Salt and Pepper Okra Fries, ‘Prawn’ Gobi Toast and Gobi Manchurian are all back by popular demand on the Bundobust menu this spring.
Indian street food and craft beer favourite Bundobust are consistently killing it with their specials.
In fact, we're constantly on the edge of our seat to see what brilliance they're going to come up with next. So when we heard that they were bringing back their Indo-Chinese specials, we were absolutely over the moon.
Ever since we got our chops round their 'Prawn' Gobi Toast in 2022, we've been dreaming about it ever since.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The entire selection of Indo-Chinese specials are a celebration of flavours, textures are absolutely not to be missed. So, let's get into it.
Inspired by Kolkota’s Chinatown district, each dish has been specially crafted as an homage to this legendary collaboration of flavours, and sealed with a signature Bundobust twist.
Crowd favourite Gobi Toast features deep-fried pav soldiers topped with garlic and ginger minced cauliflower, crusted with mixed sesame, and served with a new Szechuan mayo dipping sauce.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
In a proper clash of Northern titans, the Salt & Pepper Okra Fries are a spicy celebration of the great Chinese chippy - crispy okra, tossed generously with peppers, onions, chilli flakes and soy sauce. Absolutely delicious and completely addictive.
Bundobust's take on fried rice is the new Chow Chow, a half-rice-half-noodle stir fry topped with caramelised garlic and Desi chilli crisp - utterly delicious.
You can also get your hands on new kids on the block Corn Ribs and Chilli Paneer, fantastic additions which we've been craving a taste of ever since we tried them.
You can order these specials separately alongside your other Bundobust favourites or you can enjoy the Indo Chinese Combo for 2 where you get all the specials for just £35. It's a no brainer really isn't it.
The specials are on from 4 March to 14 April 2024, you can take a look at the full menu here.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Clementine Hall -
6th March 2024 
