Meet the globe-trotting Manchester chef whose fine-dining dishes owe something to his mum
manchestereveningnews.co.ukHis career has taken him from northern India, to Shanghai and then to Manchester. During more than 25 years as a professional chef, Manish Mahipal has worked in five star hotels and now runs a stylish restaurant in King Street West.
But there's always someone he can call on if he finds himself a little puzzled on how to approach a dish - his mum, whose own skills in the kitchen have inspired him. "I'll give her a call whenever I'm stuck," said Manish, a dad of two who lives in Altrincham. "She's a very good cook herself, so I never hesitate to ask her." It's this authentic Punjab culinary tradition which has made Wah Ji Wah, which means 'wow' in Punjabi, a popular dining destination in the city centre.
Opened in February 2019 by head chef Manish and his business partner Sanjeev Toteja, this small, elegant premises includes dishes that Manish's mum cooks herself, such as Sarson Ka Saag - a vegetarian dish made with mustard green and spices - and Dal Makhani, slow cooked black lentils with cream and butter. "It was always my dream to come and live here in the UK and cook authentic cuisine," Manish said. "And we include Punjabi dishes on our menu.
I keep our food subtle and light, so you don't feel heavy after eating, I don't believe in using too many spices." Wah Ji Wah's selection of dishes includes a wide range of Indian food, which Manish has perfected during his globe-trotting career.
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