It's January, we're all skint, so here's how to eat out for less.
It's safe to say that every time the new year comes around, we're left feeling slightly glum and a bit short on change after the festivities.
January is already gloomy enough, so there's no reason why we shouldn't treat ourselves to a bit to eat.
So, to help you eat out for less we've rounded up 10 of our favourite spots it eat in Leeds city centre for under £10.
Let's get into it...
Bundobust
Mill Hill
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It wouldn't be a cheap eat round up without Bundobust. These Indian street food legends are the GOATS of dishes for under tenner, because every single thing is.
We recommend the Vada Pav - a deep-fried mashed potato ball stuffed in a springy bun. It'll fill you up good and proper and it's only £8. Class.
Little Bao Boy
Sovereign Square
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Serving pints, baos and coffee all just moments from Leeds train station: North Brew Taps is the ideal spot for those with a few spare hours before getting the train off home or looking for a lunchtime treat.
Little Bao Boy are slinging out the best baos in the city, and you can grab two for just £9.
Mommy Thai
Duncan Street and Vicar Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay you may have to forgive us on this one...but we couldn't not include it.
For just £10.95 (close enough) you can get two courses at one of Leeds' best Thai restaurants. And there's loads to choose from, from chicken satay and Pad Thai to corn cakes and Pad Grapow - you won't be going home hungry.
Brod
Great George Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brod is a staple for workers in the city, famous for their stacked sandwiches for super low prices. Most sandwiches are around the £6 mark, using fresh and homemade ingredients prepped daily.
Karpaty Bakery
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this one really is a bargain. In the market hall of Kirkgate Market you'll find Karpaty Bakery, a wonderful Polish bakery serving traditional baked goods for under £3. They're absolutely massive and such great value for money.
Bánh and Mee
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Another classic from the market is Bánh and Mee, a brilliant lunchtime option for those wanting hot and fresh Vietnamese food all for under a tenner.
Our favourite is the lemongrass chicken rice box or the aromatic pho that'll warm you up in an instant.
Eastern Oven
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you hadn't gathered by now, Kirkgate Market is an absolute honeypot for cheap eats in the city centre where you'll find hundreds of dishes for under a tenner.
Another one of our favourites is Eastern Oven, a family-run stall selling fresh falafel wraps and pittas.
Meat:Stack
Bishopgate Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking to be a bit naughty and get stuck into a burger and chips, then Meat:Stack is the spot for you.
American smash burgers, loaded fries and thick milkshakes all for great prices. They also do brilliant lunch deals so you can get as much bang for your book as possible.
Rolawala
Trinity Kitchen
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One of our favourite lunch spots is Rolawala, find them at Trinity Kitchen for flavour-packed rice bowls and naan wraps for all under a tenner. It's a great healthy choice without skipping out on taste.
Dough Boys
Belgrave Music Hall
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you haven’t tried Dough Boys pizza at Belgrave you’re really missing out! Dough Boys specialise in unusual flavours for their pizza, with one standout, the Queen Brie, featuring roasted grapes to complement its namesake French brie.
Whether you’re feeling adventurous, or you’d just like some classic pizza flavours like the Silvio, Dough Boy’s version of a margharita, or the Salami of Darkness (no prizes for guessing what’s on this one,) you’re sure to enjoy the delicious thin crusts of these enormous pizza slices.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Clementine Hall -
2nd January 2026 
