Discover Great Street Food in Leeds

With such a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and being such a hive of activity for business and tourism, Leeds is a great place to be if you’re in the mood for street food. Juicy burgers, tasty tacos, mountainous loaded fries, tongue-tingling curries, comforting vegan dishes… There are loads of grab-and-go food options available all across the city to suit every taste bud out there.

But where are the best places to head first if you’re in the mood for something delicious, fresh and maybe a little bit messy? In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best street food in Leeds so you can fill your belly with something scrumptious.

Why is Leeds such a great city for street food?

If you’re a foodie, Leeds is quickly becoming the place to be with its fantastic street food scene. It has a huge diverse population, and its mix of backgrounds, beliefs and cultures means there are cuisines available from all over the world. So, no matter what you like to eat, you’re bound to find something that gets your mouth watering.

Leeds also has a fantastic independent business scene, which includes food vendors who focus on opening small street food stalls. The city is also home to a growing food culture, and has an annual food festival and regular foodie events.

There are also great spaces around the city that are perfect for street food vendors to either set up shop for a while before disappearing off into the wind (or they go home, idk). And let’s not forget that Leeds is home to one of the world’s top 100 universities, so there are plenty of hungry students out there looking for an affordable way to fill up (and soak up some of those pints…)

Our picks for some of the best street food in Leeds

Feeling peckish for street food? Leeds has plenty of fantastic spots, and you usually don’t have to go far to find something tasty to get your laughing gear around. Here are some of our favourite places to start on a food tour of the city.

Street food at the Leeds Waterfront

Right next to the Armouries Museum is Leeds Dock, which is home to a rotating selection of top-tier street food vendors. Every weekday at lunchtime, you’ll find incredible options including Greek, Mexican, curries, Portuguese and burgers. They each offer a varied menu so you can try something new and delicious while visiting Leeds Waterfront.

Trinity Kitchen

Slap bang in the centre of Leeds is Trinity Kitchen, which is also a great spot to grab a slap-up lunch. Every eight weeks a brand new selection of six street food vans call Trinity Kitchen home all under one roof, along with a bunch of permanent vendors. That means you can rely on your old favourites, or explore new cuisines and menus whenever you like. Even if you’re full, we’d recommend checking out Trinity Kitchen to experience the amazing smells and browse some menus for the next time you’re close by and those hunger pangs come calling.

Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen

Across the street from Lovell Park is Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen, a fantastic venue that regularly hosts all sorts of musicians and bands. But, even if you’re not in the mood to catch a gig, you’ll still want to consider paying Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen a visit if you’re in the mood for some comfort food. They’re also open in the evening, which makes them a great place to grab dinner if you are visiting to watch one of your favourites perform.

Leeds Kirkgate Market

Kirkgate Market is the place to be if you’re looking for a bargain. But, did you know it’s also home to some amazing street food options? It’s true, there are more than 15 vendors throughout the market offering a massive selection of food. There’s jerk chicken, curry, Vietnamese, fish and chips, sushi, cakes, fried chicken, Mexican… we could go on.

In fact, we will. To try one of the most popular dishes, we totally recommend the Yorkshire pudding wrap from the Yorkshire Wrap Company, which is an entire roast dinner you can hold in your hand and eat like a burrito. The perfect way to grab a British classic any day of the week!

The North Leeds Food Festival

For two days every year, Roundhay Park is home to the North Leeds Food Festival, where dozens of incredible vendors come together to offer an almost endless selection of popular dishes from the world over.

You might go for the food, but you’ll stay for the live music, cooking demonstrations, comedians, kids activities, fun fair and more. You’re guaranteed a great time, but be warned that because it’s only a limited-time event, it can get rather busy. But it’s totally worth it!

Try something new every day in Leeds by renting in the city with UNCLE

If you have an urge for something delicious, Leeds is definitely the place to be. There’s so much choice, you’ll almost never be able to try everything. You might be after Indian street food, Mexican Pilgrim, fried chicken, fresh sushi, Falafel Guys… Leeds is your oyster. You can also get oysters! So why not give it a go? Learn more about our Leeds apartments and discover how you can move into this incredible foodie city.