Walk down any road in Leeds city centre, and you’ll probably find a place to eat. We have a thriving foodie community with plenty to offer, be it Indian, Thai, American or just traditional English grub. Even better: these days, a lot of places can get their delicious meals prepped, cooked and ready for you in under 10 minutes! Next time you fancy a bite to eat after a long day working (or shopping), head over to some of these specially selected restaurants and see what street food options tickle your tastebuds.
Zaap
If you live in Leeds and haven’t been to ZAAP Thai yet, you’re missing a trick. Serving as one of Leeds’ most popular street food restaurants, ZAAP Thai is so good, they’ve opened two businesses: one in the city centre, and another in Headingley. Read through the 80 + options available on their menu, from soulful dim sum to spicy soup, and get a feel for what life is like on the bustling streets of Bangkok. Their restaurants are always busy, always vibrant, and the food is outstanding enough that you really will feel like you’ve been taken across the globe. But watch out: those spicy dishes are no joke, and certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Yuzu Street Food
Operating as a successful business since 2019, Yuzu Street Food know exactly what’s what when it comes to making delicious meals. Boldness is in Yuzu’s nature – they’re a fusion restaurant that specialise in Asian cuisine, and every dish is made to hit like a flavour explosion. Choose from a range of options: hot wings, chicken katsu, and beef brisket fries are all on offer, and are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. It’s not just food you get when you dine at Yuzu’s. It’s an experience. So, if you’re ever nearby New Briggate, take yourself on an adventure and head into their welcoming restaurant for a bite or two.
Mowgli’s
We’ve all seen those swinging chairs and glittering fairy lights on display while walking down Boar Lane, right? And I’m sure most of us have probably thought wishfully about finding the time to eat there one day. Well, this is your sign. Mowgli’s is a beautiful, atmospheric restaurant that’s dedicated to bringing the traditional Indian eating experience to the UK. Serving food that’s chock-full of intense flavours and divine aromas, you’ll undoubtedly be kept busy deciding on which items to pick out from their menu. If you fancy a surprise, choose one of their tiffin boxes and leave your tastebuds in the hands of their experienced chef. Or, if you prefer sticking with what you know, select a few of their smaller dishes and snack away to your heart’s content.
Little Boo Boy
Born from humble beginnings back in 2016, Little Bao Boy has since exploded into fame and made an indelible imprint on the Leeds food scene. They’re a northern business through and through, but they take the delicious flavours of Asia and twist them into something undeniably their own. This is what makes their food one of a kind. Bao Buns are their specialty, but they also serve up crispy gyozas, mouth-watering fries and hearty noodles, which is pretty much all you need – especially considering they’re connected to North Brew Tap. That carby goodness is one of the only things with the power to combat those post-pint wobbles. Pop into their business on Sovereign Street during any day of the week to check out the options available.
Mahout Indian Street Kitchen
‘To eat is human. To eat well is divine’.
That’s what’s written on the wall of Mahout – and boy, do they mean it. Mahout Indian Street Kitchen offers unbeatable street food in the Hyde Park area, making it the perfect spot for hungry students. They’ve got an eclectic menu that offers Indo-Chinese fusion dishes, as well as the more traditional Indian curries that are so well loved here in the UK. Choose from warm or cold chaat, tandoori delicacies, or – if it’s just a quick bite you’re after – go for the poppadoms or okra fries.
Rola Wala
If you’ve visited Trinity Kitchen, you’ll undoubtedly have passed by Rola Wala. That means you’ll also have seen the constant queue of people waiting for a bite to eat at their famous street food station. There’s a reason for their popularity: the taste of a Rola Wala wrap is just too good to pass up on. Inspired by the vibrant flavours of India, their fast and fresh new format blends traditional delicacies with modern eating habits. Essentially, this means you can experience the tastes of Bombay and Kerala in the time it would take for you to buy a meal deal from Tesco. With all their lunch options available on a made-to-order basis, you can also rest assured that what you want is exactly what you’ll get. Perfect for foodie lovers and picky eaters alike!
Bundobust
A leader in the veggie & vegan food scene, Bundobust can make even the staunchest of meat lover into a plant-based convert. Having opened their first restaurant in 2014, they’ve since gone on to spread across the North, delivering top-quality Indian street food wherever they go. They’ve got a whole host of fun options on offer, from bhaji butties to paneer tikka skewers, and the great value of their snack-sized portions gives you the ability to pick out several different selections and mix it up with every bite. And for those who appreciate a good craft beer, they also boast a constantly rotating selection of IPAs and pilsners, made in their very own brewery. You can find them just a stone’s throw from Leeds train station on Mill Hill.
Images- @zaap_thai_streetfood, @bundobust, @littlebaoboy