Indian Tiffin Room does something that Manchester’s Indian food scene has always been light on — dedicated vegetarian and vegan street food done with real conviction. This isn’t a token veggie menu bolted onto a meat-heavy restaurant. Everything here is plant-based or vegetarian, and it’s all the better for that focus. The First Street location is the flagship, bright and colourful with an open kitchen pumping out thali boxes, dosas, and chaat plates at speed.
The thali is the way to go. A metal tray loaded with small portions of different curries, rice, dal, bread, and chutneys. It gives you a proper spread for under fifteen quid. The dosas are crispy and massive, stuffed with spiced potato and served with sambar and coconut chutney. Chaat options like pani puri and bhel puri are sharp, tangy, and moreish. The chai is the real thing — brewed properly with cardamom and ginger.
Who It’s For
Everyone, honestly. You don’t need to be vegetarian to enjoy this. The food is flavourful enough that you won’t miss the meat. Most dishes are between seven and fourteen quid, making it one of the best value meals on First Street. Quick service, generous portions, and the kind of food that makes you feel good without trying to guilt you into anything. Solid lunch spot.