Manchester, this great city with its rich industrial heritage, lively music scene, and footballing passion, also has a truly fantastic eating scene. Indian cuisine is among many food options of the city, but Indian food is particularly renowned for its authenticity, fiery flavors, and diversity. Whether you are in the mood for a hearty curry, sizzling tandoori platter, or Indian fusion, Manchester has some of the UK’s best Indian restaurants outside London.
In this guidebook, we’re going to show you the Top 5 Indian Restaurants in Manchester — restaurants that never fail to provide memorable eating experiences and rave reviews from locals and visitors alike.
1. Mowgli Street Food – Indian with a Twist
Address: Corn Exchange & University Green
Dish: Indian street food with a contemporary quirky twist
Mowgli isn’t your average curry restaurant. It reinvents Indian street food in a hip environment, delivering bite-sized portions bursting with intense, punchy flavors. Mowgli has been built on passion by food journalist and television personality Nisha Katona. The restaurant has acquired a cult following for its irreverent approach to Indian eating.
Why it’s well-liked:
- Emphasis on Indian home-style street food and snacks
- Excellent for sharing, including vegan and gluten-free dishes
- Whimsical interiors with swings, fairy lights, and a laid-back atmosphere
- Key dishes to try: Bhel Puri, Gunpowder Chicken, Paneer Chip Butty, Angry Bird Curry
- Recommended for: Casual lunches, dinner bites, and large group dinners
2. Asha’s – Sophisticated Indian Eating in the City Centre
Address: Peter Street, Central Manchester
Cuisine: Sophisticated contemporary Indian cuisine
Asha’s is the creation of legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, and the Manchester outlet introduces fine Indian cuisine to the city in style. The atmosphere is sophisticated, the cocktails are award-winning, and the cuisine is always outstanding.
Why Asha’s excels:
- A combination of classic recipes with modern presentation
- Signature cocktails with Indian spices
- Elegant décor and attentive, professional service
- Should-not-miss foods: Tandoori King Prawns, Lamb Rogan Josh, Saffron Chicken Biryani, Lychee Rose Martini
- Best suited for: Date nights, business dinners, and special occasions
3. Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Cuisine – Authentic & Homely
Location: Ashton-under-Lyne (Greater Manchester)
Cuisine: Pure veg Indian cuisine with Gujarati and South Indian specialities
Lily’s is a little gem adored by meat-eaters as well as vegetarians. What started off as a little family cafe is now one of Greater Manchester’s best-loved Indian restaurants. It’s renowned for its honest, homely-style vegetarian food that takes you right to India.
Why Lily’s is so great:
- No-frills, tasty food with amazing value for money
- Mass selection of snacks, curries, and sweets hardly ever seen on other menus
- Welcoming service and devoted local clientele
- Must-try foods: Chole Bhature, Dhokla, Masala Dosa, Pani Puri
- Ideal for: Family dining, traditional Gujarati and South Indian cuisine, and desserts
4. Scene Indian Street Kitchen – Riverside Dining with Flair
Location: Spinningfields, Manchester
Cuisine: North Indian street food with restaurant panache
Located by the River Irwell in the trendy Spinningfields area, Scene is a favorite for those who want bold Indian flavors in a modern, lively setting. With open-air seating, a shisha terrace, and an open kitchen, Scene offers a multi-sensory dining experience.
Why you’ll love Scene:
- Focus on authentic street food with a luxurious twist
- Great drinks menu, including cocktails and mocktails
- Large portions and a fun, buzzing atmosphere
- Must-eat dishes: Chicken Lollipop, Samosa Chaat, Railway Lamb Curry, Butter Chicken
- Ideal for: Group meals, nights out, and summer terrace dining
5. This & That Café – Manchester’s Best “Rice & Three” Spot
Address: Soap Street, Northern Quarter
Cuisine: No-frills, canteen-style Indian curry house
This & That Café is an institution in Manchester. It does not exactly look great from the outside, but this down-to-earth family restaurant has been dishing up hot, proper Indian cuisine since the 1980s. Renowned for its “rice and three” option (rice accompanied by three of your choice of curries), it’s popular with students, employees, and curry lovers alike.
Why it’s a local legend:
- Super value for money
- Daily changing array of freshly cooked curries
- No frills or reservations — just fantastic food
- Must-try dishes: Lamb Keema, Chickpea Masala, Saag Aloo, and anything on the daily specials
- Best for: Comfort food fans, quick lunches, and affordable dining
Honorable Mentions: More Indian Gems in Manchester
Though our top 5 provide stand-out experiences, here are a few more restaurants that are well worth a visit:
- Zouk Tea Bar & Grill – Great for groups and shisha fans
- Bundobust – Craft beer and Indian street food (vegetarian heaven at that)
- Indian Tiffin Room – Thali and Southern Indian snacks
- Sanskruti – Temple-inspired vegetarian and vegan food
Why Indian Cuisine Thrives in Manchester?
Manchester boasts one of the UK’s largest South Asian communities, and it has been this that has enabled Indian food to thrive throughout the decades. Current-day Indian restaurants in Manchester are no longer just “curry houses” — they specialize in India’s regional culinary diversity, provide veg and halal choices, and innovate with new techniques and flavors.
Depending on your mood for:
- Punjabi-style curries
- Dosas from South India
- Street- food-style chaats
- Or even contemporary Indian fusion burgers and cocktails
- …Manchester has it all.
Conclusion
From street food stalls to upmarket dining rooms, Manchester’s Indian restaurant scene is unrivaled. The city’s best Indian restaurants honor both tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for foodies.
So the next time you’re in Manchester — whether you live there or are just passing through — indulge in one of these top 5 Indian restaurants. Whether you opt for the upscale dining of Asha’s, the comfort food of This & That, or the fun atmosphere of Mowgli, your taste buds will appreciate it.
