Where to eat in Leeds - Leeds specialities and British cuisine

1. Tips and advice for living in Leeds
2. How to get to Leeds - Getting to Leeds by train, plane or coach
3. Public Transport in Leeds - How to get around Leeds by train or bus
4. First things to do when you arrive in Leeds
5. Student life in Leeds
6. Cost of living in Leeds
7. Save money in Leeds - Tips for living in Leeds on a student budget
8. Accommodation for students in Leeds - top tips and advice
9. Neighbourhoods in Leeds - The most important areas in Leeds
10. The University of Leeds - Everything you need to know about studying at the University of Leeds
11. Top 4 Best Student Events in Leeds
12. Top 15 Leeds Attractions - The best things to do and see in Leeds
13. Activities in Leeds
14. The Best Cultural Attractions in Leeds
15. Sports in Leeds
16. Nightlife in Leeds - Nightclub guide and going out in Leeds
17. Where to eat in Leeds - Leeds specialities and British cuisine
18. Shopping in Leeds
19. Festivals in Leeds - Festivities and celebrations Calendar
20. Music Scene in Leeds
21. Day trips from Leeds - Places to visit and excursions around Leeds
22. Visiting Leeds in 3 days - What to see in Leeds in 3 days?

Northern Food - Typical dishes in Leeds

Yorkshire Pudding

A Yorkshire Pudding as a typical accompaniment to the Sunday Roast. It is actually made out of pancake batter (flour, eggs and milk) but it is a puffy, savoury pudding with a dip in the middle.

Yorkshire Tea

We all know that Brits love a good cup of tea. Something to have with a biscuit? Tea. Feeling sad. Have a cup of tea. End of the world? Might as well put the kettle on.

There is fierce debate about what is the best brand of tea, but Yorkshire Tea is one of the top contenders. The company was founded in Harrogate, Yorkshire.

So, if you want to make a proper British brew, follow these steps:

Step 1

Run the tap for a little, then boil the water in the kettle (only once, the more oxygen in the water, the better the flavour!)

Step 2

Put your tea bag in the mug and pour the hot water on top, giving it a quick stir.

Step 3

Wait for 4-5 minutes. Tea tastes best when it is brewed well so take the time to scour your cupboards for the perfect biscuit accompaniment.

Step 4

Before taking the tea bag out, give it a small squish against the side of the mug to release the last bit of flavour.

Step 5

Add milk and sugar to taste. Us Erasmusers like it with just a splash of milk and no sugar, but experiment and see what you like best.

Wensleydale cheese

Wensleydale cheese is a soft, crumbly, cheddar-like cheese which you’ve probably heard of due to being Wallace from Wallace and Gromit’s absolute favourite cheese - to the extent that he travels to the moon to get his hands on some more! In fact, when the Wallace and Gromit film “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” was released, sales of the cheese increased by 23 percent.

To be a Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, it has to be made in the Wensleydale Creamery, which is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. They have a very popular version which includes cranberries. The cheese is best enjoyed with some crackers.

Ginger Beer

Ginger Beer is a popular soft drink in the UK, which is made by fermenting water, sugar and ginger. It has a taste of, you guessed it, ginger.

Ginger beer originates from Yorkshire in the 1700’s and was formerly a bit alcoholic.

Liquorice

Did you know that liquorice was originally created as a medicine?

Parkin cake

Parkin Cake is a gingerbread cake which contains golden syrup and oats. It is very popular in the Yorkshire region and is usually consumed on Bonfire Night.

British Gastronomy

In addition to all these great Yorkshire delicacies, the UK in general is home to lots of great, typical meals and we have created a guide that you can read of all the typical meals which make up British gastronomy. However, don’t forget all of the British snacks, sweets and biscuits that they are famous for… Who said that the British don’t have great cuisine? And if you still don’t believe us, read this student’s opinion on 10 classic British dishes!

Best Chain Restaurants in Leeds

Wagamamas

Where: Leeds Trinity shopping centre and Leeds White Rose

Wagamama is a British restaurant chain serving Asian and Japanese cuisine. They cook everything fresh and your meal will be served to you when it is ready, even if your friend’s one isn’t! From curries to ramen, there is something for everyone… And you can also drink green tea for free there!

Nandos

Where: Leeds Trinity, Leeds Briggate, Leeds The Light, Leeds Cardigan Fields, Headingley

If you ever hear your flatmates suggest a “cheeky Nandos”, this is what they are referring to. Nando’s is a South African restaurant chain that specialises in Portuguese cuisine. How it works is that you go up to the till to order and you choose how spicy you want your food - ranging from Lemon and Herb up to Extra Hot. Its menu is based on chicken, however, they do now have some delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Nando’s is famed for its delicious help yourself peri peri sauces and its bottomless drinks.

My Cookie Dough

Where: Leeds Trinity

My Cookie Dough is the ultimate fix for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is what it says on tin, cookie dough in lots of different flavours with a side of ice-cream or cream. They even do stacks, for example their famous Biscela Brownie, a sandwich of triple chocolate cookie dough and lotus biscoff cookie dough with nutella in the middle, and lotus biscoff spread on top! Prices start from £4.25.

Wasabi

Where: Leeds Trinity and Leeds Albion Street

Wasabi offers fast food without you having to sacrifice on taste or nutrients, serving primarily Japanese cuisine. It offers both hot and cold food, with dishes such as a vegan pumpkin katsu curry or a medium set of Chukami sushi.

Pieminster

Where: Duncan Street, Leeds

Pieminster is a British restaurant which originated in Bristol, whose cuisine is based on, you guessed it, pies. This restaurant has so much choice; from a classic steak, kidney and craft ale pie to a vegan goats’ cheese, sweet potato spinach and red onion pie! They also have so many sides, such as mashed potato, salt and pepper onion rings and fries topped with halloumi and cheese! It is the restaurant sweet-spot for a vegan and meat-eating friend to eat out at together and neither feel like they’re missing out.

Greggs

Where: There are 9 different Greggs Branches dotted all over Leeds. Some students have even tried to do the Greggs equivalent of an Otley Run!

Greggs is the nation’s sweetheart and you will hear at least one person raving about it during your time in Leeds. It is the largest UK bakery chain and originated from the North East, in Newcastle.

It is famous for its sausage rolls and steak bakes, which they have recently created vegan versions of, and all of their baked products are freshly baked throughout the day. It also has a breakfast menu, pastas and salads and a range of sweet treats.

If you want a cheap and delicious savoury snack on the go, this is the place to go!

Best independent restaurants in Leeds

Trinity Kitchen

Trinity Kitchen is an eclectic mix of different street foods, all under one roof. They have some permanent eateries such as Chicago Rib Shack (great American food) and Rola Wala (Indian wraps) as well as rotating in 6 new food vans every eight weeks, so you can’t feel guilty about going back there more than once!

This is a perfect place to go after a shopping trip, and is also great if you and your friend both fancy different things to eat! They also have a craft beer stall so you can have a refreshing pint with your food of choice...

Ecco Pizzeria

Where: 93 Otley Rd, Leeds LS6 3PS

Ecco Pizzeria prides itself on serving proper Neapolitan Pizza, using fresh and seasonal ingredients imported from Italy and baked in a wood-fired oven at temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Celsius; it’s not just pizza making, it’s an art-form!

They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and a whole host of different pizza combinations: Why not try their Marrakesh pizza featuring slow-cooked Moroccan spiced lamb?!

For dessert, they also have a range of waffles, sweet-treats such as nutella dough balls and gelato in a whole host of flavours, such as Ferrero Rocher and sea-salt caramel!

Mod Pizza

Where: City centre - 37 Bond Street, LS1 5BQ and Leeds Cardigan Fields

MOD Pizza offers freshly made pizzas which are ready in minutes. If that wasn’t enough, you can customise it by choosing from over 30 toppings and the price stays the same regardless!

With toppings like 6 different cheeses, all kinds of veg and herbs and canadian bacon, you are guaranteed to create your perfect pizza!

Akmal’s

Where: 235 Woodhouse Lane, LS2 3AP

Don’t be mistaken and think that Akmal’s is just another curry house in Leeds. It is the go to place for any social or birthday event due to the great Indian cuisine… and its Bring Your Own Booze policy. No wonder it is always full of students.

Zaap Thai Street Food

Where: 22 Grand Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6PG

Zaap Thai street food serves, you guessed it, Thai street food, which is fresh and with their super-cool and busy setting and neon lights, you will feel like you are dining in a Bangkok Street Market!

To give you an idea of their dishes, their menu includes Fried Japanese Dumplings, Thai Red and Green Curry and Noodles… honestly, you won’t be able to make up your mind! They also have a large vegetarian menu and some super cool desserts.

Leeds Red Hot

Where:The Light, 44-48 The Headrow

Leeds Red Hot is an all you can eat buffet serving global cuisine and delicious desserts. They have different prices depending on if you go on a weekday, evening or at lunchtime; and once you have been seated you have 2 hours to eat as much as you want!

They have a mind-blowingly varied menu, including: Indian starters such as poppadoms and onion bhajis, live stations which freshly prepare dishes such as a Teppanyaki grill and a Tex Mex, Chinese and Indian main dishes, a sushi bar, pasta and risotto, a salad bar, a two-meat carvery and even a chocolate fountain!

Man v Roast

Where: 144c Cardigan Road, Hyde Park, Leeds

As we already know, the Sunday Roast is at the heart of British Culture. There is nothing worse than being away from home on a cold weekend and knowing that you’re missing out on Mum’s delicious roast chicken and veg… which is where Man V Roast comes in!

Man V Roast offers both eat-in, takeaway and delivery to your door with a range of options such as carvery boxes (stuffed with your choice of meat, veg, gravy, roast potatoes, stuffing and a Yorkshire pudding) and delicious hot roast sandwiches.

Best Cafes in Leeds

LS6 cafe

The LS6 cafe, otherwise known as the Clock Cafe, is an independent cafe in Leeds which prides itself on cooking fresh and healthy food from ethical sources. It is located on 16 Headingley Ln, Leeds LS6 2AS. It is particularly well-known for its brunch (served from 9 am till 5 pm), with pulled-pork burritos, maple-syrup pancakes and even vegan and vegetarian Yorkshire breakfasts! All of their options are £10 and under and you will be full up all day.

In addition to that, LS6 cafe hosts various evening events, such as open-mic night, ‘Netflix and Quiz’ nights and Jazz nights. Also, when you eat you can also help yourself to board games or books to pass a nice afternoon with your friends.

Bakery 164

Bakery 164 is a bakery which is located right next to campus serves a range of freshly-made focaccia and ciabatta sandwiches which are perfect for a quick lunch between your studies. The address is 164 Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9HB, opposite the Brotherton Library. With quality flavours such as sweet potato satay and smoked salmon, the sandwiches are really big and can be served warm, so they are definitely great value for money.

Kitty Cafe

Where:8-9 Kirkgate, LS1 6BZ

Do you think cats are the elite pet and dogs are just a bit overrated? Well then, Leeds Kitty Cafe is going to be your idea of heaven!

The Kitty Cafe is a re-homing and care facility for cats and kittens which they take in until they find their forever home. The branch in Leeds is located in a gorgeous old building and is fit with comfy sofas and lots of toys, so both you and the cats will be very well looked after!

They also have a hot food and drink menu which features paninis, pizzas, quesadillas and lots more… or you could try their Kitty Meal Deal to have any food item, drink and cake for £11.95, since we guarantee you’ll be eyeing up their delicious cheesecakes!

Who knows, you might even walk away with one of their gorgeous kittens who were looking for a home… We wouldn’t blame you!

The best vegan and vegetarian eateries in Leeds

Humpit - hummus and pita bar

Where: Corn Exchange and Leeds University Union

There's no wonder that there are two Humpits in Leeds, when you consider the sheer amount of vegetarian and vegan students studying there. They offer delicious hummus based meals such as a filled pita with hummus, falafel and salad and hot sides such as sweet potato fries! The most expensive thing on the menu is £6.50 so it is definitely an affordable place to get your lunch.

Hyde Park Book Club

Where: 27-29 Headingley Lane, LS6 1BL

When: 10 am till midnight, 7 days a week (as of 2020)

A former petrol station, Hyde Park Book Club is now a small cafe and community hub. It hosts various intellectual events and aims to bridge the gap between drinking and learning.

Old Red Bus station Cantina

Where: 104 Vicar Ln, LS2 7NL

This Cantina is Leeds’ very first entirely vegan eatery. The menu is very varied, with exciting dishes such as a Mac n Cheese burger, Katsu loaded fries and even a Vegan cheese board! It changes seasonally, so keep your eye out for any new additions.

It also doubles up as a super cool music/club venue, with cool jungle and DnB nights out, often with free entry, and cool art exhibitions on during the day.

They have lots of different deals which you can see by looking at their website, including 25 percent student discount off menu items on Wednesdays and Happy Hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 pm.

Mog’s

Where: 55 Kirkstall lane, LS5 3BE

Mog’s is famous for being Leeds’ first vegan take-away restaurant, though you can also eat in. It previously served meat and dairy products, however, after the owner turned Vegan she decided to turn it into a completely plant-based restaurant!

They have a range of “chicken” dinners costing £7-9, all served with chips and coleslaw. They also have a range of "beef" burgers for £3.50 and some amazing side dishes, such as garlic parmesan fries or deep-fried oreos!

The aim of the owner is to make Vegan junk-food affordable so the business isn’t on Uber Eats or Just Eat because of their expensive listing fees… however, if you ring them up they will deliver in the local area from 5 pm onwards. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Temple Coffee and Doughnuts

Where: 3, Burley Place, Burley, LS4 2AR, next to the Shell garage

Most definitely an Insta-worthy spot, Temple Coffee offers delicious vegan doughnuts with funky glazes and designs and cool coffees too, which can be iced on request.

Get there early however, as they almost always sell-out, especially if they have a funky design, such as their vanilla-flavoured doughnut which had Piers Morgan’s face on!

Oranaise Cafe

Where: 1 The Crescent, Hyde Park, Leeds, LS6 2NW

Oranaise Cafe is a Mediterranean and Moroccan cafe and takeaway which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have both a main menu and a vegan menu, of which the latter includes delicious dishes such as vegan tagines, a full meat-free breakfast and vegan kebabs.

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