The Best Vegan Eateries in Leeds
Old Red Bus Station
The Old Red Bus Station on Vicar Lane is known for its underground music, arts and culture; it has various different events throughout the month including live music and exhibitions, as well as a kick-ass vegan junk food menu. The kitchen – known as Cantina – is run by Honest Edibles, vegan food company of Leeds local Billy Collins who I spoke to last year! Check out our conversation here… http://www.hercampus.com/school/leeds/billy-collins-honest-edibles
For more information regarding Cantina at the Old Red Bus Station, check out their facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/cantinaleeds
Global Tribe Café
Global Tribe Café is a perfect spot for lunch, upstairs on Swan Street. It’s often super busy though and is only small, so make sure you get there ahead of the crowds. They offer vegan breakfasts (full English, scrambled tofu, porridge), and a variety of lunch time options from sandwiches to moussaka and green Thai curry. They also offer desserts and a wide selection of teas. Check out their website and keep up to date with the events they occasionally put on in the evenings https://www.globaltribecafe.co.uk/
Bundobust
An absolute favourite of mine, Bundobust offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan only Indian street food and craft beer. I personally go for the onion gobi bhaji and the tarka dhal & rice. Check out their alcohol selection too which doesn’t stop at beer: they offer cocktails too and a clearly vegan-labelled wine list. Drop in from 12-4pm Monday-Friday to benefit from their 2 for £7 Lunch Express deal. I love the atmosphere in this place and their small dishes make it ideal for people like me who like to have a little bit of everything. http://www.bundobust.com/Leeds
Humpit
Calling all houmous lovers! Yes, that is how I spell houmous. I refuse to align with team hummus. Humpit is a houmous and pita bar located in the beautiful Corn Exchange. Everything at Humpit is naturally plant based so it’s naturally cholesterol free and low in saturated fat. They serve their houmous – and falafel – in meal sized bowls, all you have to do it grab, rip and wipe your pita bread until the bowl is empty. Delicious. http://www.humpit-hummus.com
Primo’s Gourmet Hot Dogs
Another great spot located in the Corn Exchange is Primo’s Gourmet Hot Dogs who offer a vegan option (the rest are meat-based, boo). Ask for “The Garden State”, a tofu dog with a selection of three toppings and served in a straight white bun for £4.45. My choice of topping was onions, gherkins and jalapeños. http://primosgourmethotdogs.co.uk/
Wapentake
Wapentake is an artisan bakery, café and bar dedicated to Yorkshire with a large selection of Yorkshire gins. Their bread is freshly baked on site and is vegan friendly. Their cakes are provided by the Cake Witch and are predominantly vegan (but not all). They also do sandwiches, brunch and a “hearty menu” with a vegan option always available.
https://www.instagram.com/cake__witch/
http://www.wapentakeleeds.co.uk/
Rola Wala – Trinity Kitchen
More Indian street food, Rola Wala is located in the Trinity Kitchen (part of the Trinity shopping centre). They offer something a little bit different, like their beetroot chana dhal or the sweet potato lentil gobi. Sign up to their club to get 20% off your first roll or bowl http://www.rolawala.com/sign-up/
Roots and Fruits
My favourite café in Leeds, Roots and Fruits in the Grand Arcade has a great menu and is fully vegetarian and vegan. Pictured below is the jerk jackfruit served with a soft tortilla and veg. They even have coconut-based vegan sour cream – just ask! They also offer all day breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and there’s always an ever-changing specials board. Plus they have a great selection of hot drinks including hot chocolate with vegan marshmallows. Get 15% off every Tuesday at Roots and Fruits with a Vegans of Leeds card.
http://www.rootsandfruits.net/
https://www.vegansofleeds.co.uk/purchase-dining-card/7k6cmorjjhq2pyuiyrx…
Belgrave
One of my favourite hang-outs in Leeds, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen is another great place for those who love music, arts, food, and culture. Their slice bar means you can get your pizza fix and quick. They usually have a vegan option out, if not just ask and it should be with you within 15 minutes. They also offer a #HalfPriceSlice Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-7pm and Friday-Saturday 12pm-5pm – two slices for £3 (can only be done once per person/day unfortunately, sigh). http://www.belgravemusichall.com
Mrs Atha’s
Mrs Atha’s on Central Road is an independent family-run coffee shop. Open from 9am til 5pm (10am til 5pm on Sundays) this is a great place to relax during the day. There’s always vegan food up for grabs whether it be a sausage sandwich or a slice of cake.
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is my favourite evening restaurant, offering Japanese food. The décor and atmosphere is truly authentic, sitting on cushions on the floor in a candlelit room as you dine on a bento box. It isn’t a fully vegetarian restaurant but their vegetarian and vegan food selection is outstanding. Try the “chicken” skewers, tofu steaks and veggie dumplings. They also do tempura, including deep fried avocado or if you’re fancying something cold then try the vegetarian set of sushi.
Hansa’s
Hansa’s on North Street is another great spot for an evening meal. The award-winning Indian restaurant is fully vegetarian and vegan, specialising in authentic Gujarati dishes. I absolutely love the pani puri, ringan na ravaiya, and chevti dhal. Or try Hansa’s Surprise, a meal for 4 at £79.95 where the kitchen will surprise you by choosing your dishes for you, a great idea for celebrations or parties. There’s also a selection of vegan desserts.
http://hansasrestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/HANSAS-NEW-MENU-2…
All photos are authors own.