Mughli

With a keener sense of design, hospitality and modern dining than others on the Curry Mile, Mughli would stand out even if the food were average. It’s not, and the menu is also welcomed in Knutsford, where there’s a sister restaurant, and at occasional pop-ups (as in a collaboration with chef David Gale in Alderley Edge). Food is, unsurprisingly, in the royal Mughlai tradition and starts with the instant comfort of street-inspired snacks such as pau bhaji, pani puri and skewers seared over the charcoal pit. Main courses might be a dum biriyani, sealed under a pastry lid, or slow-cooked lamb ‘staff handi’, which has graduated from employee meal to menu status. Methi murgh, Goan fish kari and an overnight dhal makhni are all rich with possibility – and flawless rice, breads and vegetable sides (if okra’s your thing, try the bhindi bhaji) complete Mughli’s challenge to its neighbours.

Mugli is a well-established family run Indian restaurant located on the curry mile, Wilmslow Road, Manchester. Mugli is open daily to dine-in or take out, from 5.30pm til late (weekend opening hours are a little longer). The interior is quirky and inviting, with traditional décor and seating.

The menu is playful and varied with plenty of choice. Perhaps you may wish to kick things off with a papadum basket and house chutney, or a twisted cocktail with some bang bang chicken bites, onion bhajas and fish pakoras.

If you’re ordering main dishes to share, Mugli suggest ordering one or more dishes from each section of their menu per two guests. The menu sections include street chaat dishes such as tikki tikki chaat, a smashed potato and green pea kofte served with coriander and pomegranate, and bhangin’ baba-g which is a coal-roasted aubergine topped with toasted almonds.  

The menu also has a spiced, marinated and charred section, known as the charcoal pit, here you will find dishes such as flame grilled bun kebabs – a chilli glazed chicken burger served in a toasted brioche bun with spinach, tomato and mint yoghurt, and a tandoori lamb seekh made with cumin, onions and coriander.

The main curry menu covers many favourites such as chicken karai, biryani, korma and tikka masala. There are also lots of sides to share from tandoori naan to steamed rice, chilli rice and tadka daal.

You will find lots of choice on the menu when it comes to drinks and cocktails. Look out for the Mugli masala chai, or perhaps you’d prefer a glass of wine or a classic espresso martini. You will also find a good choice of beers on the menu, as well as sodas, juices and soft drinks.

Guests are encouraged to keep the same plate and cutlery throughout the meal, and to enjoy the dishes as and when they are served.