Tampopo is something of a Manchester institution at this point – it’s been serving up vibrant and flavourful food from across South East Asia since 1997.
Over the last almost-three decades, the brand has brought everything from noodles and curries to street food and loaded fries to the city.
Tampopo has sprawled to new locations from its original spot on Albert Square, with other restaurants in Greater Manchester at the Corn Exchange and the Trafford Centre (as well as a couple of spots in London).
While the menu is ever-evolving, some things at Tampopo have never changed – fun, bright interiors, authentic ingredients, and dishes that pack a proper punch.
The restaurant has recently launched a brand new menu – called ‘Same same but different’ in a playful nod to the well-known Thai expression – that’s bringing back some classic dishes with a twist.
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Signature dishes include Yamato fillet steak, served medium rare and simply with fresh garlic, black pepper and sake; and Thai fried whole sea bream with fresh mango, Thai basil and oyster sauce.
Yamato fillet steakPad Thai with noodlesThai fried whole sea bream
There are familiar favourites from South East Asia like their take on pad Thai, where the silky noodles are encased in a thin omelette; Japanese chicken katsu; and a sharing platter piled with chicken satay, sticky wings, corn fritters, Bali pork belly, and kimchi and cucumber salad. Oh yes – and loaded curry fries to die for.
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Tampopo has a decent list of Asian small plates too, like a delicious and fresh Szechuan Soy pork belly served thinly sliced with cucumber, soy, garlic, chilli oil and spring onion.
Tampopo even does brunch, including a Thai-style omelette, bubble waffles with honey, chicken and bacon, a crispy avocado stack, bacon and egg roti, and a protein filled Bang Bang steak and eggs.
The independently-owned restaurant spent a year researching these new dishes, including research trips to Hong Kong, all to bring these modern Asian flavours to Manchester.
David Fox, Tampopo Co-Founder said: “The new Tampopo menu has been over 12 months in the making. It allows guests to interact with the menu in a way that is new and unique for us.
“Our small and large plate options make it easier to graze, share, taste more, stay longer. This is how many people like to eat in the East – food is at the heart of every interaction.
“We’ve taken inspiration from restaurants in some of the most exciting global cities in the world like Hong Kong and Bangkok.
“There’s an expression in Thailand ‘same same but different’ which is what this menu is – we’ve kept all the things everyone loves, it’s the same Tampopo but you can also experience us in a completely different way with this menu.
“We’ve worked hard to keep the prices affordable and to listen to the feedback of guests – this menu reflects the tastes of people in Manchester.
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“As an adopted Mancunian I feel that Manchester is a city that has its arms wide open – to new people and flavours and so we think this new menu will be welcomed.”
The new Tampopo menu is available now at its restaurants on Albert Square, The Corn Exchange, and The Trafford Centre. See more HERE.
Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s best museums has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular science’ activities for October half term.
With half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has got you covered.
With only a few weeks to go until schools in Greater Manchester are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events.
Families are being told to get ready for ‘spooktacular’ science, hands-on activities, and loads of interactive fun, all inspired by the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition.
You can storyboard and then animate your own extra-terrestrial character inside the Animation Studio, let your imagination run wild and design your own alien species, or even go on a galactic treasure hunt around the museum and build your own interstellar spaceship with a giant rocket building kit.
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities / Credit: Science Museum Group
In the mornings, you can take a break from your cosmic adventures and enjoy family-friendly sci-fi screenings in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also then be able to put your skills to the test with classic space-themed games on the big screen every day in the afternoon.
And don’t forget, this half term is your only chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster who’ll be popping up in the Upper Yard as part of the annual Halloween in the City MCR Monsters trail.
If you’re planning on visiting on actual Halloween day itself, then the museum is inviting you to come dressed in your best costume so you can get properly stuck into all the spooky fun.
The unveiling of the October half term events programme comes after the museum also announced that its popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event would be returning for one night only later this month, also with a Halloween twist.
Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions. Find out more here.
Science and Industry Museum’s October Half Term Programme is running from 24 October to 1 November. Entry to the museum (except the exhibitions) is free of charge, but it’s advised that you book your admission in advance, as it’s expected to be busier than normal.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)
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Printworks is hosting a FREE ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling next month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’ next month, Printworks has announced it’ll be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.
Kicking off from 4:30pm, the free event will begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, where hundreds of stars will appear across the ceiling, each carrying the name of a real Manchester hero, creating a unique celebration of the people who make the city shine.
Members of the public can nominate someone to become a star, whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, community champion, or simply someone who deserves a little extra recognition. Nominations can be made here.
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Two cosy story time sessions with BBC Radio One and former CBBC presenter, Katie Thistleton, and children’s favourite, Hacker T Dog, will follow the star display, and each child will receive light-up headphones to enjoy the sessions in a dedicated chill-out zone.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays between the story time sessions, including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming way for families to enjoy the festivities.
The main fireworks and music experience will follow at 6:15pm, before the fun continues on into the evening with a live choir.
If you get a little peckish throughout the evening, there will also be a pop-up dessert cart serving Bonfire Night-inspired sweet treats, while Barney’s Coffee offers up an autumn drinks menu featuring seasonal favourites, such as pumpkin spice lattes and chocolate orange hot chocolates.
“We’re really excited to welcome back Printworks’ Bonfire Night event for the third year running,” explained Sophie Rooney, who is the Marketing Manager at Printworks.
“With fewer bonfire and firework displays taking place in the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy an evening of celebrations right here at Printworks.”
Printworks is promising an ‘immersive evening’ for all the family, free of charge. Find out more information and timings HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
25th October 2024 
