This & That image

This & That

Restaurant Cafe Fast food restaurant Indian restaurant Indian takeaway

One of the Top rated Indian restaurants in Manchester


Address

3 Soap St, Manchester M4 1EW, United Kingdom

Website

www.thisandthatcafe.co.uk

Contact

+44 161 832 4971

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 9 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: curry (24) Manchester (19) good (18) curries (17) rice (15) Indian (13) people (10) meat (9) dishes (9) price (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 S U. 1 year ago on Google
    This & That Indian cafe Located in the Northern Quarter down a back alley, This & That is a family ran business which was established in 1984. They offer a huge choice of curries, meat, veg and vegan options with a different choice Monday to Sunday. All their food is homemade and prepared using fresh whole spices for an authentic taste and maximum flavour. How the menu works: vegan Rice & 3 Veg: £4.50 Rice & 1 Meat & 2 Veg: £5.00 Rice & 2 Veg & 1 Karai: £5.50 Rice & 2 Meat & 1 Veg: £6.00 Rice & 3 Meat: £6.50 (+50p on Sun) We went on a Sunday, you join the queue, very much canteen style, pick your 3 dishes, add any drinks or sundries and you're done! It's as simple as that. Service is friendly, food is tasty and portions are perfect. It really is one of Manchester's hidden Gems and without any of this IG fuss. They don't even have IG 😎 If you really haven't tried This and That then you should consider going. You definitely won't be disappointed. We paid £17 including drinks & naan. 📍3, Soap St, The Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1EW Times: Friday & Saturday 11:30am to 9:00pm Sunday - Thursday 11:30am to 8:00pm
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TT 2 years ago on Google
    Tried this place for the first time tonight after my partner raves about it and was honestly pleasantly surprised. I got the 2 meat and veg with a side of garlic naan and veg samosas. Good portion size and food was delicious. Will be definitely heading back to this little gem very soon.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott L. 2 years ago on Google
    One of Manchester's best curry! I'm from Malaysia and there's no shortages of good curry around town but this place ranks as one of my top 3 in the world for good honest cheapest and delicious curry with rice. Good portions too!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jack F. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolute love! I have known this place for a few years now and it’s never disappointed. The spice is right, a great selection of different curries served canteen style. Great atmosphere, real people, gorgeous food and a small price. Stop reading and go there :)
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pramod S. 10 months ago on Google • 120 reviews
    If you find yourself in Manchester and have a craving for delectable Indian cuisine, look no further than the remarkable Indian restaurant located near the city centre. This culinary gem offers a delightful array of food options and promises an unforgettable dining experience. Upon stepping into the restaurant, one is greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an exceptional meal. The menu boasts a wide range of traditional Indian dishes, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate. From aromatic curries to succulent tandoori delights, the restaurant excels in serving up an extensive selection of north Indian delicacies. The food itself is nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish bursts with authentic flavors and spices, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of India. The chefs masterfully prepare every meal with utmost care and attention to detail, resulting in a taste that is both delicious and satisfying. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat lover, the menu caters to all dietary preferences, offering a plethora of options that are guaranteed to please. What truly sets this Indian restaurant apart is its commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience. The attentive and friendly staff go above and beyond to ensure that guests feel welcomed and well-cared for. The service is prompt and efficient, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark N. 2 months ago on Google • 358 reviews New
    Wow - what a place - a different selection of dishes served up each day of the week. It’s Friday - I had the Chicken Chan, Daal, Mixed Veg & Rice all for the remarkable price of £6.50❗️Fast efficient service - surely Canteen style dining at it’s finest❓

  • 5/5 P K. 8 months ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Fabulous hidden gem on Soap street tucked away down the alleylike near bus terminal in Manchester. Rice and 3, the way to go for the modern curry lover. Love this place. Fantastic food. Enjoy!!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tara 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fabulous! From the moment my friend and I walked in we were greeted with a warm welcome and a smile. It was nearly closing time but that was not a problem to them at all. We explained we had never been before and the lovely gentleman kindly said what they had to offer which was lamb mine curry, vegetable curry and chicken curry...... yes please! A younger gentleman with a huge smile said, please sit down ladies and we'll bring it over. Quickly or Our food arrived again with a huge smile from a friendly chap who asked if we would like any breads with our food, again yes please! Now I'm from Bradford known as the curry capital and I've eaten many, many curries from back street curries to Mumtaz and this was what I like to call an authentic curry. So full of flavour, just delicious and at £7.50, well you can't beat it. So please 🙏🏽 pop in for the warmest of welcomes and leave with the fullest of tummies and you will not be disappointed.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew V. 2 years ago on Google
    Can't fault this place at all. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea but it's extremely popular and I took notice of the clientele to whom this place serves. There were people who were obviously office workers, construction workers, people who were eating before a night out and people who lived locally. I could go on... The atmosphere is so friendly, as are the staff. Very well organised and the owner was very astute and was very apt at serving and treating people from all walks of life with an air of humanity that made it a warm environment; brought people together. I took some photos a couple of weeks back and he came out, invited me in and made me feel welcome with an offer of some food. He said I could take some photos inside the premises - which I did. I asked a few of the customers what they thought and they all said it was a great place and that the food spoke for itself. I told the owner I'd be back and I took my friend with me. The set up is a series of benches and tables, reminiscent of a School dining hall, with little decor but don't let that put you off. I thought at first that the portions were a bit small but I was fooled. You get a healthy portion and we were given what we left - which was pretty much a full third meal. The place is hidden down a side street and you'd wonder how it would thrive as a business but as you can see from my review, that's how it advertises itself. It certainly 'is' a hidden gem in a busy part of The Northern Quarter, Manchester. It's a takeaway too and I noticed a lot of people using it as such. What I would say, is if you want a five star candlelit romantic dinner, then this isn't the place for you - but if you want Indian food and a humble but warm environment, then this is your place. The food does speak for itself by the way. I personally couldn't fault this place and as a regular Manchester Photographer, I'll always stick my neck out to advertise this place 😁
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gilbert G. 1 year ago on Google
    Located in a sus alley, there’s a good chance you’ll walk by this place if you aren’t looking for it. For £7, you get 3 curries & rice at a pretty generous portion. Shoutout to the rice, not sure what they do to make it but it was really good. Curries change everyday but you really can’t go wrong with any of the choices, just pick the ones that look interesting to you. Definitely recommend adding a mountain of onions like I do. Seating is small and the place feels cramped, but adds to the ambience in my opinion. One improvement I’d like to see is for them to be a bit more generous with the protein, but otherwise, a staple in my list of places to eat in Manchester👍
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Agnes D. 2 months ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    So glad that we did try this hidden gem. So much different to the taste of Indian food in NL (where we come from). So cheap. Good portion. Quick. I can eat there every day I guess. You can choose meals of choice (rice with one meat and two vegetables or rice with 3 meats dishes, etc). The place is small, but we didn't face problems eating lunch there with 7 of us. The meals are at least medium spicy. So not suitable for young children. Recommended!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bronnie W. 6 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    Spotted this gem on google maps and popped in for lunch. We ordered rice with chicken curry, lamb curry and cabbage for £8.50. Good portion size and was delicious! The lamb curry was spicier than I expected but tender and good. Atmosphere wise it’s like a canteen with plenty of seats to enjoy your meal with friends. Overall the food was good and afforable, highly recommend trying it out if you fancy a simple and casual meal!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Craig W. 2 years ago on Google
    You will probably think you turned down the wrong way and then you notice the door and in you go into a Manchester gem. Probably the best curry you will manage to find in the Northern Quarter if not the whole of Manchester. If you are visiting this has to be on your list. If you live here and haven't been, what's up with you? Go! Food is delicious, service is amazing and you will be shocked at the price. Well worth the money.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim P. 6 months ago on Google
    Totally superb place. If you want a tasty spicy curry, served quickly, then this is the place to visit. Great value for money too, and helpful service too for those with mobility problems. Portions were perfect.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 William K. 2 months ago on Google • 104 reviews New
    Stumbled upon this place one night when I was craving for Indian food, when I turned the corner I was a bit shocked that the shop is hidden in a narrow dark side alley. Peeping in thru the window and found that it was almost full so I decided to give it a try. Took a few moment to understand the menu on the wall, the food they offered is fixed for the day and changes daily, you just pick 2-3 dish to go with rice or naan. They certainly don't market it as a "decent" restaurant, the food is of good value though.

  • 4/5 KloudManc 9 months ago on Google
    This little cafe is a great place for lunch. Get a traditional Manchester Rice n Three (rice with these curries) for £6-7. Card payments accepted, very convenient. Great food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 nithiah p. 6 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    You dont just come here for their food..but the hospitality too. Heartwarming people serving hot dishes, rain or shine..just This and That. Yum!! Best indian food in Manchester. Affordable and tasty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Just A. 9 months ago on Google
    This and That, an unassuming little place down a side street, full of curry delights. A dish of rice and a choice of meats and vegetarian options. Cheap, yes; tasty, absolutely. Get the timing wrong and you find yourself queuing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan S. 7 months ago on Google
    1st time here, what I hear you cry, well it won't be my last, quality food served and very reasonably priced only £10 for rice and 3 curries, 1 Roti and a bottle of water, where in the city centre can you get that, and we sat inside. This place has been going years, there's a different set of curries everyday so you can plan which day you want to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Harmesh C. 9 months ago on Google
    Found this place by just walking past and smelling curry. So I gave it a go. It's set in a side street, a bit unpleasant at first, but it serves it purpose. If you want curry in a hurry and a fair price with that homemade taste, then it's a great little spot. Various ranges of meat and veg curries are available depending on which day you go in. We had the 2 meat and 1 veg option with 2 roti and a can of coke. Cost £17.50 and it totally filled us up for the day. Give it a go, it's different.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick M. 1 year ago on Google
    Cannot speak more highly of this place and the owners. Went after hearing nothing but good things about “Manchester’s hidden gem” which boats the best curry in town. Blown away by not just the quality of the food, but how nice the owners were. After hearing it was my first UK curry experience, they were kind enough to give me extras to try, letting me experience it all. Didn’t want to post this review because I want to keep it all to myself but it’s a must visit in Manchester for food, atmosphere, and just good people
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason D. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited first time today, I had the 3 Curries, rice and a nan bread, big portion and the best curry I have tasted. Nice and clean place and helpful staff. Will definitely be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yvonne L. 10 months ago on Google
    Located in a small alleyway, this restaurant is the ultimate fast food. As a first timer it was a bit confusing to order, basically choose 3 types of curries/dishes and each day there’s a specific selection. Price would differentiate based on how many “meat” dishes you ordered. Delicious and cheap but with authentic flavors. Lunch hours gets pretty crowded and chaotic so recommendation to come early or later for a more relaxing dining experience
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick H. 1 year ago on Google
    A Manchester institution, been coming here for over 15 years and never once had a bad meal. Just consistently fantastic food, simple and effective, no messing about. Eating in or taking away, love it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Graham M. 1 year ago on Google
    This has been on my radar for some time, so when unexpectedly in Manchester and my wife wanted to get a cheap meal, I suggested we try here. My wife wasn't overly impressed, as she didn't like the café style surroundings, down a dodgy looking ally. As for me, I thought £8 for the rice and three meat curries was excellent value and for the price, the quality of the food and the taste was excellent. Will definitely return, but will bring my friends instead.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MessInAboat 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing curry for a good price! Came here recently returning as a meat eater and it was so good (previously only ate Vege options which are really good). Simple set up with a family/ local vibe. If you are missing Asian style curry this is one of the best places to go in the city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Beatriz C. 2 years ago on Google
    Happy we discovered this place! Although it seems like everybody had done it before us! 🤣 The food is truly delicious, home cooked, with a daily variety & the prices can't be beaten!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kam C. 2 years ago on Google
    Working-class canteen vibes serving delightfully flavourful and heartwarming curry's. Portions are big enough to get you through the week. Always go for 3 curries for the variety. Never say no to the crispy bhajis on offer.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Palak A. 2 months ago on Google • 28 reviews New
    Hidden gem of Manchester. Variety of dishes for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The food served is fresh and hygienic. The atmosphere of the place is very good and the staff is very polite and friendly. The place is usually busy during lunch and dinner times, if you are looking for cheap and wholesome food options just go for it. Although the vegetarian curry mostly includes potatoes so check the menu for the day first to avoid disappointments.

  • 5/5 Robert D. J. 11 months ago on Google
    Can’t imagine a Manchester without This & That, been coming here years and it’s always been great. No nonsense, just brilliant quality traditional Indian food at an extremely generous price point. When after lunch or dinner in the city, for me the first choice is always here.

  • 4/5 Karam A. 7 months ago on Google
    Indian food! Tasty and colorful options. Mostly chicken curries and food coloring, yet serves the point of relativity cheap and quick Indian food! Perfect for a quickie would def visit again.

  • 5/5 Jisu Kim (. 7 months ago on Google
    A must go when you're in Manchester. Generous plates of curries and rice for less than a tenner. Order a naan too and it still won't make it over a tenner. The curries aren't life changing, but they have a real sense of comfort - as if your grandma cooked them for you. They provide freshly chopped chillies, onions, and coriander to help brighten your food up. Daily changing menu, so come with a spontaneous spirit. Service was great too, very friendly and speedy. The dining room feels like you're eating on someone's living room - very cozy. If you want affordable and tasty food, come here!

  • 4/5 Violeta L. 7 months ago on Google
    It's as good as I remember from years back. Very good price, quality and quantity. I wish the vegetarian options were better or at least better thought out (like not having two out of three vegetarian dishes being potatoes).

  • 3/5 D C. 8 months ago on Google
    The food was good enough. Lamb was soft and succulent, rice fresh, potatoes were starchy, fluffy and at decent temperature. Only problem, for the price, the portion is not acceptable. We liked the food but I’ll be honest we all ended up going else where to eat. The lamb karahi wasn’t for me, too much tomato purée, the masala was bland and to be quite honest the curry’s in general don’t have a kick at all. 👍 🤷‍♂️

  • 5/5 Savtash 8 months ago on Google
    If you’re looking for no thrills, and a cheap and tasty meal that goes down easy, this is the place. Energetic bossman that always hooks me up with extras. A must-do for Manchester, whether it’s dinner or just lunch. Menu changes every day.

  • 5/5 Ula K. 9 months ago on Google
    Best hidden gem Indian food !! Such a good deal with massive portions :)

  • 4/5 Sodrul M. 10 months ago on Google
    First time visiting this & that .. went to have lunch tried the rice and three.. the curries were absolutely delicious also the seek kebabs were nice as well..there is an element of authenticity about it.. the people in there really good and generous.. would visit again.. recommend to everyone budget friendly..

  • 5/5 Leslie L. 2 years ago on Google
    A great Manchester Institution! Serving inexpensive meals to city office workers for more years then many wish to remember. Eating here has become a 'rights of passage' for many. Handy for the Arndale & Northen Quarter.


Call +44 161 832 4971 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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