🆕 New to Leeds? Here’s our top locations to pick up some scran

The madness of freshers week is officially over, with the boozy opening weekend to University over and done with for yet another year. With that in mind, we here at Welcome to Leeds want to give a big warm welcome to all students, new and returning, to this incredible city, and hope that you’ve settled in nicely to your brand new home. 

As the student loans make their way into your bank accounts, I’m sure you’re sitting with your housemates wondering where is best to eat tonight. With an astounding pick of food and drink at your fingertips, the choices can be difficult, so we’re here to help introduce you to some timeless Leeds classics with prices just right for you!

The Cat’s Pyjamas 

Headingley is home to one of the largest student populations in Leeds, and with that comes some of the finest (and most affordable) food offerings. Kicking things off is The Cat’s Pyjamas, an authentic Indian street food restaurant based on Otley Road. Fragrant and aromatic, this Leeds favourite has a broad offering of tasty food, with a plentiful selection of light bites, hearty curries and delicious sides. To complement the menu, the restaurant also has a fantastic range of craft beers to suit every flavour. 

With most main meals coming in between £8-12, the mouth watering ‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’ is definitely one to add to your go to list of eats this semester! For those who don’t live in Headingley, you can also check out the Chapel Allerton location on Stainbeck Lane. 

Humpit Hummus

If you’re looking for a healthy lunch that’s easy on the wallet, then Humpit is the place to go. Conveniently situated in the University of Leeds Union, this fresh and filling eatery is nothing short of flavoursome. Offering crispy falafels, hummus bowls, and warm pittas filled to the brim, Humpit was voted by Leeds students as the restaurant they most wanted to see make an appearance in the new Union food court – and thank god they did! 

You can expect a reasonably priced, and very reasonably filled, pitta at the iconic Humpit to set you back only £6, so this is definitely not one to miss.

Rudy’s Pizza

The pinnacle of Leeds pizzarias, Rudy’s Pizza could not be kept off of this list. The iconic restaurant first came to Leeds in 2020, with a chain of successes throughout the UK, and has now become a staple for pizza fans across the city. You can enjoy a fine selection of handmade, stonebaked pizza to tuck into, as well as a range of delightful sides and mouth watering dips. The pizza mogul also has a great offering of wines, cocktails, beers, and soft drinks. 

With a location in Headingley and in the city centre on New Station Road, Rudy’s Pizza is a must for students in the city. 

Zaap Thai Street Food

Established in 2015, Zaap Thai Street Food has become a favourite for food lovers across Leeds. With authenticity at the heart of Zaap Thai, this vibrant and exciting restaurant transports you to the streets of Bangkok, immersing you with bright lights, traditional Tuk Tuks and delicious meals. With over 80 dishes on the menu, this restaurant is a go to for anybody who enjoys bold flavours, fresh ingredients and authentic Thai food. 

Zaap Thai Street Food can be found in Headingley on St. Anne’s Road, as well as at the Grand Arcade in Leeds City Centre. 

Bakery 164

A delicious and affordable gourmet sandwich shop, Bakery 164 has slowly become an institution for students in Leeds. Specialising in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, Bakery 164 is parked in a small Victorian building opposite the University of Leeds Parkinson Building. Famous for their ciabatta and focaccia sandwiches, Bakery 164 are renowned for their moreish fillings, Italian style coffees and close knit relationship with the students of the City.

The perfect spot for a hearty lunch, Bakery 164 offers a selection of traditional sandwiches alongside ‘exciting and unusual’ flavours for affordable prices. This is definitely one for your post-lecture spot of lunch!

House of Fu

House of Fu is the gift that keeps on giving, merging together exquisite food with a whole lot of fun. The modernist restaurant offers a wonderful ramen and rice bowl selection, complemented by tasty sides and exciting toppings. House of Fu also has a fantastic range of cocktails, draught beers, and wines, which can be enjoyed either at the table or upstairs in the Hello Karaoke Bar! That’s right – on the second floor of the colourful restaurant is a fully equipped karaoke bar, allowing you and your friends to hire out private rooms to sing your hearts out after a tasty meal downstairs. 

For the food lovers and the party goers, House of Fu is an excellent Friday night treat located on The Headrow. 

Doner Summer

For vegans and non vegans alike, Doner Summer has become a beloved eatery in the centre of Leeds, and for very good reason too. The plant based diner, draped in bright colours and modernist art, has a fantastic selection of vegan junk food for you to gorge on. The menu has a sizable offering of burgers, kebabs, fried vegan chicken, as well as side dishes such as fries and tots. Each dish comes dripping in tantalising sauce, including the iconic Doner Summer pink aioli, and can be served beside a refreshing cocktail on offer. 

You can find Doner Summer on Call Lane, conveniently located beside the Corn Exchange, and some of Leeds’ most iconic bars. 

Sqew

A central Leeds powerhouse, Sqew is an authentic Middle Eastern inspired restaurant. Bursting with flavour, this Mediterranean favourite offers a tasty selection of shawarmas, sandwiches and fries, including a platter of fries with toppings of your choosing. With marinades and sauces all made in house, using ingredients sourced from Lebanon and Palestine, this restaurant is set to be a new favourite of yours. 

You can find Sqew on Duncan Street in Leeds City Centre, where you can tuck in to powerful flavours for powerful prices.  

Kuala Lumpur

Our final pick on this list is the award-winning Kuala Lumpur cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Headingley. The bright blue painted establishment is in a prime location for Students, and has prime prices too. The Malaysian restaurant is continually praised for its brilliant customer service, aromatic flavours and generous portions, as diners can enjoy a wide range of fragrant starters and mains. Offering a large selection of vegan and non-vegan options, this is certainly a cafe that welcomes everybody. 

With dishes not exceeding £11, this is a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal at prices perfect for you.