Kirkgate Market is a gem in Leeds’ crown, and its vibrant street food scene shines just as brightly through these hidden eateries.
A bustling hub of culture, flavours and history, the food at Kirkgate Market is as delicious as it is diverse. Whether you want to sink your teeth into American-inspired vegan hot dogs, succulent roasted Chinese meats or just good old fish and chips, the sheer amount of stalls reflect the city’s vibrant multicultural tapestry. Check them out.
Quick picks: Best hidden eateries in Kirkgate Market
Banh & Mee
If you spot a long queue snaking its way around the Market Kitchen, chances are it starts at Banh & Mee. The real Vietnamese street food stall has it all, from piled-high loaded fries and steamy pho, to freshly prepared salads and giant summer rolls.
Of course, though, we can never visit without walking away with a bánh mì. Choose your filling (homemade tofu for us) before deciding whether you want it spicy (yes, please). Stuff it all in a crusty white baguette with pickled veggies, sliced cucumber and a sprinkling of coriander and you have yourself the perfect lunchtime treat.
Best for: An elevated take on your lunchtime sandwich.
When it’s open: 11am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Banh & Mee, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Fat Annie’s
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When Fat Annie’s made the bold move to go fully plant-based in 2020, vegans across Leeds had something major to celebrate. Finally, everyone could enjoy the delights of their stateside-inspired street food menu, now reimagined with a plant-powered twist.
We’re talking stacked burgers, beechwood smoked tofu ‘dogs and, in our opinion, some of the best fries in Leeds. The Supreme is their best seller for a reason, with a beef-style smash patty, cheese, house pickles and Fat Annie’s secret sauce. Wash it down with a hand-spun Biscoff shake and you’re winning.
Best for: A fully vegan menu of American-style grub.
When it’s open: 10:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Fat Annie’s, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Istanbul Bakery
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Cheap and cheerful, Istanbul Bakery is always a good idea if you’re looking to grab a quick bite in the Market Kitchen. If you visit, you’ll find the menu is short and simple, but in our opinion, this just goes to show that flavour is their main priority.
The bread? Made fresh every day. The falafel? Crispy and soft in all the right places. The shawarma? Absolutely packed with taste! Put that all together and you have yourself one of the best sandwiches in the market. A slice of baklava is also a necessity when you come here – it’s the perfect sweet treat.
Best for: Affordable food that goes big on flavour.
When it’s open: 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Istanbul Bakery, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Karpaty
It never ceases to amaze us how many people don’t know about Karpaty. You’ll find it nestled in plain sight at the back of the 1904 Hall, baking up all manner of Polish goods. Their display cases are always lined with tempting treats, and we’ll be surprised if you don’t walk away one donut heavier.
We’re talking thick slices of banana fudge cake, fruity tarts, pavlovas and so much more. They’re most well-known for their donuts, though – at just £1.99 a pop you can sink your teeth into sugary, doughy goodness, with fillings such as chocolate, jam and our favourite, custard.
Best for: Delectable sweet treats that really hit the spot.
When it’s open: 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Karpaty, 1904 Hall, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Bluebird Bakery
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Walking into the top of Kirkgate Market from New York Street? Let your nose follow the scent of freshly baked bread and you’ll surely end up at Bluebird Bakery. With six stores dotted around the Yorkshire region, it’s no wonder they’ve made a name for themselves when it comes to baked goods.
They do a fine line in bread, whether you fancy a slab of olive, pepper & jalapeño focaccia or a golden stick of ciabatta to dunk in your soup. Elsewhere, their Bengali five-spice roll is the stuff of legends and their sweet treats are irresistible – their brownie recipe is top secret it’s that good.
Best for: Fancy baked bread that’s sure to impress.
When it’s open: 9am to 3pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Bluebird Bakery, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Chop Chop
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If you love all things salt & pepper, you’ll love Chop Chop. You’ll find them at the bottom of the Market Kitchen, their far-east-inspired grub the perfect fuel to keep you going for the day. Their service is unparalleled and you’re sure to get your food in a matter of minutes, but what’s on the cards?
Well, their salt & pepper combo boxes are famous for good reason. Choose from salt & pepper chicken, king prawns, wings or tofu, which comes with chips, jasmine rice and a lovely garlic mayo dip. It’s cheap, it’s delicious and it’s sure to be one of your go-to lunches in Leeds.
Best for: Some of the tastiest salt & pepper combos in the city.
When it’s open: 11am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Chop Chop, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Obleas to Go
Whenever you’re popping into Kirkgate Market, you won’t regret a lunchtime trip to Obleas to Go. This much-talked-about Colombian street food spot specialises in all things obleas, made up of two thin wafers and a sweet sandwich filling.
Dulce de leche is a timeless classic, but there’s also Oreo and Biscoff to choose from. You can even add on a sprinkling of grated cheese – don’t knock it ‘til you try it. In the mood for savoury? Never fear, because the chicken and beef empanadas are sure to keep you coming back for more.
Best for: Delectable desserts that will have you coming back for more.
When it’s open: 10am to 5:30pm Monday, and 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Obleas to Go, Unit 22, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HN.
Amazing Gyoza
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Amazing Gyoza – it’s all in the name, really. This Japanese eatery can be hard to find (it’s hidden down the side in the 1875 Hall), but once you’ve found it you’ll be glad you did.
As expected, gyozas take centre stage on the menu, coming in an array of flavours, from chicken and pork to cabbage and, our favourite, cheesy corn. You can even get a side of katsu curry or fries if you fancy, to make for the perfect lunchtime bite.
Best for: Super affordable lunch deals that are always sure to satisfy.
When it’s open: 12pm to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 11:45am to 4:15pm Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Amazing Gyoza, Row 5, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Unit 249, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HN.
O’délices D’appo
If you haven’t swung by O’délices D’appo yet, here’s your sign. Faithfully recreating family recipes, owner Youna prepares all the delicious African food on-site in the kitchen, and it’s unlike anything you’ve had before.
We’re talking succulent chicken wings, African patties and a rich spinach & chickpea curry. Even better, you can grab a sweet treat for afterwards, made by her husband Appolin who’s a certified French pâtisserie chef. Bon appetit!
Best for: Getting amazing savoury and sweet food in one spot.
When it’s open: 11am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: O’délices D’appo, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HN.
Jenny’s Jerk Chicken
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What started as a pop-up stall at street food markets has now found a permanent home in Leeds Kirkgate Market and we couldn’t be happier. Jenny’s Jerk Chicken is famous for – you guessed it – jerk chicken, and you can enjoy it all manner of ways.
Be it a wrap, a sandwich or a salad box, they’re all delicious in their own way, always accompanied by a fresh crispy salad and tropical mayonnaise. It doesn’t stop there though. Oh no, you can also dig into Caribbean classics like curry goat, jerk salt fishcakes and plantain. Yum.
Best for: Juicy jerk chicken served in a variety of ways.
When it’s open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Jenny’s Jerk Chicken, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Manjit’s Kitchen
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Manjit’s Kitchen is a Leeds icon. Their Indian street food offering has none of the meat but all of the flavour, and it’s certainly something to write home about. The chilli paneer wrap is the stuff of legends, packed with onion, pickle, tamarind and raita, but we’re partial to the thali.
For around £8, you get to taste the best of what the kitchen is cooking up that day. We’re talking cumin rice, mixed salad, freshly made roti and two portions of the curries of the day. This could be everything from daal to chickpea goodness – it’s a great way to taste all the flavours of the Punjabi rainbow.
Best for: Incredible Indian street food.
When it’s open: 11am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Manjit’s Kitchen, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Sweet Saeeda
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Sweet Saeeda is the definition of a hidden gem. Because it’s not in the main street food hall, it can often be overlooked, but hidden among the various shops of the 1981 Hall is some of the freshest, tastiest and cheapest Tunisian food in the city.
Their sandwiches are yummy, packed with your choice of falafel, lamb, curry chicken and more for around a fiver. Elsewhere, the Tunisian plates give you a taste of the whole menu, but for something a little lighter, the Tunisian salad is your answer. Olives, tomatoes and red onions form the base, with your choice of protein, big dollops of hummus and tahini sauce.
Best for: A salad that will shake up your lunchtime.
When it’s open: 10:30am to 4:45pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Sweet Saeeda, Unit 411, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Row F, Hall 1981, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7JJ.
The Fisherman’s Wife
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The food at the Fisherman’s Wife might be simple, but it’s the simplicity that makes it so good. The fish & chip restaurant sources all of its ingredients sustainably, be it Norwegian cod or Icelandic haddock, then cooks them all up into a hearty meal.
Elsewhere, crispy battered sausages, whole-tail Whitby scampi and their famous fishcakes are sure to do the trick. When we visit we can’t help walking away with a chip butty – cooked using beef dripping, the potatoes are top-notch, encased in a floury bun and drenched in vinegar. Delicious.
Best for: Crowd-pleasing dishes that everyone will love.
When it’s open: 10:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 10:30am to 5pm Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: The Fisherman’s Wife, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Maxi’s Rotisserie
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Maxi’s Rotisserie may be incredibly hard to find, but once you get your hands on their traditional Chinese fare, you’ll be incredibly glad you did. The cafe-style eatery first opened in Leeds in 1989, and the legions of Chinese people who visit every day is a testament to how loved and authentic it is.
The Chinese rotisserie meats are undeniably the star of the show, with roast duck, soy sauce chicken, roast pork and more to dig into, all served with rice. Don’t sleep on the Hong Kong style claypot rice dishes, though – our pick has to be the beef and egg.
Best for: Chinese-style rotisserie meats that are the stuff of carnivore’s dreams.
When it’s open: 10:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Maxi’s Rotisserie, Unit 3,1976 Hall, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Pollini’s Pizza Slice
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Sitting at the edge of the Market Kitchen, Pollini’s is your go-to if you’re after a quick yet delicious slice of pizza. It feels like an authentic Italian pizzeria, with red checkered tablecloths and huge pies front and centre in the display window.
Their pizzas are designed to be eaten by the (absolutely huge) slice, and there’s oodles of toppings to choose from. We’re talking classic margarita, an indulgent cheese feast, a spicy Bombay hot and more . If you’re sharing (or feeling particularly hungry, we won’t tell), you can even buy a 24 inch pizza to take away.
Best for: Generously sized cheesy slices.
When it’s open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Pollini’s Pizza Slice, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
Mr Mackerel
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Turkish street food vendor Mr Mackerel grill up tasty eats at bargain prices. The sound of the sizzling grill will catch your attention straight away, as they flip spiced mackerel, chicken shish, lamb koftas and more, ready to enjoy in a fresh baguette or whichever way you fancy.
If you’re after bang for your buck, it has to be the chicken shish meal. Two generously-sized skewers of expertly spiced chicken sit atop a bed of fluffy rice and fresh salad. The best bit? The small soup that comes with it – be warned, it’s spicy!
Best for: Sizzling grilled dishes that are easy on your pocket.
When it’s open: 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Find it: Mr Mackerel, Street Food Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
