1. Zouk Tea Bar, off Oxford Road (pictured)
Zouk is the new kid on the block, and so far is making a big hit on Manchester curry lovers. Its contemporary spacey décor, along with the open kitchen means itâs gone down a treat.
Hailing from Bradford, Peter Bashir has brought his tea bar and grill across the Pennines for a unique experience in Lahore cuisine. It is open seven days a week, from 10.30am for breakfast right through to midnight.
Zouk Tea Bar, Unit 5 Quadrangle, Chester Street (off Oxford Road), Manchester, M1 5QS.
T: 0161 233 1090
W: www.zoukteabar.co.uk
2. East Z East
This sleek restaurant is based at Hotel Ibis on Princess Street and also at Blackfriars. Awarded Restaurant of the Year by Manchester Food and Drink Festival in 2006, this Indian Punjabi eatery is a popular favourite in the city.
They also do takeaway, both delivery and for pick up, which is a great bonus for city dwellers. This restaurant has a great reputation for good quality food in a contemporary setting.
East Z East, Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DG
T: 0161 244 5353
East Z East Riverside, Blackfriars Street, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 5BQ.
T: 0161 834 3500
W: www.eastzeast.com
3. Kabana, Northern Quarter
This next venue is a bit of a turnaround and is a tiny café on the back streets of the Northern Quarter. Look past the plastic seating and the décor because youâll find some of the finest authentic Indian cooking around.
This is an unlicensed café and theyâll do you a jug of water on the table. Two courses can quite easily come in under a tenner. The menu varies often, so just pop in and see whatâs there. But beware this little gem is only open until 5pm.
Kabana, 52 Back Turner Street, Manchester, M4 1FP
T: 0161 835 2447
4. Punjab on the curry mile
There has to be at least one mention on the curry mile, and Punjab has great recommendations. This restaurant, that does Indian cuisine, may often be overlooked for one of the larger glitzier places, but itâs definitely worth a try.
The curry mile is associated with students and eating at 3am after a night out. But if you look around there are some great little places for a evening meal out. They also do student discounts and have a licensed bar.
Punjab, 177 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 5AP
T: 0161 225 2960
5. The New Himalayas Restaurant, Levenshulme
This restaurant is sat on Stockport Road, among multiple takeaway kebab shops, but isnât one to be overlooked. A recent update and brand change has led to a big shiny sign over the restaurant, and the name has changed from the New Himalaya to the Himalya. Maybe itâs been there long enough not to be new anymore.
Specialising in Nepalese food, they do amazing sizzling platters of meats or prawns and a great selection of curries. Their thalis are also worth a go, with three small pots of different curries to try. Food may take a while to arrive, but everything is freshly cooked to order so itâs worth the wait.
The New Himalayas Restaurant, 945 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3NP
T: 0161 248 8882