Ramadan begins this week and many people Manchester will be observing the dawn to sunset fasting period which runs between Thursday 23 March and Friday 21 April this year.
“It’s a great time for all the community to come together collectively as we’re all working towards the same goal, and dining out together when starting or finishing a fast adds to that sense of belonging.”
So says Halal Dining Manchester. The organisation offers an expansive directory of halal dining options across our region signposting the huge variety available today. With this in mind, we couldn’t think of a better partner to help us compile a list of the best places to eat in Manchester for Suhoor and Iftar during Ramadan 2023.
Many cafes are changing their opening times to serve before the sun comes up, giving customers an essential Suhoor before fasting begins of the day. Late-night gems are offering incredible dishes for Iftar after dark. We’ve scoured the streets, listings, social channels and more to bring you a run down of the finest establishments serving meals within permitted hours in the run up to Eid al-Fitr on 21 April.
Read on for the best places to eat for Iftar and Suhoor during Ramadan in Manchester this year.
Al Maidah
With an open kitchen dramatically situated in the centre of the dining room, Al Maidah is proud of what it serves. For Ramadan, Al Maidah is offering Iftar and Suhoor boxes, with advance orders only. Those who prefer to sit inside have until 11PM to do so.
0161 832 2544
Sagar Street, Bury New Road M8 8EU
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
Baity
Palestinian kitchen Baity has plenty to shout about over Ramadan. Every day, anyone eating in time for Iftar will get free adas lentil soup and dates, plus they’re bringing back their Katayef, a street food dessert only served during Ramadan.
0161 613 5473
743 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury Village M20 6RN
Cheadle Masjid
From this week, community centre and mosque Cheadle Masjid has a number of Ramadan options available for food. on 26h March, Iftar boxes will be handed out, while separate Sisters and Brothers evenings, including full Iftar, will be held on different days throughout the month. For age limits and full details, check the schedule.
0161 437 1093
377 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green SK8 3NP
Eccles and Salford Islamic Society
On Saturday 1 April, hungry mouths are invited to come and “share food, share friendship” and “taste Ramadan” at Eccles and Salford Islamic Society. This social event which starts at 5.45pm features stalls, tours and presentations and an Iftar feast from around 8pm.
5 Liverpool Road, Eccles M30 0WB
Essy’s
Usually concentrating on breakfast and lunch, over the coming weeks Essy’s, just off Trinity Square, will be offering a 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 get in early if you want to guarantee a seat.
31-33 King Street, Manchester M3 2PW
House of Chai
Renowned for its breakfast and brunch options, over the coming month House of Chai will be unlocking its doors between 12 and 4AM daily, giving plenty of time for Suhoor. Sadly, at the other end of the day you’re out of luck, with 5PM closing in place.
0161 706 0742
5a Wilbraham Road, Fallowfield M4 6JS
Indian Tiffin Room
Also operating a branch in Cheadle (Chapel Street), Indian Tiffin Room is one of Manchester’s best South Asian street food spots. Suhoor isn’t an option, but bookings are being taken for sittings up to around 9.30pm for Iftar. On the fence? Read our review of the restaurant.
0161 228 1000
2 Isabella Banks Street, First Street M15 4RL
Manchester Museum
Recently reopened after a multi-million refurbishment, Manchester Museum is first on the list for dinosaurs, but not usually an evening meal. All that changes on Wednesday 29 March, with Iftar at the Museum. From 6-9pm, this free event encourages cross-cultural dialogue, and offers great food.
University of Manchester, Oxford Road M13 9PL
MACFEST2023
Celebrate MACFEST’s German friends arriving in town with an Iftar feast in Cheetham Hill. The Muslim Arts and Culture Festival which featured in our pages last year when it spawned the Muslim Women’s Arts Festival is hosting the visitors and local community for dinner on Saturday 15 April.
Khizra Mosque, Cheetham Hill M8 0PF
Merzee
One of the city’s biggest buffet-based banqueting establishments, Royal Nawaab was an award winning staple of the South Manchester curry scene. Now called Merzee following a buyout, this landmark venue serves until 11pm for Iftar en masse.
0161 224 6969
1008 Stockport Road, Levenshulme M19 3WN
MyLahore
A Bradford-born British Asian food empire, MyLahore’s broad menu — from samosa chaat to chicken burgers — is served until 12am weekdays and 1am Fridays and Saturdays. Iftar and Suhoor boxes are also available to pre-oder.
14-18 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme M14 5TQ
Safire
Something of an institution, Safire’s special Ramadan buffets run throughout the month, meaning kids can open Iftar with a generous buffet for less than a tenner, adults for under £20, and anyone under three years goes for free. Suffice to say, this gets very busy.
0161 248 4848
275 Upper Brook Street, Victoria Park M13 0HR
Saleem’s Tawa & Grill
Led by the recipes of Lahori master chef and multi-award-winner Saleem Malik, Saleem’s takes bookings until around 10.30pm for 11pm closing. As the name suggests, the big selling point here is the range of tawa heated meat platters, which are ideal for a group to experience Iftar together.
0161 225 3800
595d Stockport Road, Levenshulme M13 0RX
Shahjalal Mosque & Islamic Centre
Shahjalal is offering free Iftar every day throughout Ramadan to those who attend prayer at the mosque, giving an opportunity for people to break fast with the community each evening. Costs are covered by donations, with 200 places available.
0161 613 2123
1A Eileen Grove, Rusholme M14 5WE
ZaxxFried
Available from both Ardwick and Chorlton outlets, ZaxxFried is adding boned chicken thighs, pistachio and chocolate deep-fried Oreos to the menu from 22 March onwards. Anyone still not convinced should check out our thoughts from a previous visit.
2 Dark Lane, Ardwick M12 6FB
Zouk
Another late opener, diners can savour contemporary flavours from the sub-continent at Zouk until 12am daily. More significantly, there’s a brand new sharing buffet launching for Iftar on 23 March, with complimentary stuffed dates and fruit chaat served on arrival as well as a whole stuffed lamb.
0161 2331 090
5 The Quadrangle, Chester Road, Oxford Road Corridor M1 5QS
