As someone who regularly drives along the M62 to visit family in York, I rarely encounter issues. I don't recall ever getting caught in bad traffic on this infamous motorway, which is even England's highest. That changed during my recent trip to Bradford. Setting off from South Manchester, Google Maps promised a journey of one hour and 12 minutes. This time remained unchanged despite circumnavigating the M60, passing through Simister Island, and crossing into Yorkshire.
While sitting stationary by the farm in the middle of the road—Stott Hall Farm—I questioned if I was getting sunburned with my window down, listening to lambs bleating in the field between carriageways. The upside of the traffic jam was marveling at the farm and wondering how the residents endure the noise.
After traffic eased, I detoured to a shopping center near Huddersfield for a comfort break before the final 30 minutes. I eventually reached my destination: the Signature Mall in Bradford.
A Grand Food Court
Self-described as the UK's biggest South Asian mall, it opened on May 16 and has welcomed visitors from Glasgow, London, Cambridge, and Newcastle. Home to 27 shops with more to come, its key feature is the food court, branded as a 'food gallery'. Unlike ordinary mall food courts, this one boasts velvet seats, gold accents, and a faux cherry blossom tree. Diners can purchase food from nine kitchens offering cuisines from Mexican to South Asian.
On one side are kitchens where diners order and receive a buzzer; on the other is a large seating area with booths and tables. Screens provide privacy, ensuring you don't feel cramped.
Kitchen Highlights
The mall features an impressive lineup: Chaat Bar serves Pakistani street food like samosas, butter chicken-loaded fries, and chaats, plus drinks like lassis and soda panis. Bay-G's offers parathas and burgers, while Pind Express has curries. Other cuisines include ToastUp (Turkish kumpir), Papi Queso (Mexican tacos and birria), Barnie's (American-style fast food), and Estos (wings, shawarma, and donner). Two dessert stalls—Resa (French-inspired patisserie) and Dezzerto (waffles, pancakes, cookie dough)—complete the offerings.
Tasting the Spread
During my visit, I sampled a selection. First was a chicken and cheese stuffed paratha (£6.50) from Bay-G's, served with lime pickle and mint raita. The flaky flatbread was huge, with a crisp exterior and gently spiced filling—comfort food that paired well with the condiments.
From Chaat Bar, I tried a vegetable samosa chaat (£6.50): chopped samosas covered in chickpeas, sauces, red onion, pomegranate, and coriander. Every mouthful was fresh and flavorful. I also had a pineapple coconut lassi (£4), a fun twist on the traditional mango version, reminiscent of a Pina Colada.
Next was Mutton Nihari (£12.99) from Pind Express, served with a generous naan bread. The curry was slightly oily but had the right spice level, with tender lamb and fresh ginger. The naan was crisp outside and soft inside.
Despite being full, I tried desserts. From Resa, the Tiramisu Illusion (£7.50) looked like a giant coffee bean, with a thin chocolate shell, creamy mousse interior, and coffee-flavored sponge cake. As someone without a sweet tooth, I was impressed. From Dezzerto, a waffle stick (£4.50) topped with 'strawberry indulgence' (£1) featuring strawberries, milk and white chocolate, and hazelnut sauces was fruity and not sickly.
Overall, the Signature Mall offers great food, but bring friends to share the generous portions—otherwise, you'll take your naan and paratha back on the M62 like I did.
