There are few parts of town more synonymous with eating than the Curry Mile. That undisclosed length of Wilmslow Road stretching down from Whitworth to Platt Fields Park was already a tourist magnet long before Manchester itself became the beacon for city-breakers it is today. First, the area won its reputation through an abundance of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants, but more recently a wave of Middle Eastern cafes and shisha bars have added even more vibrancy. It’s here we find Ziya, a contemporary kitchen that looks to elevate and modernise Rusholme’s original cuisine.
Much more than your average curry house, Ziya speaks to a new generation of tandoori grills. Inside, there’s a cosmopolitan feel to the space itself, although the biggest draw here is definitely where it should be — the menu itself. Recipes use only the highest quality ingredients, with a real focus on premium meats sourced from choice suppliers, used by masterchefs to create some of the area’s real standout dishes. And given where we are in town, that’s saying something.
Tandoori Badshah is one of the highlights at Ziya. According to the guys here, it’s basically shorthand for “King of Kebabs”, and Finest has first hand experience of just how good it is. Alternatively, Peshwari Lamb Chops, Vegetable or Fish Manchurian, Sabudana Wada, Corn Cheese Tikka, and Chilli Paneer give an idea of what’s on offer to start. The Ziya curry list is next, and long and distinguished, running from Goan Fish to Methu Mutter Malai, Paneer Musallam to Chicken Chettinad. Spoilt for choice, those after heat should make a beeline for the Chennai Murgh thanks to the incredible sauce made with aromatic spices. Meanwhile, those in search of dishes closer to traditional British curry culture won’t find themselves wanting, either. Whether that’s the finest Lamb Jalfrezi you’ll have this year, or the Chicken Tikka Masala to end all Chicken Tikka Masala.