When Shere Khan opened in 1987, it was the first restaurant of its kind on Manchester’s curry mile. The Wilmslow Road pioneer went on to develop its Express takeaway format (shoppers at the Trafford Centre can get their fix in the food hall), but the hot hues of its signage – and interior – are still a beacon for hungry visitors to Rusholme. Food is quintessential curry-house stuff, lifted by handmade breads and masterful use of the tandoor. Start with prawns, potatoes or chickpeas on a bubbly-crisp puri, or samosa chat covered with spiced yoghurt. Main courses might be chicken hara masala, with a vivid mint, coriander and green chilli sauce; fish tikka clay-pot handi; or lamb nihari topped with caramelised onions, ginger and lemon. Veggies get okra bhaji, Lahori chickpea masala and methi paneer made with homemade cheese. It’s also worth investigating stuffed breads including the cheese and onion kulcha paratha.