The owners of a café which has become known as one of the best places for a cup of chai in south Manchester has announced it will be closing.
Aunty Ji’s on Stockport Road in Levenshulme will close next week after owners said that rising costs’ meant it ‘just isn’t feasible’ to operate any more.
The café, which serves Indian dishes with a western twist, first opened in 2020 and quickly became an institution after being named in multiple best restaurants guides. It was shortlisted for the Affordable Eats Venue at last year's Manchester Food and Drink Festival.
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The 'pan-cultural space', which will close on June 20, served Tarka Daal rice bowls, Chicken 'Naanwiches', and Samosa Chaat, alongside a spicy Full English breakfast and sweet pancakes with saffron rabri cream.
In a statement on its website, Aunty Ji’s co-owner Zee Ahmed said: “This is difficult to say, Aunty Ji’s is closing. Rising costs have led to a situation where it just isn’t feasible to be operating in our current form anymore.
“One of the things I’ve loved most since opening is talking to you, our customers. Since opening, we’ve shared so many great conversations, laughs, forged connections, developed friendships and more.
“The team and I have tried a number of different things to turn things around over the past few months, sadly, they haven’t been enough to save Aunty Jis. I hope that the memories and experiences you had in Aunty Jis will forever hold a special place in your hearts, as they will in mine.”
Zee had previously told the M.E.N the café was set up in homage to his grandparents who had moved to Levenshulme from Pakistan in the 1950s.
The news of the closure was met with upset from the local community and further afield. One customer said: “Noooo, am going to miss your awesome pancakes. Such a shame it hasn't worked out but you will be sorely missed, good luck for the future.”
Another said: “I’m so sorry. Only recently discovered it and it’s one of my fave Leve places. Best of luck with new ventures.” Another added: “Oh no! So sorry to hear this. Food and staff have always been amazing, and brought us back every week. Good luck x”
One more said: “Gutted. This is my absolute favourite place to eat in Levenshulme. Will definitely come in before the 20th.”
Co-owner Zee said that following the café's closure, he is hoping to develop a new venture in condiments and may lead Aunty Ji’s to come back in the future. He explained: “While this chapter is coming to a close, I believe that every ending brings the promise of a new beginning. For me this will be Raju, a new home condiments brand that I’ve been working on over the past few months.
“Raju will possess many of the same passions and ideals of Aunty Ji’s and I’m really looking forward to getting started with it. There’s a chance that as Raju’s comes to fruition that we may be back in some form. But I can’t be sure for the moment.”
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