Across town the bright lights of Manchester’s Chinatown — the largest in the UK outside London — shine on. But those who know the city’s many culinary secrets will attest to the fact that’s not the only part of town to find authentic Chinese cuisine. Chef Diao is a case in point, and well worth venturing past the thick of Northern Quarter establishments for, up to the Ancoats border. A dim sum specialist that also makes a mean ramen soup, regulars swear by the depth of flavour in these dishes, all of which celebrate not just taste but fragrance and colours, too, making this a surefire winner for diners in search of a real feast for all the senses.

As for Chef Diao the person, this namesake kitchen master has plied the trade for more than 35 years, which speaks volumes about just how good the food actually is. As does the fact when the restaurant opened in 2021 its reputation spread through word of mouth alone, with satisfied customers quickly passing on recommendations to friends, ad infinitum. In a city constantly brimming with new options to eat out, that’s quite literally saying something. Only the freshest ingredients are used, all noodles are homemade, with the relaxed atmosphere ensuring people are only too happy to spend a few hours here exploring the menu. As a wise sage once probably said, sometimes the best gifts are actually waiting for you to find them, and that certainly seems on-point when it comes to describing this small but perfectly formed eatery.