A popular restaurant in Chapel Allerton has announced its closure with immediate effect, leaving local fans of its Malaysian cooking feeling gutted.
Dapur Malaysia's owner Valerie shared the news via an Instagram post on the business's Instagram page last week, writing that things had been difficult ever since the restaurant first opened in 2019.
Between mandated closures as a result of the pandemic and the rising cost of living, she said that running the business had been 'tough' and, whilst always being 'up for a challenge', her struggle to hold things together at the Leeds eatery had taken 'a toll on family life'.
As a result, she said that, whilst it saddened her to close the restaurant, she is 'relieved that it is over'.
Fortunately, it's not all bad news. The restaurant, opened in memory of owner Valerie's mum, will continue on in other forms.
She will be reopening Dapur Malaysia, on a much smaller scale, in her hometown Huddersfield and continuing to offer local takeaways as well as nationwide deliveries of her award-winning ready meals.
Image: Dapur Malaysia
Valerie also revealed that she will return in May 2023 with a planned stint at Trinity Kitchen, so Leeds fans will also be able to get their hands on her cooking then.
The full statement read: "I am sorry to inform you that our Leeds restaurant is closed with immediate effect.
"Since we opened our restaurant in August 2019, we have faced some challenging circumstances. We have been forced to shut or trade under some form of restrictions for approximately half that time. Unfortunately, the price rises across the board this year have made it impossible to continue trading as a restaurant.
"I opened the restaurant in memory of my Mum and found it comforting recreating the food I grew up with. I loved sharing these with all our patrons, the pandemic however showed us where our strengths lay, our takeaway and our Great Taste award-winning ready meal range will be our focus moving forward.
Image: Dapur Malaysia
"We are reopening in Huddersfield (where we live) all be it on a much smaller scale in the next few weeks so you can still order ready meals range with nationwide delivery from www.dapurathom.com as well as outside catering.
"On a personal note, it saddens me to have to close the restaurant, but I am also relieved that it is over. I’ve always been up for a challenge, but it’s been tough for me and my husband to hold it all together this last year and it has taken a toll on our family life.
"I would like to thank all our staff past and present particularly Tomasz, Mark and Genti who have stayed with us from the beginning. Their loyalty, hard work, sense of humour and kindness has made it enjoyable to come into work. I will miss all of them and our chats and jokes.
"Lastly many thanks to the Chapel Allerton community who warmly welcomed us and all our customers who have supported us from the time we opened. It was an honour to be able to share the food I love with you. We will be back in Leeds in May at Trinity Kitchen where we hope to see you.
"With love, Valerie."
Comments have flooded in thick and fast as followers reacted to the news, with one person saying: "Hold your head high Valerie! Your beautiful food, the Dapur Malaysia brand & all it stands for, lives on! The new takeaway spot brings an exciting new addition to Huddersfield! 👏 Wishing you all the best xx"
Another person said: "So sad to see you guys go! We’ve loved having you as neighbours ❤️"
A third added: "Heartbroken, we love your food and the ethos behind your business. Good luck for everything in the future ❤️"
A fourth said: "So sorry to hear you were dealing with such behind-the-scenes issues! All the very best in Hudd x"
If you would like to support Dapur Malaysia, you can order their Dapur At Home ready meals online via their website here.
Feature image - Dapur Malaysia
News
Inside Kerala Canteen – the world’s first Kerala tapas restaurant in Leeds city centre
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Dogs Trust Leeds is looking to find a ‘forever’ home for their loneliest dog
Clementine Hall
Meet Edie, the lovely Shar Pei at Dogs Trust Leeds who has had 41 first dates at but still hasn't found her 'forever' home.
Edie is a beautoful 7-year-old Shar Pei who has been waiting to find her forever home longer than any other dog at Dogs Trust Leeds.
She joined the charity back in 2020, after the death of her owner.
Edie has spent over 4,000 days at the charity and has been adopted 41 times, but is still yet to find her forever home.
We're not crying, you are.
Edie is described as an 'amazing dog' who can be'very shy initially but with a little time and plenty of treats she will soon be nudging you for a bit of fuss!'.
Image: Dogs Trust Leeds
Dogs Trust Leeds states: "She’s also worried by other dogs, but she’s proven that in a home where she won’t see them up close, she is a dream. She's been for sleepovers to her handlers home and she was the perfect house guest! Very relaxed, fully housetrained, and happy to just chill out. We know that in a peaceful adult only home where she’ll be the only pet she will thrive."
"Edie is the most loving and gentle natured dog and has come such a long way since first arriving in our care. Her handlers all adore her due to her zest for life. She's super affectionate and loves plenty of snuggles!
"She enjoys getting out for walkies or playing with her toys and she's absolutely smashed her training. Off-lead playtime is another favourite hobby for her so she will need to have a secure garden to play in. So if you’re looking for a very loving companion, you have a quiet and predictable routine and have time to gradually settle her in, add our Edie to your favourites now!"
If you'd like to welcome Edie into your home, then find out more here.
Georgina Pellant -
25th October 2022 
