The Curry Mile is a nickname given to Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, just south of Manchester city centre. Although it’s technically less than a mile long, the stretch is home to a cohort of restaurants and takeaways serving Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine. In fact, it’s the most densely-populated area of Asian restaurants in the country, making it a must-visit on many a foodie’s bucket list.
Its history dates back to the 1950s, when a wealth of Indian migrants flocked to the UK to work in Manchester’s textile mills and factories. As Rusholme quickly became home to a thriving Indian community, its residents took to the cafes along Wilmslow Road as a place to meet and socialise. Fast forward to the mid-80s and the term ‘Curry Mile’ had become commonplace, as a wealth of South Asian eateries opened up along the stretch.
Until fairly recently, the Curry Mile was known solely as the place to go for Indian food, but you can now find many Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants there too (some even refer to it as the ‘Shisha Mile’).
The Curry Mile is most popular at night, when its bright neon signs flicker back to life and the crowds start to gather for dinner. In fact, many of the restaurants on the Curry Mile stay open until the early hours of the morning, making it a popular destination for late-night dining. Local students also often frequent the strip thanks to its proximity to many of the University of Manchester's campuses. Plus, it’s a great place to grab some tasty cheap eats!
Make sure to take a look at all the best Indian restaurants in Manchester if you need to book somewhere nearer the city centre. Or, if you're simply looking for somewhere that offers spectacular food, then this list of the best restaurants in Manchester contains plenty of gems.