The Trafford Centre has officially unveiled its new food court, dedicated solely to homegrown restaurants, in a first for the centre. The former China Town area in the Upper Orient of the shopping name has been given a bright and modern new look featuring a a canopy of beautiful cherry blossom flowers as well as a new name of ‘Eastern Gardens’.
The newly refurbished area of The Trafford Centre is now home to a host of independent brands from across Greater Manchester, including Nichi, Chit ‘n’ Chaat, Hello Oriental restaurant and bakery, and Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery. Indian street food restaurant, Chit ‘n’ Chaat, was the first to open a new location in the Upper Orient in The Trafford Centre just before Christmas but is now joined by the three other dining spots.
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to officially welcome these homegrown restaurant brands to the centre, who represent the best of the best in the dynamic culinary scene of Greater Manchester. We know that our guests love combining a day of shopping, leisure and dining at the centre, so we’re confident that our new Eastern Garden dining destination will prove popular for visitors looking for an exciting and vibrant dining experience.”
All of the new dining spots at Trafford Centre food court
Nichi
Nichi, a contemporary Japanese dining experience with a Peruvian twist, was born in Manchester and has now opened its flagship 3,000 sq ft restaurant in the Trafford Centre food court. The restaurant offers a premium, immersive dining experience, specialising in sushi, live robata cooking and tableside flambé. It will also feature a mezzanine level for private omakase dining and boasts a late licence, with live DJ performances on weekends. The homegrown brand is led by Head Chef Kentaro Yanagisawa, coming from renowned restaurants Sexy Fish and Nobu.
Hello Oriental
Renowned Mancunian street-food hall, Hello Oriental, opened its first branch just off Oxford Road back in February 2022. Founded by Ricky Yip and Azim Koura, the menu boasts over 100 dishes including popular East Asian street-food and traditional favourites, ranging from dim sum to noodles to Cantonese roast meats and also includes a full kids’ menu. There will also be a wide selection of street food favourites available on the menu including the likes of Korean fried chicken, loaded katsu chicken fries or three varieties of sticky chicken wings.
Chit ‘n’ Chaat
Born and bred in Greater Manchester, Chit ‘n’ Chaat occupies a 2,000 sq ft unit in the centre, its fifth location in the region. Since its inception in 2020, Chit ‘n’ Chaat has been passionate about delivering authentic, Indian street food and can be found across Greater Manchester in Cheadle, Rusholme and Deansgate. Expect Chit ‘n’ Chaat favourites as well as some new dishes, such as Dahi Puri and Indo-Chinese dishes like Chicken Hakka Noodles, the Paneer Tikka Burger and Chicken Kati Roll.
Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery
Founded by Phil and Claire Howells, Blanchflower has its own bakery in Sale, producing bread, cakes and pastries. Opening in the coming weeks, from cruffins to Bakewell tarts, focaccias to homemade granola, diners can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of seasonal items all handmade by a small team of bakers and pastry chefs using locally sourced ingredients.