The ultimate National Curry Week road trip

As National Curry Week rolls in, we’re inviting you to join us on a mouth-watering journey across the UK. From the vibrant streets of Birmingham to the spice-loving city of Manchester and everywhere in between, we’re here to get you there easily, affordably, and in total comfort.

Ready to discover the best curries the UK has to offer? Leave the driving to us, and let’s explore these incredible cities together. Here's our guide to the top curry spots you’ll want to check out—and how we can help you get there for less.

Birmingham – The Balti Triangle

Our first stop is Birmingham, the birthplace of the famous Balti. With its rich culinary history, the city offers some of the most authentic curry experiences in the UK. Head to the Balti Triangle in Sparkbrook for some seriously flavour-packed dishes that have stood the test of time.

Where to go: You’ve got to visit Shababs, an iconic spot where you can enjoy the famous Balti served in the sizzling cast-iron dish it was born in. For a truly traditional taste of Birmingham’s curry heritage, this is the place to be.

Coach Tip: Travel to Birmingham with us. Whether you’re coming from London, Manchester, or Leicester, our direct routes drop you off in the heart of the city—just a stone’s throw from the Balti Triangle. Affordable, convenient, and no need to worry about parking.

London – Brick Lane’s curry wonderland

Next, we’re off to London, where Brick Lane reigns as the city’s ultimate destination for curry lovers. From rich North Indian dishes to fiery South Indian fare, Brick Lane is the place to be for a spice-filled evening.

Where to go: Check out Aladin, an award-winning restaurant famous for its sizzling tandoori and rich curries. For something a little different, Dishoom in Shoreditch offers a Persian-Indian fusion dining experience you won’t want to miss.

Coach Tip: London’s always buzzing, but your travel doesn’t need to break the bank. Hop on one of our coaches from tonnes of locations across the UK. We’ll get you right to Victoria Station, with easy access to the underground and Brick Lane’s best curry spots.

Manchester – Spice haven on the Curry Mile

When it comes to Manchester, the famous Curry Mile is where all spice lovers need to head. Located in Rusholme, this stretch of road is home to one of the largest concentrations of South Asian restaurants in the UK, offering everything from Pakistani and Bangladeshi curries to Middle Eastern and Persian specialities.

Where to go: One of our favourites on the Curry Mile is MyLahore, a lively, colourful restaurant serving up a fusion of British, Indian, and Pakistani dishes. Their vibrant menu offers everything from sizzling mixed grills to rich curries, and the fun atmosphere makes it a must-visit for any curry fan.

Coach Tip: We make it easy to travel to Manchester from several city locations in the UK.  Our coaches drop you off near the city centre, and from there, the Curry Mile is a short trip away—get ready to feast your way through this iconic food hub.

Leicester – A curry lover’s dream on the Golden Mile

Leicester is renowned for its exceptional curry scene, particularly along the Golden Mile. This stretch is home to some of the most authentic Indian food outside of India, from fragrant veggie dishes to sizzling kebabs.

Where to go: You can’t visit Leicester without stopping by Bobby’s, an all-vegetarian restaurant serving incredible thalis and traditional Indian sweets. Or for a more refined experience, visit Chutney Ivy for expertly crafted regional dishes.

Coach Tip: Travel to Leicester for less than your lunch with us! Whether you’re travelling from Birmingham, London, or Manchester, we’ve got you covered with direct routes and drop-offs in the city centre. No need to worry about parking—just step off the coach and start exploring.

Edinburgh – Curry with a Scottish twist

Our final stop is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, where the curry scene is just as charming as the city itself. From cosy cafes to inventive dishes, Edinburgh’s got it all.

Where to go: Visit Mother India’s Café, where Indian tapas-style dishes are perfect for sharing. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try Kismot—home of the famous (and super spicy) ‘Kismot Killer’ curry.

Coach Tip: Edinburgh might feel far, but we make it affordable and easy to get there from multiple cities. Our coaches drop you right in the city, ready for you to dive into Edinburgh’s vibrant food scene.

Why travel with National Express for your curry adventure?

We get it—travelling can be expensive, but with us, it doesn’t have to be. Not only do we offer great value, but we make sure your journey is as comfortable as possible with free Wi-Fi, cosy seats, and power outlets to keep you charged up along the way.

Our coaches travel across the UK, and with tickets starting from just a few pounds, you can save your hard-earned money for what matters most: enjoying all the delicious curries waiting for you at each stop. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a full-on curry tour, we’ve got the routes, convenience, and value to make it happen.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your coach ticket, plan your curry stops, and let’s make this National Curry Week one to remember—one delicious dish at a time! 

If you know, you go National Express.

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