Serving curry for longer than most can remember, The Mangla is a revered establishment, supported by passionate curry connoisseurs from all walks of life and all parts of the city.

The Venue
The Mangla is found at the top of Spital Hill just beyond the rapidly redeveloping Wicker area of Sheffield. It’s easily accessible from town on foot. The proximity of The Mangla to other curry houses, The Kashmir in particular, has created a lot of good-hearted debate over which is best. It has simple decor with a lot of plastic chairs.

The Atmosphere
The restaurant is very popular and always busy on virtually all nights of the week. There’s plenty of seats and they always endeavour to manage a quick turnaround so don’t worry, even in a big group you will not endure a long wait. The large open kitchen adds to the busy feeling of the place. At peak times a dual army of chefs and waiters work at a rapid pace in order to put the curry on the plates and keep everyone happy. Whilst a little rugged, the decor and lighting are not without charm and lend a relaxed, curry cafe feel to the venue.

The Food
The Mangla has always enjoyed a high status as one of the best curry-houses in Sheffield. As a result it’s subject to a large number of very discerning critics. The question as to whether The Mangla is the best is often hotly debated, particularly over a pint or two in the pub but more recently online as well.

This is not expensive eastern-themed fine dining but genuine quick food and it’s relatively cheap. As the kitchen is so busy the dishes and service can be a little inconsistent from one visit to the next. Vegetarian dishes tend to be better than the meat ones and often the food is a little hotter than you might expect. Highlights include the sag aloo, a spicy spinach and potato dish and, of course, kulfi for dessert.

The Drink
The Mangla allows its diners to bring their own booze with no corkage fee or limitation on what can be brought in. It’s great to enjoy your favourite curry accompanied by your favourite tipple without having to shell out too much for it. Lassi (a yoghurt based drink) is made in house and is the perfect way to diffuse the heat of a spicy dish, the mango lassi is amazing.

The Last Word
A very genuine and affordable curry experience. It will have ardent supporters as long as the doors are open. Let down, at times, by slightly chaotic service, over spiced food and plastic chairs, but still well worth a visit.

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