The Best Restaurants on the Curry Mile, Manchester

Often considered to be one of Manchester’s best Indian restaurants, Mughli is among the Curry Mile’s most-visited establishments, with previous diners including actor Jared Leto and TV chef Nigel Slater. Mughli has been serving traditional North Indian and Pakistani Mughlai cuisine and street food from its charcoal pit and clay oven for nearly a quarter of a century. This is as authentic as it gets.

A vibrant, bright and fresh interior with a modern vibe, MyLahore is the new face of curry houses, moving past tradition in order to serve delicious food in a contemporary setting. It’s not a strictly curry-only affair however, as MyLahore offers a varied menu which, in addition to high-quality traditional curries and accoutrements such as bhajis, samosas and pakoras, includes burgers, barbecue grills and continental favourites. With its friendly staff and energetic atmosphere, MyLahore is ideal for enjoying a relaxed meal.

For those with a sweet tooth, Sanam is for you. Founded in 1963, it specialises in authentic Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern desserts and sweets. The name translates as ‘loved one’, and the food on offer at Sanam displays the passion that goes into every dish. While the restaurant serves traditional Indian and Pakistani food, it is the sweet centre that is the cause of Sanam’s continued popularity. The restaurant space gets quite crowded, especially at the weekend, but the delicious flavours and melt-in-the mouth desserts are well worth the wait for a seat.

Shere Khan was the Curry Mile’s first fully licensed Indian restaurant. Since opening in 1987, Shere Khan has paved the way for other Indian restaurants by combining modern design with the traditional tastes of India. While the Shere Khan brand has now expanded to include restaurants and express franchises throughout the country, the Wilmslow Road branch is its flagship and the heart of the company. Specials include Hyderabadi biryani, chicken tikka, methi and hara masala. The restaurant also has its own shisha lounge.

Fine dining on the Curry Mile is becoming increasingly possible, as Ziya confirms. The menu will appeal to both traditional curry fans and those searching for something of the more contemporary pan-Asian variety, with dishes ranging from lamb korma to chargrilled duck breast, all with an Indian twist. The head chef has over 30 years of experience, which has included working in five-star restaurants across the world. The interior is particularly striking with a host of upmarket features, while the food is served in the minimalist, artistic style associated with haute cuisine.

Formerly known as Sangam, Lahori Karahi specialises in cuisine commonly served in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Established over 20 years ago, the restaurant boasts high-quality ingredients expertly crafted by experienced chefs. If you select a dish from the Lahori Choice menu, you will be able to tailor the dish right down to the level and degree of spice you would like. Speciality dishes include nehari, haleem and lahori chana, with changing daily specials available in addition to the already substantial menu.

The literal translation of Lal Qila is ‘red fort’, specifically, a red castle in the Medieval city of Shahjahanabad in Old Dehli. While not possessing quite the prowess of its Medieval namesake, the red of the Lal Qila sign is sure to catch your eye, even among the sea of colours on the Curry Mile. The interior is pleasantly light and airy due to large floor-to-ceiling windows; if you’re fortunate enough to get a table at the front of the restaurant, embrace the opportunity to people-watch. The menu is a comprehensive selection of exquisite Indian food, and the team also cook dishes to suit dietary requirements and different tastes.