Top 5 Curry Café Hotspots in Manchester

From irresistible junk food to elaborate twelve course taster menus, the City of Manchester is rife with food establishments vying for your attention. We know it can be hard to chose where to enjoy your next meal, especially when there’s so many options and we always advise narrowing it down. If you’re a fan of Indian Cuisine then please read on. Amongst the plethora of food establishments lies a true unsung wonder which has been quietly serving up lunch in Manchester since the 1980’s- the curry cafe.  

Not to be confused with the glitzier curry houses of Manchester, these places do what they say on the tin- they’re day-time eateries trading in what’s known as ‘rice and three’. Translation: three curries of your choice, served upon a hefty pile of rice. Other options are on the menu, but for a quick, no-nonsense meal, you can’t go wrong with the old classic. When it comes to these spots, everyone seems to have their favourite, but to be honest, they’re all delicious and we highly recommend giving it a try to experience some Indian heartiness.  

3 Soap Street, Manchester, M4 1EW 

Generally referred to as the originator of the ‘rice and three’ concept. This and That has been serving up fine, reasonably priced cuisine since the mid-80s. The original family moved along a while ago to open up the aptly titled ‘Rice ’n’ three’ in Bolton, but This and That is still a popular curry cafe to venture to in Manchester. It’s probably worth mentioning that this isn’t the easiest spot to find, but if you take a left at Trof on Thomas Street you shall be rewarded.

36 Back Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 1HP 

Hidden down the unassuming, graffiti covered, Back Piccadilly side street sits Marhaba. Open since 1992 it’s been a local favourite and it’s not going anywhere soon. It fills up pretty fast and there’s limited seating so we recommend a tasty takeaway that you can savour whilst exploring the rest of Manchester.  

Don’t be fooled by its exterior and its no nonsense interior however, their choice of 25 curries hailing from Pakistan and North India will have you thinking about nothing but the rich array of flavours. The curries are homely, hearty and extremely affordable starting from just £4.75!  

53 Bury New Road, Manchester M8 8FX 

Whilst most of these cafes are located around the Northern Quarter, this unsung gem is found just out of town on the infamous Bury New Road. Moghuls Taste (also referred to as Mo Mo’s) serves delicious, authentic, homemade curries, kebabs or, if you prefer something more western just a good ol’ portion of burgers and chips. The nice surprise here is that the curries change daily so you can always plan on something different being on the menu.  

Of course, we advise the aforementioned ‘rice and three’ which allows you to savour a few options in one bite. Their specialities include Karella, mustard leaf and curried cauliflower. What better way to spice up your day than with an authentic curry?  

72 High Street, Manchester, M4 1ES 

Little Aladdin has been around for a while, but it recently cooked up a curveball by becoming a fully vegan establishment. This basically means that as well as serving all manner of veg curries, it also provides alternatives such as tofu wraps, falafel and vegan cheese on chips.  

If you’re wondering why the man behind the till is always shouting orders down at his feet… it’s because the kitchen is located down a hatch in the floor. It sounds daft, but this has confused a lot of people. Either way, this Cafe is a lovely alternative for people with dietary requirements and/or preferences and we highly recommend you try them out.

52 Back Turner Street, Manchester, M4 1FP 

Last, but certainly not least, here’s a classic reliable favourite - Kabana. Like the nearby Yadgars, this one is a real no fuss curry cafe. It’s easy to find, it’s got plenty of seats and there’s plenty on the menu. Pour yourself a glass of complimentary table water and get stuck in.