Didsbury curry house named ‘Best in Manchester’ at 2023 Curry Awards 

The ‘original’ Didsbury curry house has been named the ‘Best of Manchester 2023’ at the English Curry Awards.

Popular restaurant Original Third Eye, on Wilmslow Road in Didsbury Village, took home the prestigious gong, beating the likes of Asha’s, Delhi House Cafe and Indian Tiffin Room.

The awards were served at a ceremony held at The Holiday Inn, Birmingham, on Monday night (August 14th), seeing over 400 people in attendance.

The awards, which is in its 12th year, ‘celebrates the talents and hard work of individuals and businesses within the English curry industry’, with winners decided by the general public.

The restaurant were also winners at the award ceremony back in 2018, 2019 and 2022, among an impressive collection of others.

Mela Kumar, who runs the restaurant with her husband, chef Arun Kumar, said they were ‘beyond grateful’ and ‘humbled’ to have received the award.

She said: “We want to say thank you to our loyal customers who have supported us, and this is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our family members and staff with their support.

“And obviously not forgetting our chef Mr Arun Kumar who creates his magic.”

The restaurant, which blends Indian and Nepalese cuisine, has been going since 2000. 

Many of the dishes on the menu have been passed down through the family, with Mr Kumar’s father having worked at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi.

The restaurant invented dishes including butter chicken, dal makhani and tandoori chicken in the 1950s, with the Original Third Eye using the same recipes.

A spokesperson for the 12th English Curry Awards said: “It has been an unforgettable night, filled with incredible food, vibrant energy, and passionate conversations.

“We have celebrated the finest in the English curry scene, recognising the creativity, innovation, and exceptional service that have become synonymous with this beloved cuisine.

“The  curry industry is a vital part of our culture, and these awards recognised the exceptional talents of the individuals and businesses that make it so special. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event.”

Other winners in the region included the Bombay 8 restaurant in Warrington, which won the Curry King Award, and Kiplings in Sowerby Bridge, which won the Critic’s Choice Award.

To view the full list of winners at the English Curry Awards 2023, click HERE.