24 January 2011

Alex Perry, a veteran of Manchester’s takeaway scene checks out five not-so-calorific meals to go. The perfect recipe for beating the January blues, without beating yourself up.

Abduls
318 Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield Tel: 0161 248 7573

Abduls claims to be Manchester’s oldest Asian takeaway. Now this may or may not be true, but either way the local chain has been a Manchester student staple since 1980. Mixed Chicken and Lamb Shish Kebab (£5.50) is a complete meal, with juicy chunks of smoky aromatic meat, marinated in a distinctive blend of yoghurt and spices, chargrilled to order, served with lots of fresh salad, mint yogurt and chilli sauce. Add mango sauce and you’re in danger of drowning your naan. The Lamb Keema Karahi Special (£5.50) looks like a Halal Haggis; minced lamb in a deeply savoury, curry stock and flavoured with tomatoes and coriander, it’s reliably warming and the portions are generous. If your pal is less adventurous the Beefburgers are cheap (£1.80) and do the trick after a few ales.

Yakisoba
360 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton Tel: 0161 862 0888

Yakisoba’s Bento boxes are excellent value for money. After four years trading they have a loyal customer base and, once you’ve tried the £7.95 box yourself, it’s difficult not to echo the evangelists. Elsewhere, the King Prawn and Scallop Gyoza (£3.95 for four light dumplings, steamed and fried) are painful to share. The Deep Fried Crunchy Beef (£3.95) is a satisfyingly sweet starter of tender steak strips in batter. A separate pot of sauce ensures the beef retains its crunch. Ginger Wasabi Chicken (£5.95) isn’t as intense as its name suggests, and the ingredients are nicely balanced, with spring onion and crispy beansprouts complementing the steamed chicken in a loose glaze. Astonishingly this dish comes with miso soup, rice, salad and fruit. With so many places stiffing customers for expensive sides, this is even more refreshing than the complementary orange wedge.

Bella House
49 Manchester Road, Chorlton Tel: 0161 861 0877

Chinese chippys get a bad rep health wise, and its not always unfair, but Bella House’s chef’s pile so many vegetables into their fresh, authentic tasting dishes that you can gorge yourself on vitamins without realising. The King Prawn Kung Bo (£4.20) presents an exciting combination of textures, with juicy prawns, crunchy cashew nuts and tender carrots in a modestly hot syrup. The Prawn Toast (£2.30) is what you’d expect and doesn’t disappoint and they’ll happily spice up a Broccoli Chicken (£3.95) on request, invigorating an otherwise gentle stir-fry with fresh chillies, so you know everything is cooked to order.

Tampopo
16 Albert Square Tel: 0161 819 1966

Starting out in Manchester 15 years ago, with restaurants as far as Leeds and Bristol, Tampopo’s growth is as rapacious as their namesake (Tampopo is a Japanese girls name meaning dandelion) and their contribution to modern fusion, particularly in the northwest, is huge. Tempura Vegetables (£4.50) are crispy and clean tasting with a good plum sauce. Nua Yang Manao (£8.50) is a lively salad of mint, chilli and lime with rare rump steak that actually improves your appetite. Share it and try a hearty bowl of Chicken Ramen (£8.50) to follow. At once both rich and light, this noodle soup is delicious and quenching.

La Torre
94 Flixton Road, Urmston Tel: 0161 749 8585

La Torre is a laid back gem of a tapas restaurant on the other side of Trafford. The menu rarely changes so the kitchen has it nailed. Fluffy roasts in a spicy tomato sauce, Patatas Bravas (£3.95) are the essential side and seem to complement everything, especially the Pollo Al Ajillo (£4.30); succulent chicken breast cooked in cream, garlic and wine. The Costillas de Cerdo con salsa (£4.30) are sticky, sweet ribs that you may prefer to enjoy in private. It’s essential you get a loaf in to mop up the sauce.