The Curry Mile is one of Manchester best-known and most iconic dining destinations. But this not-quite-mile-long string of restaurants has changed dramatically since Manchester’s Finest first set up shop, let alone when some of our more mature team members first paid a visit. A move away from more traditional Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi joints, towards informal kebab and mezze bites and a growing number of contemporary takes on the classic korma-rogan josh-tikka massala offer, there’s also been a notable rise in menus inspired by countries far removed from the sub continent.
Enter Don Tacos. Located smack bang in the thick of the action, this Rusholme gem reflects the increasingly strong Mexican offering across our hometown. Everything here is made to order on site, and packs a fresh and often spicy punch. Our favourites include the Chipotle or Habanero Lamb Chops, Elote (Central American corn on the cob), and heavily loaded Nachos. Beyond those, find Birria Tacos covered in cheese, spring onion and coriander, crisped to perfection and available with beef, lamb or chicken. Or punt for the Birria Quesadillas, served in a large 10” tortilla and dipped in the eponymous sauce — select medium, hot, or, for those who want to be brave, extra hot.
Elsewhere, you’ll find Tinga de Res — three corn tacos with slow-cooked beef, freshly prepared with chipotle and grilled onions — and the Fully Loaded Pollo Asade Burrito, where tender poultry meets rice, beans, salad and soured cream, with added cheese. Not to mention Naked Burritos (as they sound, sans tortilla), and a host of other incarnations of stone cold classics from tacos to fajitas. Sides range from Red Rice to Frijoles (asked beans), and there’s a strong salsa game here too, with a number of iterations to try. Finally, who can resist a Churro to polish things off, the iconic deep fried doughy dessert, or an authentic drink imported straight from Mexico itself?