Leeds, known for its vibrant food scene, has a variety of street food destinations to explore. From the historic Leeds Kirkgate Market to the monthly Belgrave Feast, visitors can indulge in a diverse range of international cuisines and experience the lively atmosphere of these culinary hotspots.
What are the top street food destinations in Leeds?
The best street food destinations in Leeds include:
- Leeds Kirkgate Market: A historic market offering a range of traditional and contemporary foods.
- Streat North: A blend of street food and craft beer with live music.
- Belgrave Feast: A monthly festival featuring indie street food vendors, arts, and live entertainment.
- The Northern Market: Combines a food market and beer hall, perfect for pairing eats with drinks.
- Street Food in the Square: Hosts a global assortment of vendors every last Thursday of the month.
- Trinity Kitchen: Provides a rotating selection of street food vans along with permanent stalls.
Leeds, a city known for its vibrant food scene, offers a delightful array of street food experiences that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Here’s a guide to some of the top destinations for street food aficionados in the area.
Leeds Kirkgate Market: A Historic Hub of Flavours
Leeds Kirkgate Market stands not only as a historic landmark but also as a modern-day mecca for street food lovers. With over a century under its belt, this market has evolved to become a hotspot for those seeking both traditional and contemporary culinary delights.
A Tradition of Taste
Within the walls of the Market Kitchen, visitors can embark on a gastronomic journey through a labyrinth of stalls, each offering their own unique flavors. From Jerk chicken to the quintessentially British fish and chips, there’s a world of taste to explore. Manjit’s Kitchen provides a must-try experience with their thali plates, a harmonious blend of three curries, rice, crispy bhajis, roti, and salad, all in one indulgent meal.
Hidden Gems and Hearty Meals
Among the hidden treasures of the market is Sweet Saeeda, where a Tunisian salad awaits, combining olives, tomatoes, and red onions, topped with a generous scoop of hummus. It’s a place where every visit yields new flavors to discover, ensuring that your taste buds are never bored.
Location and Legacy
Situated at 34 George St, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY, Leeds Kirkgate Market continues to be a beloved institution in the city, offering a blend of history and culinary innovation that is hard to match.
Streat North: Where Beer Meets Street Cuisine
Streat North is a celebration of street food and craft beer, brought to life by North Brewing Co. at Springwell. This event is not just about eating; it’s a comprehensive sensory experience complete with live music and an array of drink options.
A Dynamic Dining Experience
Little Bao Boy leads the charge with their iconic bao buns, while an ever-changing lineup of vendors ensures no two visits are the same. Past participants have included Pizza Loco with their wood-fired pizza locomotive and MorMor’s Levantine small plates, showcasing the dynamic nature of Leeds’ street food scene.
A Venue with Variety
You’ll find Streat North at Springwell, Buslingthorpe Lane, Leeds, LS7 2DF, where the atmosphere is just as important as the food. The combination of a compelling culinary scene and vibrant entertainment makes it a standout destination for street food enthusiasts.
Belgrave Feast: A Monthly Festival of Food
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen transforms into a bustling hub of indie street food vendors once a month, offering a feast for the senses that goes beyond the palate.
More than Just Food
The Belgrave Feast is a comprehensive event that includes an art market, children’s activities, and live music, creating a festival vibe right in the heart of Leeds. It’s a place where food and culture intersect, providing a rich experience for visitors of all ages.
A Showcase of Independent Talent
With regulars like Dough Boys and Patty’s setting the standard, the event also provides a platform for new vendors to shine. From Sabroso Street’s offerings to the vegan delights of Black Day Bakes, the diversity of food reflects the creative spirit of Leeds’ culinary scene.
Where to Find the Feast
Find your way to Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP, to indulge in this unique monthly event that’s as much about community as it is about food.
The Northern Market: A Foodie’s Beer Paradise
The Northern Market stands as a testament to Leeds’ love for both street food and craft beer. With a food market and beer hall in one, it’s the perfect place for those looking to pair a cold pint with delicious eats.
A Culinary Lineup
Notable vendors like Falafel Guys offer a taste of the Middle East, while Big Buns and Six Slice provide heartier fare. The Lucky Snake introduces a new Asian twist, with banh mis, phos, and loaded prawn crackers adding to the diversity of the market’s offerings.
A Permanent Fixture for Food Lovers
You can find The Northern Market at 12 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3DW, where it stands as a reliable destination for those seeking a fulfilling street food experience, complemented by an impressive selection of beers.
Street Food in the Square: A Global Gastronomic Gathering
Every last Thursday of the month, Tower Square at Wellington Place becomes a culinary hotspot, where street food vendors from around the world gather to showcase their specialties.
A World of Flavors
With a rotating selection of vendors, visitors can savor everything from Canadian poutine to gourmet Mexican sandwiches, making it a truly international affair. Pat’s Dhaba Indian Street Food and The Yorkshire Pizza Co. are just a few of the vendors that have brought their unique flavors to the square.
A Permanent Presence
The Mexican Pilgrim, with their fresh and flavorful burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, has become a fixture at the event, much to the delight of Leeds’ foodies.
The Location for International Cuisine
Mark your calendars for this monthly event at Tower Square, Wellington Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4AP, where global cuisine is celebrated in a lively, open-air setting.
Trinity Kitchen: A Rotating Feast of Street Food
Trinity Kitchen offers an innovative approach to street food, with a rotation of six new food vans every eight weeks, each serving up a storm from their uniquely converted vehicles.
A World Under One Roof
The concept allows for a wide range of international dishes to be sampled in one visit, from a loaded Yorkshire pudding wrap to a Greek pitta gyro. The diversity is unmatched, ensuring a new experience with each visit.
Permanent Stalls for Consistent Quality
In addition to the rotating vans, six permanent stalls offer staples like Indian naan wraps and Vietnamese pho, catering to those with specific cravings.
A Central Location for Street Food
Trinity Kitchen can be found at 27 Albion St, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5ER, positioning itself as a central hub for those seeking street food with a twist in the city of Leeds.
This guide to Leeds’ street food scene reveals just how rich and varied the options are in this northern English city. From historic markets to monthly festivals, each venue offers a unique slice of the world’s cuisines, ensuring that whether you’re a local or a visitor, your culinary journey in Leeds will be as exciting as it is satisfying.
- Leeds Kirkgate Market is a historic market with a wide range of traditional and contemporary foods.
- Streat North combines street food, craft beer, and live music.
- Belgrave Feast is a monthly festival featuring indie street food vendors, arts, and live entertainment.
- The Northern Market combines a food market and beer hall.
- Street Food in the Square hosts a global assortment of vendors every last Thursday of the month.