Top 5 Curry Café Hotspots in Manchester

Discover a selection of delicious curry cafe’s in Manchester, from street food, traditional cuisine and food that would satisfy a vegetarians dream…

A table set with various dishes including white rice, naan bread, a bowl of curry, a mixed vegetable dish, and a fresh salad. A person wearing a striped sweater is partially visible, seated at the table. The background has a casual dining setting with other diners.
Image © Pille-Riin Priske on Unsplash

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.  

This and That

A buffet with a variety of dishes in stainless steel containers. Two industrial-style pendant lights hang over the counter. The wall in the background has the text Welcome to Manchester's Hidden Gem in black font.
Image © Facebook via @ThisAndThatManchester

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.


Marhaba

A top view of three plates of Indian food. One plate contains paneer spinach curry, another has lentil curry, and the third features a meat curry garnished with cilantro. Each plate is accompanied by pieces of flatbread, including roti and naan, on a light wooden surface.
Image © Instagram via @cafemarhaba1

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!  


Moghuls Taste

A plate of vibrant Indian food featuring a yellow lentil curry, chopped okra with spices, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced green chilies, and slivers of ginger. A cartoon character holding a menu and giving a thumbs up is in the bottom left corner.
Image © restaurantguru.com/Mughal-Taste-Manchester

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?  


Little Aladdin Vegan Cafe

Close-up of a plated Indian samosa, garnished with chopped cilantro, red onions, and a drizzle of white yogurt or cream. The samosa is golden and crispy, served on top of a bed of mixed vegetables in a rich-looking sauce, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation.
Image © Facebook via @veganali99

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.


Kabana

Split image: The left side shows Kabana, a restaurant in a white brick building with signage indicating it offers Halal food. The right side features a close-up of a dish with rice, vegetables, and garnished herbs.
Image © Facebook via @kabana

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.