Tampopo

I've been to Tampopo with my husband several times now and on each visit it has been consistently good.  Each time I think I've had the express lunch menu - I've never been for dinner - which is very good value for a side dish and a main.  The food is excellent - we don't usually eat meat and there's plenty of choice from among the veggie, fish and seafood options.  The flavours are sharp and subtle and, although I'm no expert, really seem to represent the different countries of south-east Asia.  I really like the placemats which show the region and indicate where each dish comes from.  The desserts are delicious too, as is the lime soda and the Vietnamese (I think) coffee with condensed milk.

The space is nice, well lit even though it's underground, and I've always had good service - quick and very friendly people.  That said, I've never been here at a time when it was really busy.  I'd really recommend a visit, especially if you like Asian food.  You can pick up supplies, too - they sell sauces, noodles, etc.  Wagamama is fine, but this is in another league.

Went there with my boyfriend for a meal out after work - restaurant wasnt particulary busy. Spent ages waiting to be served, the pork gyoza were not cooked properly and horrible, the replacement veggie ones werent much better. my pad thai was OK, and boyfriends beef dish was passable. Spent another age waiting to pay, and when I complained about having to pay for the gyoza, waited AGAIN to see the manager. I've visited this branch before and it's was never this awful! Think I'll be sticking to Wagamama in the future.

My favourite restaurant in Manchester. No processed, microwaved food here. Wonderful flavours. I prefer this place as they dont over sauce the food with soy sauce.

Very reasonable prices.

Although I would like to request better quality chicken as it tastes cheap.

awesome. great beers. greater food. I really enjoyed my meal.

Overseas Filipinos, do not be tempted by Tampopo’s Chicken Adobo.

It is a far cry from the simple, garlic-onion-soy sauce-vinegar-and-meat soul food that you know and love. Tampopo’s adobo amounts a Chinese stir-fry served with a spoon and fork. The proportions were all off: too much broccoli, not enough chicken; the sauce had too much corn starch, and not nearly enough vinegar. Also, the meat was all boneless white meat.

I’d give Tampopo another chance: the pho’s and pad thais looked all right.

me and my friend went in for our noodles. When the noodles arrived we quickly tucked into the meal only to find in my friends dish , the noodles still uncooked and raw in a peice under the veg and meat … it was just uncooked bathing in the soup.
Obviusly complained about it but they just changed the noodles… they didnt even change the veg and meat on top!!!

Tampopo is an informal, pan asian restaurant serving dishes from all over. I went recently and was pleased to see it was much improved from the last time, with a better menu and a range of condiments and sauces on the tables to go with your meal. They have dispensed with the benches too, so you get a bit more privacy and you aren’t sitting on top of your neighbour. I had the chicken laksah, which was really lovely. For me, Tampopo is similar to, although much better than Wagmama’s which I find a bit sterile and conveyor-belty.

This is the original Tampopo in Albert Square - tucked downstairs in a contemporary space. Food is unusual and tasty - especially the tempura veg and the coconut prawns .. i don’t even like coconut and they were delicious!! Very reasonably priced and very attentive service. A good value night out

I enjoyed thier South Asian foods very much , however I was very disappointed with ramen, Japanese noodle.
It did not taste ramen as I knew at all.
It does not taste anything, very poor flavour.
I wonder if they have ever tasted ramen in Japan…

Apart from that, this is good restaurant. Staff are friendly and restaurant is clean and very lively.

I also like the name, tampopo, very sweet!

This place seems to have changed a lot over the years, and if you go after reading this review, then you will undoubtedly see further changes, as it is currently closed for some sort of makeover for a fortnight.

Tampopo is situated in a most inviting part of Manchester, in a well-lit, airy basement on Albert Square. Any approach across the square is sure to kindle a sense of civic admiration amongst visitors to the city, and re-kindle a sense of civic pride amongst its citizens. The square itself is flagged in patterns that remind me of Red Square during the Cold War. Despite never having been there nor having seen any pictures. On the occasions when it’s not hidden beneath the tents and tables of the many visiting markets and mini-festivals that afford the city a continental air these days, I often long to stride purposefully across its cobbles, patting myself about the chest in a theatrical effort to stimulate body heat and fend off another onslaught from the Siberian winter.

Tampopo offers up its delicately beautiful countenance by way of a remarkable contrast to the northern aspects of Albert Square and its elaborately gothic town hall. The merest glimpse into the basement restaurant from the pavement outside is enough to transport the casual pedestrian into an oasis of Eastern cullinary delight. Large, Japanese-style, tables stretch across the length of the dining area neatly flanked by a series of attendant benches that snuggle up to the mothership, afraid to stray to far. Though Lord knows why: this is a congenial restaurant where it would be difficult not to smile and exchange a few pleasantries with one’s dining neighbour, and the waiting-on staff are well-mannered and attentive. Service comes with a smile and they are consitently well-informed.

The menu stretches from starters of the steamed dumpling, deep-fried prawns variety and then dishes from all over the Orient are listed in considerable detail and organised into categories according to country of origin and type of dish - e.g. curries, flat noodle dishes, soups etc.

Choosing can again be difficult as the choice initially appears overwhelming. Spice strength indicators are a helpful hint at this point for the diner who is unfamiliar with Oriental cuisine.

There is a good range of Asian beers in the form of a selection of premium lagers such as Cobra, Tiger and less well-known Japanese imports. The beers are a good crisp and clean accompaniment to the hotter dishes, although they come at a premium price too.

But one of the best things about Tampopo is its situation: poised at a strategic vantage point between two halves of contemporary Manchester - head along Cross Street and the Northern Quarter beckons, head towards St Peter’s Square and the traditional student corridor pans out along Oxford Road; similarly the temptations of Deansgate are also less than a ten minute walk away.

Like the fantastic film from which it takes its name, that has never been released on DVD, Tampopo could one day be the stuff of legends.

This place is probably most famous for it's signature dessert - a mango sorbet called 'Sweet Punani' (apparently this is the malaysian name for it or whatever but i've been to malaysia and never saw this on the menu at any respectable establishment, trust me. And I don't even like sorbet).

Other than that, Tampopo can only offer a complete facsimile of Wagamama - fast immitation asian style food for a tenner.

"Nowt" special.

A winner of a place this. Offering great asian food (indonesian, vietnamese, thai and malaysian) at really cheap prices. Its in a small but light underground place on Albert Square, and generally you sit at long shared tables. Its not candlelit and romantic but its perfectly possible to have a private conversation. There are a few set meals (the Eastern Express being notable for its 2 course for £6.95 offer) and a short menu, but it doesn't matter what you order as its all tasty. Alcohol is available, but this is more a quick stop off place than a lingerer. But go! Its great.