Top five Indian restaurants to try during National Curry Week

It’s National Curry Week! Which is, of course, a great excuse to eat a copious amount of incredible Indian food.

From classics like Chicken Tikka Masala to lesser-known treats such as Chaat, you have until this Sunday, October 11 to eat as much of it as you can. 

Curry houses certainly need our support, as it’s no secret that the pandemic has been cruel to the hospitality sector.

So, don’t worry, you’re actually doing the nation a service by ordering that extra portion of pakoras.

Manchester has long fought Bradford for the title of Curry Capital of England, and there is certainly no shortage of curry restaurants in and around the city centre.

Below is our pick of the five best places in Manchester to satisfy your curry cravings.

Akbars

This popular chain of restaurants, established in a small town near Bradford, can now be found in many major Northern cities. And with good reason. This is the classic curry house done right. Sumptuously creamy kormas, fiery vindaloos and thick palak paneers are all cooked to perfection. If you’re hungry, go for the family naan and you’ll be full for days.

73-83 Liverpool Rd. Chicken Tikka Masala £9.95.

Bundobust

A relatively new arrival on Manchester’s curry scene, this is a fresh twist on a typical curry house. Set in an industrial setting in the heart of Piccadilly, Bundobust serves vegetarian and vegan Indian street food rather than traditional curries. Couple that with a large craft beer list, and this place is a winner. Try the Vada Pav and never look back. 

61 Piccadilly. Vada Pav £6.

Asha’s

The curry house to the stars. This is a high-end Indian restaurant, with innovative dishes and opulent cocktails. Why go for a plain naan when you can go for a Truffle naan, or even one with Lancashire cheese? Prices may be higher, but you may as well treat yourself. After all, Curry Week only comes around once a year.

47 Peter St. Chicken Tikka Masala £17.25.

Mowgli

Mowgli occupies the middle ground between your regular curry restaurant and the likes of Bundobust. It’s an Indian street food joint which serves traditional curries alongside more inventive dishes. If you’ve never tried the South African speciality Bunny Chow, a fruity curry served in a loaf of bread, now is your chance. 

Corn Exchange. Bunny Chow £8.95. 

The Entire Curry Mile

I could try to choose a specific restaurant on Wilmslow Road, but that misses the point. The Curry Mile is an institution and more than the sum of its parts. Even before this author had ever crossed the Pennines into Manchester, I’d long heard stories of this magical mile of curry houses. And it did not disappoint. If you’re from Manchester, you’ll probably have a favourite restaurant, but the fun is in taking a punt on a new spot. It may not be gourmet, but it is certainly good fun.

Wilmslow Road. Prices vary.

“Keep Calm and Curry On at the Kushoom Koly Indian Restaurant” by dullhunk is licensed under CC BY 2.0