Trafford Centre is unveiling its new restaurant dining development ‘Eastern Garden’, which is dedicated to Mancunian talent.
Responding to consumer demand, Eastern Garden celebrates independent operators with a line-up that includes Nichi, Chit ‘n’ Chaat, Hello Oriental and Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery, as the centre seeks to champion the region’s cuisine.
The new area, was known as Chinatown, is a vibrant and visually stunning dining destination designed to reflect a blend of traditional and contemporary Asian aesthetics.
The four culinary concepts each bring their unique flavours and experiences to offer visitors a taste of Manchester’s eclectic food scene.
Contemporary Japanese dining experience with a Peruvian twist, Nichi, was born in Manchester and opened its flagship 3,000 sq ft restaurant in the centre in late 2024. The restaurant offers a premium, immersive dining experience, specialising in sushi, live robata cooking and tableside flambé. The brand is led by a seasoned team including head chef Kentaro Yanagisawa, from Sexyfish Manchester and Vanessa Mornet from Zuma.
Hello Oriental, which opened its first branch off Oxford Road and founded by Ricky Yip and Azim Koura, offers more than 100 dishes including popular East Asian street food and traditional favourites, ranging from dim sum to noodles to Cantonese roast meats and also includes a full kids’ menu.
Chit ‘n’ Chaat occupies a 2,000 sq ft unit in the centre, its fifth location in the region. Since its inception in 2020, Chit n Chaat has been passionate about delivering authentic, Indian street food.
Founded by Phil and Claire Howells, Blanchflower has its own bakery in Sale, producing bread, cakes and pastries. Opening in the coming weeks, from cruffins to Bakewell tarts, focaccias to homemade granola, diners can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of seasonal items all handmade by a small team of bakers and pastry chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
Kitty Vaughan, head of F&B and leisure leasing at Pradera Lateral, said: “At Trafford Centre, we are committed to offering our visitors an exciting and diverse food and beverage experience that celebrates our global customers and champions homegrown talent.
“Eastern Garden not only enjoys a wide array of unique and authentic flavours but also represents the vibrant and dynamic culinary scene of Manchester. This initiative is a significant step in our ongoing investment to diversify the exciting culinary offering at Trafford Centre.”
