Tampopo | Corn Exchange

The second of their city centre venues, Tampopo Manchester Corn Exchange has the same wok-fresh East Asian menu as its older sister on Albert Square, but with a bigger, more style-led setting. Think statement lighting and tiles, splashes of bright colour, and low-lit individual tables instead of the shared bench seating of the original.

It’s still casual dining of course, which is ideal for this location. It’s well-placed to serve Arena audiences, cinema fans and shoppers, and has the efficient service needed by people with a show to see.

The menu brings together dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, and Japan. Recommendations include the sharing platter of starters featuring gyoza, Korean chicken wings, Balinese pork belly and more. The vegan version with spring rolls, smacked cucumber salad and sticky tofu also gets good reviews. For mains, try the chicken laksa soup – it’s a hug in food form, perfect for warming your bones on a chilly evening. Or go for one of their sizzling noodle stir fries. Fresh is the first word that comes to mind when you think about Tampopo food: it’s full of fragrant herbs and crunchy greens.

Drinks include Asian beers, wines, and an interesting range of softs and hot drinks including homemade lemonade, flowering tea, and Vietnamese coffee. Desserts are kept simple (ice cream or sorbet or churros for example). Ingredients such as mango and cinnamon keep them in line with the East Asian theme.