Katsouris Deli is a long standing Mancunian institution, much loved by lunchers for some 15 years. Initially established at Bury’s Market Square, the deli and cafe stands proudly in a gothic building on the corner of Deansgate and John Dalton Street.
The Greek-inspired venue brings a taste of the Mediterranean to foodies, who arrive at the deli in hordes to devour their hot roast carveries, sizzling paella and doorstop-style sandwiches.
The popular haunt is now partnered with the Too Good To Go app, meaning that hungry shoppers, workers and residents can enjoy a haul of food for a fraction of the cost to save it from going in the bin at the end of the day.
READ MORE: Everywhere you can get cheap mystery bags in Manchester on Too Good To Go
I reserved my £3 bag the day before collection, and having never been to the deli before, I was excited to see what I would find in my mystery lunch bag. On arriving at Katsouris at 2.30pm on a Thursday afternoon, it was already busy with people placing and waiting for orders, with many tables filled with customers already dining.
My magic bag had promised a selection of food worth around £10, and I knew my £3 purchase would be worth it the moment I stepped in the door.
While I waited for my bag to be prepared, I browsed the menu making note for future visits. Their huge hot ciabatta sandwiches start at £8.95 for a full butty, or £4.80 for half, while jacket spuds cost upwards of £3.50 with paella starting at £5.70.
It was the smell of the carvery that caught my attention, though, so I was thrilled when I noticed the member of staff filling my takeaway box spooning in heaps of hot food from the carvery counter.
Usually, any two meats and a salad bar costs £9.90, with one meat and salad bar coming in at £7.70. I didn’t notice what the server was placing into my cardboard box, which meant the unboxing would be a real surprise when it was handed over.
Inside my Too Good To Go bag was an egg mayo and cress on a poppyseed platt sandwich, which would usually be £2.40, and almost worth the whole value of the bag itself. But it was the carvery box that was the star of the show.
My carvery box was a one meat and salad box worth £7.70, meaning my total bag value exceeded the £10 suggestion by 10p. The mystery meat was gammon which would have been my first choice had I been placing a specific order, which was joined by two chunks of halloumi cheese and some falafel balls. As promised, there was an abundance of salad, including lettuce, tomato and onions, and a healthy helping of paella with a spicy kick.
The food is designed to be eaten immediately, but as it was a rather large portion, I thought it would be better suited to tea time, instead, As a result, I took it home to enjoy later and found not only that it travelled pretty well, but also reheated well and tasted absolutely beautiful.
It was certainly the heartiest meal I’ve had on the Too Good To Go app, and a real bargain at £3. It was thoroughly enjoyable and comforting, just like a home cooked meal should be - I'd have honestly paid for it four times over.
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