Rick Stein Endorses Bundobust: A Vegan Culinary Delight in Manchester

Renowned chef Rick Stein has given his endorsement to Bundobust, a restaurant chain celebrated for its innovative Indian and Nepalese cuisine. With four locations across the northwest of England, including two in Manchester, Bundobust has garnered acclaim for its unique offerings and vibrant atmosphere.

Originally established in Leeds in 2014, Bundobust gained significant recognition when it appeared on Stein’s show, “Food Stories,” in March 2024. This exposure helped solidify its reputation, leading to accolades such as being named the Best Indian and Nepalese Restaurant in the North and Midlands by Deliveroo, as well as winning the Best Innovation award at The Casual Dining Awards and the title of the UK’s Best Taproom at the SIBA Awards.

I visited the Bundobust Brewery on Oxford Road in Manchester, a venue designed to showcase its brewing capabilities. Although I am not a beer drinker, the taproom atmosphere was inviting and relaxed, particularly on a Monday evening when the venue was pleasantly quiet. I anticipate that the restaurant attracts larger crowds later in the week.

The menu at Bundobust features an array of small plates, and the staff recommends ordering two to three dishes per person. A unique option allows for a complete tasting of every item on the menu, catering to groups of up to eight diners. Since my companion and I were dining alone, we opted for the vegan combo for two, which included a delightful selection of dishes such as cobis nu shack, okra fries, onion bhaji, bhel puri, dhal kachori, and chole saag.

To complement our meal, I chose a peach mai tai, while my friend enjoyed one of Bundobust’s own creations, the Peela Pale Ale. Both beverages were refreshing and well-crafted, leaving me eager to explore more of their cocktail selection on future visits.

During his visit to Bundobust’s Leeds location, Rick Stein joined the kitchen team to prepare raghda pethis, a fusion dish featuring potato cakes topped with spiced mushy peas and tamarind chutney. Although this sounded enticing, I decided against adding it to my order as the vegan combo already included similar options.

Despite Bundobust’s tapas-style concept, all our dishes arrived simultaneously and surprisingly quickly. The okra fries stood out as the highlight of the meal, cooked to perfection, while every dish was enjoyable. Even the cobis nu shack, which I initially viewed as less appealing, proved to be worth ordering again. The onion bhajis were another standout; however, three bhajis in a sharing platter intended for two diners felt slightly disproportionate. Nonetheless, the generous portions ensured that no one went hungry.

The total bill, which included drinks and a tip, amounted to £52.76. Given the substantial servings, this price reflects excellent value for money. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the vegan combo for two, priced at £37, and would certainly consider ordering it again—potentially with a third diner to share the delightful experience.

Bundobust operates multiple locations in Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester, showcasing a commitment to quality and innovation in their culinary offerings. For more information, their website can be found here.