Curries, hot dogs, Roman-style pizzas – it’s time to go meat-free because we’ve rounded up the finest veggie eats for you to try in Leeds.
Calling all vegetarians! This is your new to-do list – a gastronomic tour of Leeds that brings out the very best food you can wrap your lips around. From falafel wraps stuffed full of flavour to Indian thalis that let you pick’n’mix your way to a full belly and satisfied smile, every single dish on this list is worth hunting out and we guarantee repeat visits. So, where will you start?
The Texas Jack at Fat Annie’s
Fat Annie’s began life as a street-food-style all-American diner, but made the bold move to go 100% vegan in 2021. Now, their famous hotdogs are made with smoked tofu franks, like the Texas Jack. They load on jackfruit chilli, pile on cheese and finish with a generous sprinkling of crushed nachos to give you a hotdog with all the flavour and crunch you could ever desire.
Fat Annie’s, Kirkgate Market, 28-34 George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.
The veggie Sunday roast at The Brunswick
The Brunswick does an epic Sunday lunch. You’ll get a slice of lemon and thyme ‘chicken’ seitan, served alongside maple-glazed carrots, Tenderstem broccoli with salsa verde, proper roast potatoes and an eyes-are-bigger-than-your-belly Yorkshire pud. Smother it in gravy, neck a mini Bloody Mary and create a new Sunday tradition worth putting on repeat.
The Brunswick, 82 North Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7PN.
The Chaat at Bundobust
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Small but mighty. That’s the best way to describe Bundobust’s chaat. Layer upon layer of big, bold flavours assault the senses. The distinctive crunch of samosa pastry defines the dish, but it sits almost unnoticed until you crack through their epic shell of chickpea, potato, onion and sev. The whole delicious mess is brought to life by yoghurt and tamarind chutney.
Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.
The Halloumi Souvlaki at Tavernaki
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A little slice of the Mediterranean right in the heart of Leeds, Tavernaki serves traditional Greek food in epic portions. Vegetarians will be wooed by the halloumi souvlaki, a colourful plate of food that tastes as good as it looks. Lemon-marinated cheese meets roasted veg here, with hefty sides of salad, pitta and spiced chips. Load on tzatziki and dig in.
Tavernaki, 18 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3DW.
The Queen Brie at Dough Boys
The ultimate bar snack for vegetarian foodies, The Queen Brie is a masterpiece in pizza excellence. It starts with hand-stretch pizza dough, made fresh and slathered in tomato and buffalo mozzarella to create a base for those delectable toppings. We’re talking rich, buttery melt-in-your-mouth brie, sweet caramelised onions and red grapes that burst in your mouth.
Dough Boys, Belgrave Music Hall, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JP.
The Arabian wraps at Falafel Guys
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Now a Leeds legend, Falafel Guys have made their name on Middle-Eastern wraps, homemade hummus and the freshest tahini you ever did eat. They are jam-packed with flavour – freshly cooked falafel is piled on top of fried halloumi, with a bed of salad, pickled veg and hummus. Just add sauces – tahini is a given, aioli is a must and hot sauce is reserved only for the brave.
The Falafel Guys, SALT, Candle House, Granary Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4GJ.
The Thali at Manjit’s Kitchen
Credit: Andrew Benge
Why have one curry when you can have two? That’s the beauty of Manjit’s thali – it gives you a little bit of everything. You can pick two of their daily specials, all cooked fresh and filled with Punjabi flavour. From lentil dhal to roast cauliflower butter masala, each curry is as delicious as the last. Coupled with cumin rice, slaw, squash kofta and a roti, it’s a winner.
Manjit’s Kitchen, 333 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2HD.
The Queso de Cabra at Ambiente
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Oh Lordy! This may be tapas, but you won’t want to share the queso de cabra at Ambiente. They take a big round of cheese, coat it in a batter and fry it to perfection. That soft, warm ball of deliciousness is drizzled with honey and served with two tastebud-popping treats. Crunchy beetroot crisps play on the sweetness of the honey, while braised fennel adds an aniseed twang.
Ambiente, 36-38 The Calls, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EW.
The Vegetarian Ramen at Little Tokyo
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Not only is local favourite Little Tokyo one of the best places to get Japanese food in Leeds, but they also have a stellar selection of vegetarian dishes, including their meat-free ramen marvellousness. Grab your spoon and chopsticks and tuck into a hearty, miso broth packed with deep-fried tofu, pak choi, meaty mushrooms and plenty of other delicious veggies – you’ll definitely be getting your five a day.
Little Tokyo, 24 Central Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DE.
Cover image credit: Andrew Benge
