Red Chilli

Originally a Sichuan restaurant when it first opened at the turn of the century, Red Chilli on Manchester’s Portland Street has expanded its repertoire to offer Cantonese and Beijing-style dishes too. It’s a good place for a celebration – Red Chilli is a bit plush and has some pedigree as well as a cracking wine list. All the favourites are on the menu: aromatic crispy duck, spring rolls, chicken in honey and lemon sauce.

If you’re looking to be a bit more adventurous you can sample Sichuan dishes that aren’t as common as the more ubiquitous Cantonese flavours. Gong Bao chicken with peanuts and chilli is a popular choice, seasoned with tongue-tingling Sichuan peppercorns. Red Chilli gets the balance of searing heat and subtle flavour just right. There’s a great selection of soups but it’s the home-style section of the menu that contains more authentic dishes to tempt jaded palates. Recommendations include mushroom and fungus with vegetables in hot clay, stir-fried frog’s legs in godmother chilli bean sauce and braised aubergine with minced pork.

Address: 70-72 Portland St, Manchester M1 4GU

Website: http://www.redchillirestaurant.co.uk/