We’d say Bundobust Piccadilly is one of Manchester’s best kept secrets, but that would discount the fact most of the city knows where to find this subterranean street food institution because it made such an impact after opening its doors. Situated beneath the bustling chaos of Piccadilly Gardens — on Piccadilly itself no less — this is one of the finest places in town for exotic small plates and crisp pints of beer, brewed just across the way at the company’s larger Oxford Road site.
Once underground, customers will find a lively beer hall style open plan basement serving vegetarian Indian chaats, dhals, fafda, and a number of Desi sweet shop and dhaba favourites, many of which are still slowly making their way into less imaginative UK curry and kebab houses. Opt for a fresh, zesty and palate cleansing chatpat, like Bundo chaat, smacked khakri, bhel puri, or kachumber sambharo. Looking for something crisper, crunchier and ideal for dipping? No problems — okra fries, paneer tikka, and aloo dhal kachori have got you covered in the farsan section of the menu. Then there’s the saucy and spicy shaaks, like raghda pethis, paneer kadai, egg bhurji, and chole saag.
Beyond all that, Bundobust also does a mean line in butties, packing eastern flavours and ingredients into the western staple. Seasonality is serious business here too — so in winter think sprout bhajis, Festive dhal & rice, and baingan baubles (baby aubergine stuffed with nutty sweet and spicy masala, cooked in Kerala-style sauce with coconut, garam masala and curry leaves). The beer options are similar tempting, with the core in-house range comprising Python Premium Lager, Peela Pale Ale, Ekla Single Hop IPA, and Mango Lassi Dazzler Pale Ale. Oh, and there’s also a rotating cask collaboration happening here — timely brews created in conjunction with the legendary Thornbridge. All in all, irresistible stuff, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, pre-party feed, or an evening of lazy grazing.