With Ramadan expected to begin on 12 or 13 March, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, which ushers in the Islamic holy month, fasting will soon begin in earnest, right up to the celebrations of Eid at the beginning of April.
And so restaurants across the city will be welcoming in all those observing to break their fast – iftar – meet friends and eat together once the sun goes down.
Here are some great spots to head to…
Zouk
City centre favourite Zouk will be bringing back its famous iftar buffet from 11 March, laden with starter dishes, fresh salads, a carvery section, traditional curries and desserts. Dates, water, and fruits are served on arrival, so fast can be broken traditionally before enjoying the buffet. It’s £30 per person, £15 for kids under 12, and under fives eat free.
0161 233 1090
The Quadrangle, 5 Chester St, Manchester M1 5QS
Back Home Chai
A hidden Bangladeshi gem in Hyde, Back Home Chai is a casual cafe known for chai, obviously, alongside its food. And one dish in particular stands out: stonebaked naan pizza. The cafe will be opening later into the evenings during Ramadan.
0161 511 9297
37 Market Street, Hyde SK14 2AD
Iftar boxes from Al Maidah
The Al Maidah banqueting hall will be packaging up its annual suhoor and iftar boxes, packed with delights like their traditional nihari, tandoori naans and fine desserts too, taking care of the cooking for you. Each box has a Ramadhan message, which can be personalised, meaning they’re great gifts too. They need 24 hours to prep your box, then you just schedule a time for collection.
0161 832 2544
Sagar Street, Bury New Road M8 8EU
Safire
The legendary Safire will be hosting its annual Ramadan buffet, opening their doors at 5pm ahead of iftar. Adults can eat a selection of vast selection of starters dishes, great curries and desserts – more than 50 in all – for £21, and £12 for kids under 10. Booking is recommended.
0161 248 4848
275 Upper Brook Street, Victoria Park M13 0HR
MyLahore
Born in Bradford, this British Asian food empire has a sprawling menu — from tikka dishes, butter chicken and lamb nihari to chicken burgers — and is served until 12am weekdays and 1am Fridays and Saturdays. Iftar and Suhoor boxes are also available to pre-order.
0161 248 8887
14-18 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme M14 5TQ
Inclusive Iftar Safe Space at Contact
The Muslim Social Justice Initiative will be partnering with Ajeeb Studios to hold a night of creativity, belonging and great food for young muslim people aged 18 to 30, providing a safe space to break fast at the Contact Theatre. The MSJI is an inclusive platform for British Muslim young people to challenge social injustice, queer affirming, feminist and anti-racist. Tickets are free.
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6JA
Paratha Hut
The spectacular Paratha Hut – the curry and paratha joint hidden away at the back of a carwash in Levenshulme – will be opening late into the night to cater for those late-night flaky paratha cravings, as well as serving up delicious tikka and seekh kebab rolls.
07424 465638
691 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M12 4QN
Essy’s
Essy’s, just off Trinity Square in Salford, will be offering its Sunday roast menu for those looking to break their fast in the evening at the end of the week. This place can get busy, so booking is advised.
0161 832 4635
31-33 King Street, Manchester M3 2PW
Chaiiwala
With an excellent range of dishes – including its irresistible desi breakfast – multiple locations all over the city, late opening and even a drive-thru in Bolton (the first of its kind in the UK), you can bury yourself in soft parathas and rotis, and drink sweet chai into the early hours.
