The Go Global Guide to Bradford
Eat, Shop and Drink Your Way Round the World in Bradford
Bradford's thriving multicultural population is reflected in the heart of the city - from shops and retail outlets to restaurants, pubs and cafes. Our ‘Go Global Guide to Bradford' will help you to discover and explore some of the best international food, drink and shopping in Yorkshire.
The World Mile
Featuring over 75 international shops, markets and entertainment The World Mile is a vibrant quarter in the heart of Bradford. Bringing together South Asian, English, Irish and Afro Caribbean, Polish, Russian and European shops, stalls, bars and restaurants, The World Mile offers something for everyone. World Mile map.
Markets
Another stop off for any discerning food lover, cook or Masterchef, is the Oastler Market. Located in the Oastler Centre it offers an abundance of international food stalls that include Wish Oriental Food Specialists, Afro & West Indian Food and Spice World, plus fruit and veg stalls and a butchers. The nearby Kirkgate Market is also worth a visit for groceries and browsing, along with the regular Bradford continental markets whose traders bring European culture, flavours and crafts to the city throughout the year.
For something a little further afield, try a taste of Russian, Eastern European and Persian food with a visit to Alyonka & Aryana on Barry Street and Margaritta Polish Shop on Rawson Place. Both shops are in centre of the city, situated near the Westgate section of the World Mile.
For the best in South Asian fashion, textiles, shoes and jewellery head to White Abbey Road and a range of options. Find gorgeous shoes and accessories at Unze by Shalimar Shoes, or try one of the many boutiques from Roop Boutique to Junaid Jamshed. Stunning fabrics in an array of colours can be found in one of the many fabric shops such as Atique Textiles and Lahore Bazaar.
The UK's largest Asian department store
Bradford's most famous Asian store, Bombay Stores is one of the largest Asian department stores in the country. Crowds from across the UK are drawn to the lavish fabrics, stunning wedding outfits, jewellery and shoes on offer. Be sure to visit the haberdashery for a sight and sound sensation. Lose yourself for an afternoon browsing the rows of colourful clothes and cosmetic with a soundtrack of magical Bollywood music
Shopping on Leeds Road
Continue exploring the Far East with a visit to Leeds Road where you will find a number of oriental grocers and numerous boutiques, fabric shops and accessory shops. For Asian fashion and bridal wear visit Arooje Boutique or Lilly Textiles, along with many of the diverse textile shops such as Dilkash Fabrics and Suman Textiles.
Famous Bradford curry houses
After all that shopping, you can relax and refuel at one of city's many eateries and bars . And of course, no visit to Bradford would be complete without sampling one of Bradford's famous curry houses . A former ‘Curry Capital of the UK', Bradford offers an excellent selection of Asian cuisine. Leeds Road is home to some of the finest flavours combined with excellent service, that include Red Chilli, Akbar's Cafe, Saffron Desi, Akbar's and Zouk Tea Bar and Grill . Many other are dotted throughout the city and include the famous Mumtaz on Great Horton Road, Omar Khan's on Little Horton Lane and Nawaab on Manor Row.
Enjoy curry cafe style
For a truly authentic experience visit try one of Bradford's ‘café style' curry houses. The Karachi (a favourite with Rick Stein), the International, Kashmir and the Sweet Centre and Restaurant are all renowned for their fantastic food at great value prices. And in keeping with tradition most ‘café style' curry houses are either alcohol free or offer a ‘Bring Your Own' (BYO) service, so you can choose your favourite beer or wine to match.
Yorkshire's only Russian restaurant
If curry's not your thing, there are plenty of alternatives on offer and you're sure to be spoilt for choice. Visit Yorkshire's only Russian Restaurant and tuck into a range of traditional Russian cuisine, accompanied by a wide selection of world and East European wines, spirits and beers, or a shot of Russian vodka!
Nearby, Goodwin Street is home to Balanga, a Polish bar and restaurant which serves an excellent selection of Polish food, beer and vodka, and even Yorkshire real ale. Be sure to check ahead for details of their regular live music and events.
A taste of Persia
If your palette desires a taste of Persia, look no further than Biston Restaurant. Located on the World Mile, this cosy, welcoming restaurant serves authentic Persian cuisine at great prices, with Cyrus Mediterranean Restaurant also offering a Persian inspired menu alongside Greek favourites.
Bradford has some excellent Italian restaurants. Try Mamma Mia, a friendly family run restaurant with an excellent value for money ‘early-bird' menu. Angelo's also offers great value traditional Italian dishes, while Orlando's attracts the crowds with their popular ‘Italian Night' with set menu and live music.
City centre eateries
Opposite the iconic City Hall, Centenary Square is home to some of best city centre eateries, perfectly located to watch the world go by. Perfect for any occasion, Chino Thai offers 3 experiences under one roof. Sample authentic Chinese & Thai cuisine in the impressive second floor restaurant, informal dining in the downstairs Fusia Buffet Noodle Bar or a sample an international drink in the Cocktail Lounge. Chino Thai also offers a takeaway service, as does Middle Eastern favourite Markaz Restaurant and Shisha Lounge, with its ornate interiors, hookahs, ice-creams and fabulous authentic dishes at reasonable prices.
With such a multicultural population Bradford boasts a number of excellent option for diners preferring vegetarian cuisine, with many of the restaurants and cafes already highlighted offering a good selection of vegetarian dishes and a number of ‘café style' curry houses offering traditional, vegetarian menus. Prashad Vegetarian Deli and Restaurant offers award winning Indian and Punjabi vegetarian food as well as Chinese fusion dishes.
