Cheap you say?
Hunters in the Northern Quarter, looks a bit rum but does ace 3 curry & rice for less than fiver, Aladdin on the other corner is same deal, looks even ropier but is fine. If you head up Rusholme hit Falafel for the Falafel Meal, add a Spinach & Cheese Fatayer – you’re still talking about 7quid total and you’re stuffed, save spare Fatayer for breakfast.
Bit pricier and further out, Corrianders in Withington or Chorlton – curry so good they were asked to go cook for the MP’s at Westminster, or Frankies fish bar on Burton Rd, just amazing fish n chips.
If you like Noodles, Tam Po-po in Albert Sq is deicious, as is Umami (this or similar name) near the Aquatics centre. My spelling may be off for both of these.
Still not made it to the Chop house mentioned above, but hear good things about it.