously addictive.
The store also prides itself on freshly ground masalas — you’ll immediately taste the difference in your curries. Prices are reasonable, and the quality is top-notch, which is why it’s a favourite among locals.
| Pro tip: Pick up some fresh banana leaves for festive occasions or traditional meals, they’re an easy way to add authenticity and wow factor to your table. |
EZ Supermarket
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Address: 72 Erskine St
Contact details: +44 161 273 8899
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM–9PM
Pricing: ££
Website
This shop is all about variety, offering everything from staples like basmati rice and atta to specialty items like pani puri kits and South Indian filter coffee.
Their fresh produce aisle is like a miniature farm market, stocked with green mangoes, fresh tamarind, and all the greens you’d need for a proper saag or dal.
The spice section? Top-notch, with rows of jars and packets that range from whole spices to pre-mixed blends for classics like chicken tikka or aloo gobi. And for a quick fix, their freezer section is a blessing.
Think frozen naan breads, parathas, and even ready-to-heat curries. You’ll also find a nice selection of Indian sweets like kaju katli and soan papdi — perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat at the end of a long day.
| Pro tip: Their ready-made pani puri kits are a hit for parties. Just add some tamarind water and you’re good to go. |
ASM Indian Specialist Grocery
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Address: 75-83 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF
Contact details: +441613394744
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-9PM
Pricing: ££
Website
ASM Indian Specialist Grocery lives up to its name by being an absolute haven for Indian cooking essentials. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just dabbling in Indian cuisine, you’ll find everything you need here.
From spices sourced directly from India to specialty flours like bajra and jowar, it’s a one-stop shop for authentic flavours. Their fresh produce selection is a standout, offering items like ridge gourd, fresh curry leaves, and an array of chilies.
The shelves are stocked with regional goodies, too, including pickles, chutneys, and papads from popular Indian brands. For the sweet tooth, there’s a dedicated aisle filled with Indian sweets — think rasgulla, gulab jamun, and even fresh halwa.
What makes ASM special is its curated selection of South Indian products, including fresh dosa batter, idli rice, and coconut chutney mixes. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to help you track down even the most obscure ingredients.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a big cook, grab their bulk spice packs, they’re excellent value and ensure you’ll never run out mid-recipe. |
Lulu Minimarts (Kamals), Sri Lankan Foods & Vegetables, Manchester
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Address: 4 Meldon Rd
Contact details: +44 161 987 6540
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-9PM
Pricing: ££
Tucked away on Dickenson Road, Lulu Minimarts — also known as Kamals — is a must-visit for anyone craving Sri Lankan flavours. The shop’s specialty is its fresh produce, which includes everything from pandan leaves to bitter gourd, perfect for authentic Sri Lankan dishes.
Their frozen section is a goldmine, offering a variety of fish and seafood that’s hard to find elsewhere in Manchester. The spice aisle is a treat, with Sri Lankan curry powders, roasted spices, and chutney mixes that add depth to your cooking.
They also stock all the essentials for making hoppers, string hoppers, and kottu roti at home. Need snacks? Their selection of Sri Lankan favourites like banana chips and spicy mixtures will hit the spot.
What’s great about Lulu Minimarts is their range of ready-to-cook and pre-packaged foods. From sambol pastes to pre-cut jackfruit, they make it easy to recreate traditional dishes even if you’re short on time.
| Pro tip: Check out their frozen fish roe, it’s a favourite among regulars and adds a unique touch to curries. |
Fairmart
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Address: Floats Rd, Wythenshawe
Contact details: +44 161 456 7890
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-9PM
Pricing: ££
Fairmart is the neighbourhood gem that surprises you with its wide selection and excellent prices. Whether you’re after staples like basmati rice, lentils, and atta or specialty items like biryani masalas and paneer, this store delivers on all fronts.
The layout is simple but effective, making it easy to find what you need without wandering. Fresh produce is a standout here, with an impressive array of Indian vegetables like karela, drumsticks, and methi leaves.
The frozen section is equally robust, offering a range of fish, parathas, and even pre-packaged meals to make your life easier. Need snacks? Their aisles are stocked with everything from Bombay mix to sweet treats like jalebis and ladoos.
The store is known for its affordability, which is a big plus for students and families alike. Plus, the staff are friendly and always ready to help you locate that one elusive ingredient.
| Pro tip: Swing by during weekends for fresh deliveries and unbeatable deals on produce. |
Desi Kiranam
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Address: 666 Bolton Rd, Swinton, Pendlebury
Contact details: +44 161 567 4321
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-8PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Desi Kiranam, right in the heart of Rusholme’s Curry Mile, is a compact yet treasure-packed grocery store that caters to a range of regional Indian cuisines. The fresh produce section includes essentials like green chilies, curry leaves, and ripe mangoes when they’re in season.
What sets Desi Kiranam apart is its snack aisle, brimming with goodies like chaklis, murukkus, and packaged sweet ladoos. If you’re planning a quick dinner, their frozen section features everything from ready-to-eat curries to parathas that cook in minutes.
Their collection of spices is well-curated, making it easy to grab everything you need for a flavourful meal. The store is conveniently located and priced reasonably, making it a favourite among students and locals alike.
It may not be the biggest grocery store in the area, but it’s certainly one of the most dependable.
| Pro tip: Check out their seasonal fruit selection, fresh Alphonso mangoes are a crowd-pleaser when available. |
Worldwide Foods Rusholme
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Address: 401 Great Western St, Rusholme
Contact details: +44 161 998 7654
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Worldwide Foods Rusholme is a giant in the world of Indian and international groceries, and it’s easy to see why. This store offers a massive selection of everything from fresh produce to pantry staples, catering to cuisines from all over the globe.
But for Indian cooking, it’s a goldmine. Their spice section is a standout, with every imaginable option available—whether you’re after Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, or something as specific as panch phoron.
Fresh produce is always in great supply, with okra, bitter gourd, and methi leaves among the regular offerings. The store also boasts a solid selection of meats and seafood, including halal options.
Snacks and sweets lovers won’t be disappointed either, as they stock an array of biscuits, ladoos, and savoury munchies. The freezer section is equally impressive, offering frozen fish, parathas, and even desserts like kulfi and rasmalai.
| Pro tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and take your time exploring the aisles for hidden gems. |
