Bakchich Manchester

Bakchich Manchester, buoyed by the success of its Bold Street, Liverpool venture, has taken up residence in Manchester’s city centre to shake some loose change out of the pockets of Mancunian Lebanese street food fans. This isn’t rampant, unchecked capitalism at work, mind; Bakchich is Arabic for loose change, and owner Otto Mellouki explains that what he aims to do at his new site at the Quadrangle on Chester Street is offer exotic food that’s accessible and affordable, and that is above all very, very tasty. Bakchich Manchester is a lebanese restaurant in Manchester where diners can enjoy the colour and flavour of Lebanese cuisine without breaking the bank. Maybe just the piggy bank. Booking here is highly recommended.

Sticking out like a sore thumb from the glut of lesser Middle Eastern eateries that clog Manchester’s arteries, Bakchich is a new breed of Lebanese restaurant in Manchester that is effortlessly on-trend in terms of look, vibe, and the fine food on offer. Siting Bakchich Manchester at the Quadrangle on Chester Street was a genius move (as was opening its Liverpudlian elder sister on Bold Street); Bakchich’s Manchester city centre location means thousands of diners are going to come away not only smiling and sated but also educated – eating here is a lesson in the riches of Middle Eastern and Lebanese culinary culture and hospitality. Open late during the week and later over the weekend, there’s ample opportunity to catch Bakchich in the act and feast on some of the best lebanese food in Manchester.

Workers in Manchester’s city centre (and party animals wandering the streets near the Quadrangle at dawn – why?) will breathe a sigh of relief when they hear that Bakchich Manchester is open for breakfast. Breakfast Lebanese style is something that every foodie should indulge in – our pick has to be the classic shakshouka (enquire within), or the Beirut-style omelette (vegetarian, too) with zaatar and Lebanese cheese. Plus, if you’re watching your bakchich levels, hearten to the fact that a full Lebanese or Arabic breakfast will sting you for less than a fiver. Things warm up with hot (and cold) mezze platters that are ideal for sharing with friends, while generous mains like shawarma wraps and platters, traditional charcoal-grilled dishes, and signature Bakchich burgers will satisfy bigger appetites. Unmissable are the house specials like the traditional Middle Eastern rice-dish kabsa with lamb, the vegetarian moussaka and the bourkouri halloumi (a healthy bulgur wheat, courgette, onion, garlic and Lebanese spiced salad with halloumi). Ambitious types should book a day in advance and let Bakchich know that they’re up for the kabsa with a full lamb, marak and a Bakchich salad. Bring a friend.