Dreaming of the flavours of Asia? We feel ya. And if there’s one place you can get a taste, it’s Manchester. From beautiful Indian restaurants to authentic Thai spots, our city has it all. But one thing we really do well? Good Vietnamese grub. Let your tastebuds get lost in a world of fresh seafood dishes, homemade noodle soups and unbelievable barbecued meats with our guide to the best places for Vietnamese food in Manchester.
1. Viet Shack
Starting up at Arndale Market in 2015, Viet Shack has become one of the most-loved street food spots in Manchester – so much so, they opened up the doors to their very own Ancoats restaurant back in 2018. Fans of Vietnamese food (including the Secret Manchester team) rate them incredibly highly, returning on a regular basis for their flavourful food and diverse menu.
Expect small plates such as summer rolls, lamb chops and crispy squid, and big plates with options such as peanut butter chicken fries, Vegan Pho Xao and a number of inspired burgers. There’s something for everyone, whether a pho pro or a novice to the cuisine. Viet Shack, 49 High St, M4 3AH | 65 Great Ancoats St, Ancoats, M4 5AB.
2. Vnam
Once a hidden Ancoats gem, Vnam is now based in the bustling Northern Quarter, serving up authentic Vietnamese food in a simple, homely setting. Claiming the title of the first Vietnamese restaurant in Manchester (est. 2010), the restaurant offers fresh cuisine – from stacked sharing platters full of meat, fish and rolls, to rice dishes and hearty bowls of pho. Their beef stew is so loved, it’s usually a sell-out and the portion sizes are spot-on every time. Vnam, 20-26 Edge St, M4 1HN.
3. Pho
Loved nationwide, it wouldn’t be list of good Vietnamese spots without Pho on it. The décor is super chilled and laid back making it the perfect spot for post-work dinner or a nice lunch, with a huge menu to choose from. Pick from classic pho dishes, fragrant curries, tasty rice noodle dishes and – of course – the sides. The cuisine is considered to be pretty healthy, so you can really fill your boots at this one. Pho, 37 Hanging Ditch The Corn Exchange, M4 3TR.
4. Viet Guy
Viet Guy may be a little out of town in Wythenshawe, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of a visit. The lovely little spot is super cosy, and the food is actually award-winning, too. Drool over authentic dishes such as Bún Cá, Pho and a number of fragrant noodle dishes, and chow down on extras such as summer rolls packed with tofu, avo, prawns and so much more.
The menu is so extensive, we can hardly list all of our favourites, however, be sure to check out their gorgeous sizzling coconut dish with a choice of marinated meat. Viet Guy, 336-338 Palatine Road, Northenden, Wythenshawe, M22 4HE.
5. NAM
Nestled by Ancoat’s Cutting Room Square, NAM is loved by locals – and it’s easy to see why. Their airy, fresh decor is unbelievably inviting, and the cocktail menu is a real treat. And that’s before we even get to the food. Their menu is served tapas-style, with a number of delicious small plates available to choose from, with a carefully curated selection of big plates, too.
Highlights include caramelised squid, their own take on Bao Buns, stewed beef and their homely bowls of Pho. NAM Manchester, Unit 2, 33 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6AJ.
6. Pho Cue
If you’re after good Vietnamese grub in Chinatown, then head to Pho Cue. Bringing recipes and family culture passed down from the owner’s grandfather, Pho Cue serves up authentic, warming dishes representative of its home country – garnering rave reviews upon its opening back in 2020. We’re talking traditional dishes such as spring rolls, pho, banh mi and BBQ meats, alongside more creative and modern favourites such as Vietnamese tacos, a Viet-take on the Katsu curry and even salt and pepper street food boxes. Pho Cue, 52a Faulkner St, M1 4FH.