In dire need of a quick refuel and definitely not in the mood for a bog-standard meal deal? We don’t blame you. With so many incredible independent food spots in our city, why would anyone voluntarily choose a boring old egg and cress sandwich? Next time you’re in need of a lunch fix, support our locals and bookmark our guide to the best street food vendors in Manchester.
1. Salt & Pepper
Salt & Pepper has been blessing the Arndale with its seriously tasty grub since 2019 – and it’s been a cult fave with city centre workers ever since. Since last year it has been trading from its new permanent location in the Northern Quarter after having to close its original Arndale spot, and subsequently operating out of NQ’s (now closed) Black Dog Ballroom. Luckily, Salt & Pepper are well underway in their new home, serving up East-meets-West modern Chinese grub. The menu consists of salt and pepper chicken, flatbreads, shredded meats loaded on top of fluffy fries and more.
📍Salt & Pepper, 60-62 High St, Manchester, M4 1EA.
2. Bundobust
Gujarati street food legends Bundobust maintain their stellar reputation having brought their brewery to Manchester’s Oxford Road in 2021, offering their full menu of scrummy mobile meals. From mung chatpata and bhajis, to burgers and dhals, Bundobust has really honed its craft, offering a truly unique array of food perfect for on-the-go. If you’re not in a rush, it’s really worth stopping into the brewery for nibbles like far far and spicy nuts, as well as to sample their amazing range of craft beers brewed on-site, with an adjoining 150-seat taproom. Their beers are exclusively available in Bundobust locations and are perfectly matched to their fantastic street food.
📍Bundobust, St James Building, 61-69 Oxford Street, M1 6EQ | 61 Piccadilly, M1 2AG.
3. Northern Soul
The first grilled cheese restaurant in the UK was born right here in Manchester, and while Northern Soul has expanded rapidly since opening, their original Church Street unit still remains to this day, with some rebranding bringing us the very best deli deals. Otherwise, you can always find Northern Soul at their Tib Street location, as well as in City Square with their grilled cheese van when the blues play! If you’ve got a hankering for a tasty cheese toastie, this is your spot – with gourmet twists on the classic lunch including delicious relishes, meats, plus mac and cheese.
📍Northern Soul, Unit G20, 21, 44 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1LA.
4. Wright’s Fish & Chip Shop
For us, a good old chippy had to make the list, and it had to be Wright’s Fish & Chips on Cross Street. This chippy has been in town for years, and despite ‘trendier’ street food vendors turning up and making successes of themselves in Manchester, you just can’t beat fish and chips. Wright’s offer all the classics from battered sausages to chip barms, and options of mushy peas and/or a slathering of gravy on your fish and chips, amongst others. Obviously this is an indulgence, but during a long, hard day, you deserve it.
📍Wright’s Fish & Chip Shop, 86 Cross St, Greater, Manchester, M2 4LA.
5. Nell’s Pizza
Nell’s Pizza is a bit of a naughty one, but it’s worth every calorie. Serving whopping 22″ pizzas at Common every week, the NYC-inspired pizzeria also serves their ever-changing pizza menu by the slice – which is perfect for a cheeky little lunch (unless you’re game for the entire thing). Pizza can be purchased via click and collect or eaten inside Common (which is also a great spot to camp with your laptop if you have a few work bits you need to do in peace), as well as their snazzy restaurant at Kampus.
📍Nell’s Pizza, Common, 39-41 Edge St, M4 1HW | Kampus, 20 Minshull St, M1 3EF.
6. GRUB
GRUB self-describes as “Manchester’s biggest and friendliest street food venue and events space”, and they certainly have the choice to match. At their Cheetham Hill digs, located at the Red Bank Project (not for much longer), you have the choice of over 30 vendors to choose from, not to mention the dedicated dessert traders catering to your sweet tooth! Whether you’re in the mood for Nina’s Taco Truck, Osaka Local, or a slice from any of the many dedicated pizza vendors, you’re in for a treat. You can sample this world of convenient deliciousness at their weekly rotating lineup from Wednesday – Sunday, with their GRUB Food Fair market, now infamous in Manchester, every Friday and Saturday, as well as their vegan Plant Powered Sundays! What’s not to love?
📍Red Bank Project, 50 Red Bank, Manchester, M4 4HF.
7. Kargo MKT
Another food hall to have on your hit list is Kargo MKT, which launched in late 2023 and is part of the exciting new development at Quayside MediaCity. The Central Bay complex in Salford houses the Kargo food hall and market and boasts a host of kitchens serving an array of food and drink to get stuck into. Food traders include Ad Maiora, Tang’s Hot Pot, Rio Mex, Baity, Nori, What’s Your Beef, Leopard Pie, Vnam, Boba Cha, Bab K and Nila’s Burmese Kitchen – you won’t go hungry here!
📍 Kargo, Central Bay, Salford Quays, M50 3XW.
8. Freight Island
Long-serving street food venue, event space and music hotspot Freight Island boasts a collection of some of the best street food vendors in Manchester, and whether it’s tipping it down or blazing sunshine, you can enjoy all of it here. With Venezuelan street food from Mia’s Arepas, the best of Chinese, Korean and Japanese grub from Fuku, Indian delights from Payal and so so much more, there’s something for everyone to walk away with at Freight Island. There are also plenty of dessert and cocktail spots at this huge venue, so whether you’re dropping in for some lunch or celebrating a milestone, Freight Island is perfect.
📍 Freight Island, Depot Mayfield, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ.
9. House of Social
Coming soon to Manchester, House of Social is set to take Deansgate by storm, providing much-needed street food in this end of town. The brand new food hall, House of Social, is set to open in the First Street area of Manchester this summer, with a collection of independent kitchens.
Just steps away from cultural hotspot HOME theatre, and a few minutes walk from both Oxford Road and Deansgate-Castlefield stations, diners can visit House of Social for every occasion. Whether it’s a night out, pre-theatre dinner or grabbing breakfast on the go, post-work drinks at the house bar or sampling the lunchtime options during office breaks, the First Street food hall has it all. Watch this space.
📍House of Social will be located at 10 Coleman Street, Manchester, M15 4ND.
10. Society
One of Manchester’s lesser-known, but always popular, food halls is Society, which provides a cool, social take on street food. With the likes of Slap & Pickle, Noi Quattro, Chaat Cart and Manzoku serving up incredible food, you can experience street food from all over the world, sit with mates on one of the long tables, or take away with you for a bit on the go. Plus, Society uniquely has it’s very own Vocation bar, providing craft brews and creative cocktails for the masses to enjoy with their delicious food.
📍 Society, Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3BD.