Nestled in the heart of Sale, Greater Manchester, Ouvra isn’t just any restaurant – it’s a labour of love brought to life by Priya Madda, a data analyst turned restaurateur. Originally from India, Priya moved to the UK 17 years ago to pursue her MBA. What was meant to be a short stay turned into a life-changing journey.
"I never imagined I’d stay in the UK, let alone open a restaurant," Priya says. "But life had other plans." Over the years, Priya nurtured her passion for arts and crafts, even launching a part-time business called Giftzgalore. However, it was the creation of Ouvra, alongside her husband, that marked a new chapter in her story.
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What sets Ouvra apart is its attention to detail and authenticity. "This wasn’t a pre-existing restaurant – we transformed a solicitor’s office into a 100-seat restaurant," Priya explains. "Everything about Ouvra is unique – the design, ambience, menu, and food. We roast and grind all our spices in-house, which adds a distinctive flavour to every dish. And with 50% of the menu being vegetarian and inclusive of all allergens, we’ve made sure there’s something for everyone."
As Sale’s first authentic Indian restaurant, Ouvra offers an impressive variety, including North Indian, South Indian, Indo-Chinese, tandoor specialities, and Indian street food. The response from locals has been overwhelmingly positive. "One customer told me, ‘My only complaint is – why did it take so long for you to start this in Sale?’ That was the best compliment," Priya recalls with pride. The restaurant is already seeing repeat customers, with weekends often fully booked.
Interestingly, Priya’s journey into the culinary world wasn’t driven by a passion for cooking. "I never really cooked until I came to the UK. Cooking wasn’t my interest – I hate the cleaning afterwards!" she laughs. Instead, her love for food and her experience in event décor inspired the idea. "I wanted to provide a venue, and many of my clients would ask me for catering recommendations. That’s where it all began."
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Last December, Ouvra elevated the festive season with a special Christmas menu. Highlights included Tandoori Turkey Tikka, Duck Chettinad, and Kale Kofta Curry. "We wanted to create something unique for the season, and our head chef deserves credit for designing the menu," Priya shares.
With its authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and innovative offerings, Ouvra has quickly become a beloved culinary gem in Sale.
Info: Ouvra