Sakura

Sakura is a small, unassuming place in a parade of shops in Salford, more Chinese cafe than restaurant with the decor only one step up from a takeaway. But all the love goes into the food with broths and beef brisket slow-cooked for hours into rich, layered bowls of flavour.

It’s a comforting refuge for many of Manchester’s Hong Kong students who appreciate the mix of Chinese classics as well as Japanese and Korean-influenced dishes typical of back home.

In fact it’s a comfort for anyone who visits; the warm welcome, uplifting aromas and feel-good helpings of noodles are like a big hug.

The menu is divided into rice bowls, kimchi in soup, bbq pork options and beef brisket, beef tendon and beef tripe.

Roast chicken with homemade sauce (one of the rice bowls) doesn’t sound like much but it’s like the best fried chicken, fragrant and fiery with chilli oil.

The beef is the star of the show whether you have it in soup with noodles or vermicelli or atop a mound of rice. The tripe and the tendon are the ideal accomplices for the brisket. It’s all so soft and restoring – perfect invalid cuisine.