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Eats

Leeds’ first Filipino eatery is opening this week

Sophie Smith - 21st February 2023

Bringing together cuisine from the Philippines, Korea and Japan, Kanto is set to cook up a storm in Leeds.

Having just officially opened its doors in Beeston, South Leeds, Kanto is an eclectic feast full of east Asian favourites.

The family-run eatery is thought to be the first of its kind and will be operating predominantly as a takeaway service, with space for a relaxed and cosy dining experience inside the doors too.

On the menu, expect to see classic Katsu curries, rice bowls, noodles and spring rolls between lesser known delights like Filipino Lechon Kawali pork belly- all at an affordable price.

Image: Supplied

Image: Supplied

The new independent is a venture between Dad and son - Cezar Javier and Isaac Javier, two Leeds based Filipino chefs who have both worked in numerous kitchens in the region.

Father Cezar Javier says: “There are a lot of new Asian restaurants opening in Leeds but both affordability and quality food are hard to come by. Kanto Leeds will be a place where you can expect an eclectic mix of consistently delicious Pan-Asian style food at an accessible price for all.”

Son Isaac adds: “Our food will be nourishing, unpretentious and packed full of flavour. Home cooked food that has been prepared with a lot of love. We hope it will be food that people will really want to eat, time and time again.”

Image: Supplied

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The new restaurant will operate from 1 Ring Rd, Beeston, Leeds LS11 5LG, a ten minute journey from Leeds city centre, and will also be available on various food delivery platforms too.

Feature Image- Supplied

Eats

All of the best places to get matcha in Leeds City Centre

Clementine Hall

The Japanese green tea is having its moment, and we're absolutely here for it.

So, we've taken it upon ourselves to venture out and explore the city for the best matcha spots and trust us, we've found some good ones.

From your classic matcha latte to blue banana matcha, there's a tea-riffic matcha beverage to suit everyone (sorry).

So keep reading and pick out your next spot which you're keen to try.

RAW Coffee

10 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're a bit of a matcha snob then this is the place to go as owners Anya and James pride themselves on serving up only real, authentic matcha.

And they're constantly coming up with unique specials too including the beautiful banana blue matcha which is the perfect gateway matcha for those of you who find the green stuff a bit too 'grassy'.

It's such a lovely spot and the staff are super friendly and will be happy to help you decide which matcha you're going to go for, to drink-in or takeaway.

Federal

Boar Lane, LS1 5DA

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Not only does this Aussie-style brunch spot make fantastic food but their matcha is flipping fantastic too. Coming in a range of flavours and perfect for on the go as they come in these adorable cans that look almost too good to crack open.

MADE

165 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY

Image: The Hoot Leeds

New to Lower Briggate, this lovely new opening is home to super fresh acai bowls, hand-whisked matcha, Erewhon smoothie dupes, split cups, tuna-cado sarnies and wonderful staff to help you decide on your order.

Tsujiri

Leeds Kirkgate Market, Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Now it wouldn't be a guide to matcha without Tsujiri, would it? These guys are committed to giving the people of Leeds some of the highest-grade Japanese green tea you can get your hands on.

It's the most authentic you'll find in the city, and you can even get it in the form of soft serve ice cream and decadent crepe cakes. Yum.

Cup + Lid

29 The Headrow, LS1 6PU

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Four words - White Chocolate Matcha Latte. Yep, that's what these hot chocolate specialists on The Headrow make and they're absolutely delicious.

You can also get your hands on loads of other matcha lattes, both hot and cold, including strawberry matcha, matcha milkshakes and vanilla matcha.

The Savvy Baker

27 Albion Street

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Famed for their epic bakes, The Savvy Baker on Albion Street also has a dedicated matcha bar inside it serving up some of the most creative flavours in the city. I mean they even do a cereal milk flavoured matcha, need we say more?

Pole Pole

60 North Street

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This calming little spot is serving up beautiful homemade cakes alongside fresh matcha; nestled just outside the city centre, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.

Sonder

27-28, Grand Arcade, 20 Merrion St, LS1 6PG

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

For the most aesthetic matcha in Leeds, head to Sonder. The interior here will get you feeling like you've been transported to Ibiza as you relax on their beautiful boucle sofa and drink out of trendy glasses.

But it's not just all for show, the matcha is expertly made and you can even treat yourself to a matcha croisssant whilst you're at it.

Hii Grind

King Edward St, LS1 6BR

Matcha is known for its multiple health benefits, but if you want to multiply that then head to Hii. GRIND. This new spot inside Flannels specialise in bright, colourful and most of all healthy dishes that make you glow from within.

We're talking matcha lattes, vibrant acai bowls, juice and smoothies.

Read more: Bavette is awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin just one year after opening

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Beloved Leeds bistro ‘over the moon’ after being named one of the best restaurants in the UK

Clementine Hall

It's just another accolade for Bavette as the neighbourhood bistro is crowned one of the best in the UK.

And they're just as excited as we are.

Voted for by the industry's best, the National Restaurant Awards include a list of the country's top 100 restaurants every single year.

Although the official awards ceremony and numbered list will take place in June, last week the restaurants that will be included received an adorable box of confetti through the post.

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A post shared by Bavette (@bavettebistro)

And one of our very own, unsurprisingly, received just that.

Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.

It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.

The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.

And now, they've earned themselves a coveted spot in the top 100 restaurants in the UK.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Here's what Bavette had to say after discovering the news: "Over the moon to get the news we’ve made it into @nationalrestaurantawards top 100 for this year.

"A list we’ve long since hugely admired and such a massive honour to make it this year. Voted for by industry grandees, the full list will be announced at their awards ceremony in June which we’ll be there for. Allez."

Congratulations Sandy, Clement and the wonderful team - this is absolutely so well deserved and we'll be cheering you on in June from the sidelines.

Read more: Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds