Despite being a landmark of our city, in recent years Rusholme and The Curry Mile haven’t had the best reputation. From horrendous traffic, to boy racers at Eid, to, aside from one or two shining stars, a curry scene that could be deemed more suitable to a post booze up kebab, it’s a bit of a shame that this institution that we’re somewhat famous for isn’t what it could be.
But as I mentioned, there are shining stars. It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mentionthe excellent Mughli – and I am not one for being remiss. But there is a new venue on the scene also well worth a visit.
Ziya Grill is almost on the edge of the mile, and offers a modern Indian dining experience, with traditional flavours and styles. As you enter you’re welcomed by delicious scents of coriander and cumin, a clean open plan space, with additional seating upstairs and a chefs table section looking into the kitchen.
As with many modern Asian restaurants, there’s a well stocked bar, offering both the usual beers and wines, as well as cocktails and mocktails – the latter of which are treated with the same care and attention as those with added booze. As this was pre Christmas, I had treated myself to a Snowball (I have to have at least one a year), whilst Keeley was drawn by the Rum and Raisin – both were very well made and whetted our appetites for the night ahead.
First, the ubiquitous poppadums and dips – light crisp airy poppadums piled in front of us, along with mango chutney, tomato chutney, raita and a fantastic coriander chutney, that was so good, we had it with just about everything. This was already a step above every experience I’d had in Rusholme previously.
Onto our starters and we asked for a little advice, as the menu is so tempting – the staff only too happy to help. Peshwari lamb chops for Keeley with some more of that delicious chutney, the lamb tender, the spice playful but not overpowering, the fat crisp and melt in the mouth.
I stepped out of my comfort zone a little with salmon tikka – I’ve had so many poor experiences of seafood in curry restaurants, that when it’s good, it’s often excellent (and stands out in my mind) this was one of those times. The creaminess of the tikka, with it’s soft warmth worked incredibly well with the salmon, and the fish was treated well, without a hint of overdoing it. 
And yes, more coriander chutney.
But the staff weren’t done with their recommendations and offered two items from their lunch menu. The masala dosa (dosa is a personal favourite anyway) offers a real carb hit – crisp savoury pancake made with lentil flour, filled with gentle spiced potatoes and served with dahl. Comfort food.
And the Schezwan chips. Oh my god those chips. These form part of the Indo-Chinese menu and are quite possibly my new addiction.
Spicy, slightly sweet, and dotted with cashew nuts, we actually had to ask them to take the plate away because we were full and yet still eating these.
Of course, this meant that our mains were, over facing.
After the success of the salmon tikka, I sampled the Goan fish curry, with generously sized pieces of fish and flavours that hit almost every flavour, sour from the tamarind, creaminess, sweetness from the fish. Keeley had gone to an old favourite of hers, chicken tikka masala and found the balance of creaminess to spice delightful. Paired with rice and crisp buttery garlic naan we had definitely reached our food limits.
So much so that dessert was a non-starter. However, chef himself took pity on us, and made chai for us himself, to aid our overfull tummies.
Ziya Grill is a fantastic little find, great if you want a little Indian adventure, and for me working on campus means it’s just about within lunchtime reach.
Who wants chips?
This meal and accompanying drinks were supplied for free by Ziya Grill. As ever, this doesn’t guarantee a positive review (if anything, I tend to be a harsher critic).
Ziya Grill is lovely and offers great food and drink, and great service.