Manchester is a noodle lover’s paradise thanks to its rich culinary heritage and vibrant food scene, offering a plethora of delectable noodle creations that will tantalise your taste buds. Whether you prefer the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of brothy goodness or the fiery kick of a spicy stir-fry, Manchester has it all. Without further ado, here are the best places to slurp up a good ol’ bowl of noodles in Manchester.
1. WAZUZHI
Nestled within Manchester’s Chinatown, WAZUZHI, formerly Wasabi, is one to visit for all the noodle enthusiasts in Manchester. Indulge in the tender Beef Brisket Tonkotsu, where succulent beef luxuriates in a fragrant and expertly crafted broth. For those looking for oodles of noodles along with plenty of heat and zest, order the Spicy Tofu Curry Udon, as these pack a punch.
As for WAZUZHI’s Pork Ramen, a bowl of pure bliss featuring a marinated egg and a soy-infused broth and great to slurp on when in need of some comfort food. WAZUZHI also offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options including a mouthwatering Vegetarian Udon, as well as a wide selection of sushi to choose from.
📍WAZUZHI, 63 Faulkner Street, M1 4FF.
2. Tampopo
Offering quite the taste sensation is Tampopo, which has three Manchester locations and a menu bursting with Asian delights that will leave you craving more. You can expect steaming bowls of fragrant noodle soups, brimming with succulent meats, plump prawns, and vibrant veggies, alongside broths filled with a mix of exotic spices.
For veggies, there’s a range of tantalising options like spicy stir-fried noodles packed with fragrant herbs and crunchy vegetables. As for the stir-fried noodles, each dish is complete with perfectly al dente strands, kissed by the smoky wok hei and coated in lip-smacking sauces. Whether it’s the tangy Pad Thai or the fiery Singapore noodles, you’ll be transported to the bustling streets of Asia.
📍Tampopo, 16 Albert Square, M2 5PF | Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, M4 3TR | The Orient, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 8EH.
3. New Wave Ramen
Housed inside one of the top food halls in Manchester, New Wave Ramen in Mackie Mayor is a great spot when craving noodles in the Northern Quarter. Set to open a permanent location on Tib Lane later this year, it means there are more opportunities to scran some top-notch noodles in Manchester.
Those who like their ramen with a kick, be sure to try New Wave Ramen’s Spicy Paitan – like their OG Paitan with a classic creamy white broth with soy sauce, pork belly, whole egg, this dish has thee addition of added chilli oil and spice paste. Just what you need when the temperature drops. Plus plant-based eaters can tuck into the likes of their vegan miso ramen with miso broth, wok fried cabbage, bean sprouts, spring onion and tofu. And be sure to order some gyoza dumplings with citrus soy sauce and chilli oil whilst you wait for your steaming bowl of noods.
📍New Wave Ramen, Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle Street, M4 5BU | 16 Tib Lane, M2 4JB.
4. Phetpailin Thai Restaurant
If you fancy feasting on Thai-style noodles then Phetpailin Thai Restaurant in Manchester is the place to visit. This hidden gem transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Thailand, with irresistible aromas and flavours that will have you craving a bowl of noodles in no time at all.
Indulge in the exquisite Pad Thai, an enchanting blend of sweet, sour, and savoury notes that is lip-smackingly good. Or opt for the aromatic Basil Noodles, accompanied by succulent chicken or beef, for a fragrant dish to devour or for those craving a fiery kick, there’s the Spicy Drunken Noodles which deliver a tongue-tingling punch of heat.
📍Phetpailin Thai Restaurant, First Floor, 46 George Street, M1 4HF.
5. Pho Cue
Another spot in Manchester’s Chinatown that is a must-visit for noodles is Pho Cue. The menu doesn’t just boast unbelievable roast meats and banh-mis but also an array of noodle dishes that will leave you longing for more including their Pho Bo, a steaming bowl of rich beef broth, with tender beef slices and velvety rice noodles.
For those seeking a spicy sensation, the Bun Bo Hue is a great choice as this fiery bowl brings together thick rice noodles, succulent beef, and a fragrant, luscious broth that takes you straight to Vietnam. As for veggie options, there’s Pho Cue’s Pho Chay – a delicate broth teamed with fresh vegetables, tofu, and chewy rice noodles. But plan your visit carefully, as this dining spot tends to have a queue down, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
📍Pho Cue, 52a Faulkner St, Manchester, M1 4FH.
6. Mr Su’s
Bringing their cool concept from Leeds over the Pennines to Manchester, Mr Su’s is one of the latest eateries to arrive at Circle Square serving up noodles and dumplings. Mr Su’s offers a bespoke noodle and dumpling service where you can pick and choose toppings to create your own unique meal- and it’s a perfect lunchtime spot.
Simply add your chosen ingredients to a tray including a range of noodle sizes and styles and the staff will whip up a bowl of brilliance for you to tuck into. You can even add little finishes like fiery chilli oil, spring onions and more to make your noodles personalise to you. Cheap and cheerful noodles- what more could you want?
📍Mr Su’s, Circle Square, 7 Nobel Way, M1 7FU.
7. Shoryu Ramen
Located in the centre of Manchester and right by public space Piccadilly Gardens, Shoryu Ramen is a haven for noodle lovers. With an array of noodle creations on the menu, each dish astonishes in its own unique way. Choose from the likes of the renowned and flavourful Hakata Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen or the vegetarian and fiery Spicy Lava Ramen, both packed with a rich, thick broth and fresh vegetables. If you’re also after a lunchtime deal, Shoryu Ramen offers exactly as well as fluffy bao buns to tuck into if you’re still a bit peckish after your comforting bowl of ramen.
📍Shoryu Ramen, 1 Piccadilly, M1 1RG.
8. The Rice Bowl
Located in the city centre of Manchester, The Rice Bowl has quite the extensive menu featuring an array of classic Chinese dishes with the likes of noodles and rice being a staple ingredient. From the classic chow mein – a mix of stir-fried noodles, crunchy vegetables, and succulent meats – to the fiery dan dan noodles, where the heat of Sichuan peppercorns matches perfectly with the richness of the minced pork, you won’t hungry here.
The Rice Bowl has both a lunch, a la carte and special set menu for diners to choose from whatever the occasion, and even offers meat alternatives including crispy mock duck with pancakes and hoisin sauce so vegetarians and vegans needn’t miss out.
📍The Rice Bowl, 33A Cross Street, M2 1NL.
9. Tokyo Ramen
Another spot when you’re ravenous for ramen in the Northern Quarter has to be Tokyo Ramen. Located on Church Street, the ramen here has plenty of umami thanks to the oh-so-good chicken bone broth. The menu isn’t the longest at Tokyo Ramen, but it’s a sign that they specialise in ramen, and they do it well. However, their koji fried chicken is also a must.
The Shoryu ramen with mighty hunks of torched pork belly is delicious, however their veggie Kinoko Ramen with shiitake dashi, miso mustard tare and tonkatsu pickled mushrooms is also one to slurp up with satisfaction or savour each spoonful (you decide). Sit back with a bowl of noodles at this spot and watch the people of Manchester walk by (some simply jealous of your food), and you have yourself a great afternoon or evening.
📍Tokyo Ramen, 55 Church Street, M4 1PD.
10. Fuzion Noodle Bar
Tucked away in Fallowfield, Fuzion Noodle Bar in Manchester is a bit of an undiscovered treasure and one of the first noodle bars in the city, offering some sensational noodles. Craving a touch of spice? Look no further than the restaurant’s fiery Chilli Beef Noodles– succulent beef and fiery chillies mixed together to create a proper flavoursome dish. You’ll also find a wide selection of wok-fried noodles including yakisoba and Singapore style vermicelli plus noodle soup dishes like Malaysian laksa.
Not a noodle dish but a rice one, Fuzion Noodle Bar’s Nasi Goreng is definitely worth a try, offering a taste of Malaysia right here in Manchester. And let’s not forget about the Korean wings — crispy on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside- plus they are the perfect accompaniment or starter to your noodles.
📍Fuzion Noodle Bar, 264 Wilmslow Rd, Fallowfield, M14 6JR.