Tampopo

16 Albert Square, Manchester M2 5PF

We went here after seeing they had a 'buy one get one free' offer on the back of our cinema ticket. We were seated on long benches the same as in Wagamamas. If you’re on a first date you may want to avoid, as you may be sat very close to other humans. The interior felt more intimate than Wagamamas, with drapes on the ceiling and Asian artwork on the wall.

The concept here is for several Asian cuisines to be spread across the menu - Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Vietnamese and others are represented here.

To start we had the BBQ Platter to Share. Chicken satay (no introduction needed), Bulgogi (grilled beef, served with Kimchi pickled cabbage), Ga Nuong (chicken skewers wrapped in citrus-scented kaffir lime leaves), Chao Tom (minced prawn wrapped in sugar cane). This was served with various dips and it was very tasty. As this was our first visit, this was a perfect introduction to the starters.

To follow I had the Prawn Panang Curry (Thai) and my girlfriend had the Khao Soi noodles - chicken breast and yellow noodles in a red curry sauce. Both were cooked to perfection, the ingredients feel really fresh and the portions were generous. All of this was washed down with refreshing Asahi beer.

The service was great - I think we were served by 5 different members of staff, all as helpful as each other.

Keep an eye out for their special offers, as if you’re a greedy get like me you can eat your way through their menu.