Leeds is a haven for Indian food enthusiasts, with a plethora of top restaurants serving everything from classic curries to innovative street food. From Jodhpur on Kirkstall Road to Mowgli’s swing seats, the city offers a delightful culinary journey for those seeking the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.
What are the top Indian restaurants in Leeds?
Leeds’ Indian dining scene offers a diverse range of options for lovers of Indian cuisine. Notable restaurants include:
- Jodhpur on Kirkstall Road for lamb madras and dal makhani.
- Tharavadu, known for its Keralan dishes like Meen Pollichatu.
- Deeva in Farsley, featuring tandoori cod and Chicken Lassan.
- Akbar’s, a classic choice for curries and baltis.
- Bundobust, specializing in vegetarian and vegan fare.
- Bengal Brasserie, serving bold Bengali flavors.
- Mowgli, with innovative street food like Bunny Chow.
- Rola Wala, offering customizable Indian meals.
- The Cat’s Pyjamas, known for small plates and fusion dishes like Yorkshire cheese naan.
Indian cuisine is an artful blend of flavors and aromas that invites one on a gastronomic journey like none other. Leeds, a vibrant city in the United Kingdom, boasts an impressive array of Indian restaurants that cater to a wide spectrum of taste preferences. From the fiery heat of a vindaloo to the milder yet flavorful korma, there is something for everyone. Here, we explore some of the standout Indian dining experiences Leeds has to offer.
Culinary Gems on Kirkstall Road and Beyond
Jodphur: A Kirkstall Road Delight
Jodphur, nestled on Kirkstall Road, is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The restaurant’s striking blue façade is a head-turner, but it’s the food that truly captivates. The lamb madras, rich with coconut undertones, and the dal makhani, a lentil delicacy, stand out on their menu. No visit is complete without indulging in the classics – onion bhajis, chilli cheese dosa, and masala poppadoms are all essential to the Jodphur dining experience.
Jodphur, 352-354 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2HQ.
Tharavadu: A Taste of Kerala
Tharavadu exudes the essence of Kerala with its traditional wooden architecture and aromatic dishes. A recipient of Michelin and Good Food Guide recommendations, this establishment does not disappoint. Signature dishes such as Meen Pollichatu and Adu Cheera Mappas captivate diners with their complex flavors. Their assortment of rices and breads complements every meal, solidifying Tharavadu’s reputation as a culinary treasure.
Tharavadu, 7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.
Deeva: Farsley’s Elegant Offering
Deeva brings a touch of sophistication to the Indian dining scene in Farsley. Set in a former church, this restaurant attracts locals with its expansive menu. Unique selections like tandoori cod and Chicken Lassan showcase the chef’s creativity. For starters, the seafood platter for two is a gastronomic spectacle not to be missed.
Deeva, 58 Town Street, Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 5LD.
Icons of the Leeds Indian Dining Scene
Akbar’s: The Classic Choice
Akbar’s is synonymous with a great curry experience in Leeds. The menu reads like an anthology of beloved Indian dishes – baltis, kormas, and an array of traditional curries line up to tantalize taste buds. For the more adventurous, try the Chef’s Challenges, which offer an opportunity to indulge in either a sizeable feast or a fiery dish, with the added bonus of a certificate and free dessert for those who conquer the challenge.
Akbar’s, 15 Eastgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7LY.
Bundobust: Vegetarian and Vegan Haven
Bundobust has become a go-to spot for lunch in Leeds, championing vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine. Dishes like paneer tikka and bhaji butty are testament to their craft. The plethora of sharing plates and tasty brews make Bundobust a delightful place to dine and socialize.
Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.
Bengal Brasserie: A Bengali Culinary Odyssey
With several outlets in Leeds, Bengal Brasserie is a testament to the appeal of bold Bengali flavors. Their tandoori prawns and Naga Chilli Mach dish are just a glimpse of their rich offerings. The lamb chops come highly recommended, promising a memorable dining experience.
Bengal Brasserie, multiple locations in Leeds.
Street Food and Innovative Twists
Mowgli: The Swing Seat Attraction
Mowgli draws crowds not only for its charming swing seats but also for its innovative street food. The Bunny Chow and Mowgli Chip Butty are just two examples of their playful and delicious menu items. The Sticky Wings and Gunpowder Chicken are other dishes that keep diners returning for more.
Mowgli Street Food, 32 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DA.
Rola Wala: Customizable Indian Fare
Rola Wala offers a unique twist on the Indian dining experience with customizable meals. Guests can create their perfect lunch by selecting from a variety of bases and flavorful options like Keralan cauliflower and chicken tikka. With additional choices of paneer, double meat, and chilli jam, the combinations are endless.
Rola Wala, Trinity Kitchen, Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AY.
The Cat’s Pyjamas: Small Plates, Big Flavors
The Cat’s Pyjamas takes beloved Indian dishes and reinvents them as small plates. This allows guests to sample a broad range of flavors, such as Pani Puri, Punjabi Lamb, and Railway Potato Curry. Not to be overlooked is their Yorkshire cheese naan, a fusion dish that brilliantly melds Indian and local cuisine.
Cat’s Pyjamas, 53 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AB.
Indian cuisine’s diversity is well-represented across Leeds’ numerous eateries. Each restaurant offers a distinct take on traditional dishes, ensuring that whether one is in search of a refined dining experience or a casual, flavorful meal, Leeds’ Indian restaurants can cater to every palate. The city’s Indian dining scene continues to thrive, offering both classic flavors and innovative twists that honor the rich culinary heritage of India.
- Leeds boasts a diverse range of Indian restaurants, from classic curries to innovative street food options.
- Notable Indian restaurants in Leeds include Jodphur, Tharavadu, Deeva, Akbar’s, Bundobust, Bengal Brasserie, Mowgli, Rola Wala, and The Cat’s Pyjamas.
- Jodphur on Kirkstall Road is known for its lamb madras and dal makhani, while Tharavadu offers traditional Keralan dishes like Meen Pollichatu.
- Akbar’s in Leeds is a classic choice for curries and baltis, while Bundobust specializes in vegetarian and vegan fare.
- Mowgli in Leeds offers innovative street food like Bunny Chow, and Rola Wala provides customizable Indian meal options.