Dishoom

Dishoom is one of those places where the queue outside tells you everything you need to know. The Manchester outpost on Bridge Street captures the spirit of the old Irani cafes of 1960s Bombay – ceiling fans, vintage portraits, that warm amber lighting that makes everything feel like a film set. But you’re not here for the decor. You’re here for the bacon naan roll at breakfast, the black daal that’s been simmering for 24 hours, and the lamb biryani that’s become a modern classic.

The menu is extensive but everything lands. Chicken ruby is rich and fragrant, the gunpowder potatoes are dangerously addictive, and the chai is the best you’ll find outside of an actual Mumbai street stall. Yes, there’s always a wait if you place’t booked for breakfast. No, it’s not a gimmick. The food genuinely delivers every time. Service is fast, friendly, and the atmosphere buzzes from open to close. Dishoom earned its reputation and the Manchester branch holds its own against every other location in the chain.