Vegetarians looking for a restaurant in Manchester will find two particularly good options in Chaophraya, just off Cross St at the corner of Chapel Walks and Pall Mall, and Ocean Treasure, in the Great Northern Warehouse building.

Chaophraya and Ocean Treasure both offer a wide range of vegetarian, meat and fish dishes, making them excellent venues whether your party is purely vegetarian or includes a mix of vegetarians and meat eaters.

Consistently rated as best Thai restaurant in Manchester, Chaophraya is friendly and welcoming.  The plush bar is great for a fun light lunch – sink into the sumptuous settees, choose your ingredients, and the chefs will cook your meal in front of you on the sizzler grill.  The upstairs restaurant, light and airy during the day, cosy at night, provides the full á la carte menu.  Vegetarian appetisers include deep fried mixed vegetables in a delicate batter with sweet and our plum sauce, and black mushroom, onion, tomato and peppers on skewers with barbecue sauce.  Those wanting something lighter should try Chaophraya’s legendary Thai papaya salad – shredded papaya and carrot  mixed with tomato, chilli, lime, peanut and palm sugar.

Tofu and mushroom feature strongly amongst the main course stir fry selection, with interesting combinations such as noodle with tofu, egg, carrot, spring onion, beansprout, ground peanut and lemon.  And there are of course classic red and green Thai curries, based on tofu and fresh vegetables in a light coconut milk base.

There is a lunchtime menu for £10.50, and the full vegetarian set menu is just £17 for two courses.   For the full Thai experience, you can also book the restaurant’s VIP 3-wheel Tuk Tuk taxi – the only one in Manchester.

Ocean Treasure offers high quality Cantonese cooking, with reduced salt, less fat, and no added MSG.  You’ll find all the classic Cantonese dishes, but the restaurant’s decor is definitely not that of the typical Chinese restaurant.  Blue-washed brick walls, striped wood flooring and silver pillars studded with light bulbs give Ocean Treasure a stylish and up-to-the-minute feel.

Dim sum is a speciality, whilst other vegetarian appetizers include whole asparagus with garlic, and minced potato on toast.  And of course, you’ll find the ever-popular crispy hors d’ouvres:  spring rolls, spring onion pancakes, vegetable samosas and seaweed.

Main courses offer not only a varied range of tofu, mushroom and vegetable stir fries, but also include a selection of mock chicken and mock duck recipes.

Appetisers range between £3.80 – £7, main courses are between £8 – £10.  Banquet menus are also available.