Didsbury has its fair share of great curry houses — even more if you count the West district in that statement. Established in 2000, The Original Third Eye was a great addition to the mix at the turn of the millennium, and the fact it’s still going strong today speaks volumes about the quality that continues to be plated up at this Wilmslow Road dine-in and takeaway establishment. Family-run, and specialising in Asian fusion dishes alongside traditional specialities, a key reason for its enduring popularity is the secret weapon in the kitchen.
Chef Arun Kumar was trained by his father from India, who worked at the legendary Moti Mahal, Delhi. For those less familiar with the subcontinent’s restaurant scene, this spot lays claim to being the birthplace of butter chicken and many more dishes. Suffice to say, then, the dish is one of the big sells at The Original Third Eye, although the menu is anything but limited, and comprises an array of delicacies imported from India and Nepal. Examples include steamed and fried momochas, spice stuffed pommi naan, dal makhani, bringal, kabuli channa, and kantipur king prawns.
The cuisine naturally means stacks of tempting vegetarian dishes, with special menus also available — including bespoke — for events and group bookings. Exactly what you’d expect from a place that has walked away with myriad high profile industry awards, including Best Restaurant of the Year for Manchester 2018 and 2022, and Chef of the Year for the North and England 2019, at the English Curry Awards, alongside 2023 Guru Best Restaurant… the list could go on. Good enough for us, then, and red carpet customers like Eva Mendes, Ryan Gosling, Bugzy Malone, and Michelin Chef, Atul Kochher, who has lauded praise on the place for both service and flavours. Adding to all this, a strong charitable spirit means organisations and institutions like Christie’s Hospital, Perry’s Pantry House and Community Grocer also benefit from your custom.