Bun Mafia, a takeaway on Salford's Langworthy Road, has racked up more than 200 five-star reviews within six months of opening in May. The shop has made a name for itself with its £13.99 munch boxes, which include a double smash burger, either two chicken tenders or three wings, loaded fries, donner meat, sauce and a soft drink. With a chicken burger, the price drops to £12.99.
Signature sauces and shakes draw customers
Beyond the price, the homemade buffalo sauce, cheese sauce and Mafia Special, along with thick and creamy shakes, are pulling in punters. A review of the menu included two munch boxes upgraded with extra toppings: a bacon jam beef burger and a chicken Hashbrown Hustler burger, both described as "the business." The Kick Back Loaded Fries, priced at £6.95, come with two tenders, cheese, fries, red salt and jalapenos, though the chicken can be chosen as classic or spicy.
Portions are generous, with even a teenager struggling to finish a munch box. Owner Imran Ali Akhtar often parcels up food for sit-in customers to take home. "Customers love to get that big box, even if they can't finish it," he said. "They like to have that choice and to feel like they're getting their money's worth. A lot of people end up saying 'can you wrap it up for me'? The munch boxes have been really popular since we opened."
Community input and popular choices
Akhtar, who previously worked in restaurants in Spain and now lives in Burnage, asked the Salford community for help naming the takeaway. "I had about 10 names I was thinking of," he said. "I was thinking maybe Big Belly or Wild Beef, but when I asked people about Bun Mafia they said 'yes, go for that'. I'm chatty so I've got to know a lot of people and will always help with recommendations on what they should try."
Popular menu items include the Mafia Classic, with two patties, cheese, lettuce, onion, gherkin, tomato and burger sauce on a seeded bun, and the Bacon Godfather, featuring triple patties with cheese, maple beef jam, lettuce, tomato, onion, gherkin and burger sauce. The Salford Red Devil, a plainer burger with cheese and ketchup, is a hit with younger customers, and kids' meals with fries, a drink and a choice of beef burger, chicken burger or nuggets are also available.
Customer praise and delivery options
Customers have been full of praise. One said: "Most amazing takeaway. Food 10/10 service 10/10, staff was so friendly, manager was amazing, goes above and beyond for his customers." Another added: "Don’t often leave reviews but this place deserves one. Me and my mum went in to split a munch box, £13.99 for a burger, 2 tenders, loaded fries and donner meat, nicest place I’ve eaten from in a very long time and staff are friendly and food is a 10/10. Wish I took a picture of the food but I'm a large guy who couldn’t help himself and ate it too fast. We’ll definitely be going back."
The £13.99 munch box price is the walk-in deal; it costs extra on Uber Eats and Deliveroo, though those platforms have their own discounts and promotions.
