Let’s not beat around the bush here: going into the office can feel like a bit of a chore these days, especially now we’ve experienced that soothing work-from-home lifestyle. But one undeniable perk of working in Leeds is that you’re likely able to walk out of your office building and find a delicious lunch in under five minutes – and often for a steal of a price, too. So forget the Tesco meal deals for a day, and consider treating yourself to a lunch at one of these brilliant businesses instead.
LITTLE BAO BOY
They’re filling, they’re affordable, and most importantly, they’re tasty: bao buns have to be one of the best lunchtime treats around. And no one knows how to do them better than Little Bao Boy. They offer up a variety of different flavours, like beef brisket, oyster mushroom and pulled pork, as well as side dishes like gyozas and fries. Even better – you won’t find a menu item that’s over £10. Get yourself down to Sovereign Street next time you’re feeling peckish, and Little Bao Boy will be more than happy to sort you out.
MOMMY THAI:
Mommy Thai is famous for having one of the best lunches in the city, and for good reason. This is the restaurant with the renowned meal deal: a starter and a main for £8.45. You’d be hard-pressed to find a lunchtime offer that’s better value than that in the city. Operating on Vicar Lane and Duncan Street, they’re committed to providing the good people of Leeds with food that’s authentically Thai. Fried rice, steamed dumplings, spicy prawn crackers – Mommy Thai has it all. Their fast, efficient service means you don’t have to worry about running late back to work either!
FALAFEL GUYS
Who doesn’t love a good wrap? They’re the perfect lunchtime food – easy to eat on the go, and filling enough to see you through until dinner. And when it comes to the art of the wrap, there’s no better artisan than Falafel Guys. Choose from fillings of perfectly seasoned falafel, flavoursome halloumi or donner meat, and then go nuts with whatever toppings and sauces take your fancy. Their food van sits slap-bang in the middle of Briggate, so it’s a prime location for any city workers who fancy a breath of fresh air and a wander on their lunch break. But if you’d rather sit in, they’ve also opened up a restaurant by Granary Wharf, serving food from within SALT bar and keeping the patrons carbed up and happy. Trust me: Falafel Guys are a must-try. The only thing you’ll regret is not eating there sooner.
BANH & MEE
Serving up unquestionably delicious Vietnamese food in the heart of Kirkgate Market, Banh & Mee is an essential stop on your lunch tour of Leeds. They’re famous for their great Vietnamese sandwiches, but they also do pho, fries, and rice boxes, all of which are bursting with flavours from Southeast Asia. They’ve even begun to serve £3 homemade peach iced tea, perfect for cooling down in these hot summer months. So if there’s ever a question as to where your next office lunch should come from, the answer should be Banh & Mee.
GOLDEN FISHERIES
The quintessential British staple: fish & chips. How can you go wrong? It’s the perfect treat for a Friday afternoon – or any afternoon, for that matter! And there’s no better place to get your fix than Golden Fisheries. Located on New York Street and beside Kirkgate market, they’re perfectly situated to provide the workers of Leeds with all the fried delights they could possibly dream of. Big portions are coupled with affordable prices, and the crispy shell of fish batter is perfectly cooked to make biting into it a dream. Alongside the traditional fish/chip duo, there are also sausages, burgers, kebabs and pies on offer, so no matter what, you’re not going to be walking out of there dissatisfied. When you’re next in the office, see if you can get your boss to make a chippy lunch into a weekly work event. You never know – once they try the food at Golden Fisheries, they may just agree to it!
Images- @littlebaoboy, @banhandmee, @mommythai_leeds
