Tucked away on the corner of Merrion Street, Oba Leeds is serving some of the best Korean and Japanese fusion dishes, with a range of vegan-friendlymeals available.
Foodies looking for a unique dining experience will be delighted to see this new restaurant popping up in the Merrion Centre. Oba has only been open a few short weeks, but the restaurant's bright presence and attentive staff give the restaurant an unrivalled homely feeling.
This hidden gem offers a warm welcome from the the moment you walk through the glass doors. The bright hues of sunflower yellow and bright blue mirror off the panelling and glass windows and match the service, always delivered with a smile, to a tee.
Their menu is vast and delicious. 70% of the items on the menu are vegan and there are even seperate menus for those meat-eater and vegetarian and vegan options.
Nothing is too much trouble for the team at Oba and their quality service shines through to the meticulous food presentation. Upon delivery, it's obvious that any palette is in for a treat.
For starters, carnivores and pescatarians alike should not miss an the opportunity to sample the Ebi Gyoza. The fried prawn dumplings come with a sweet dipping sauce and find that perfect equilibrium between crunchy and soft. Each bite brings out a new flavour and is guaranteed to exceed any expectations.
The Ebi Gyoza is served on a banana leaf, but it is the inside of these prawn dumplings that ooze fresh flavour.
The Agassi Gyoza are just as delicious. The fried vegetable dumplings are fresh and full of flavour. Complemented by a sweet dipping sauce, the vegetarian food here is given the same attention and careful presentation as any other dishes.
Staff waste no time in preparing the mains and present these dishes with the same intrinsic detail. The Japanese and Korean fusion of flavours are more prominent here, with a selection of sushi rolls, infused curries and authentic fish dishes available.
However, it is their special of the day upon The Hoot's visit, a cheese and fish corn dog, that demonstrated to us the artistic flair and creative flavours that Oba Leeds offer their guests.
The two standout main course options for a lunchtime have to be the Assorted Veggie Rolls and the classic Chicken Katsu Curry. Crispy breadcrumbs and thick katsu sauce, sticky rice and light, crisp salad: can you really name a better combination for a wet wintry afternoon meal?
All dishes also come with homemade wasabi, even the smallest amount rapidly amplify the fused flavours in each dish.
Oba Leeds is the hidden gem that the Merrion Centre has been missing and is well worth the short walk up from the shops to visit.
Regardless of your itinerary in Leeds, the food and service alike make Oba a true standout restaurant that should become a firm favourite for lovers of South-East Asian dishes.
Eats
The hidden Leeds bakery serving giant cheese twists, pickle sausage rolls and chocolate focaccia
This spot in the city is baking up some weird and wonderful creations.
But you'll have to act fast if you want to get your hands on them, as it's only open one day a week for all your doughy desires.
Introducing Fold, a focaccia-focused bakery by the talented team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
Rewind to this time last year and with three restaurants flourishing across Leeds, the team needed a space to bake all their bread and sweet treats in-house to supply to sites.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this is where Fold came in, located underneath the arches of Brussels Street on the outskirts of the city centre - it may take a while to find this spot but once you have, it'll be worth it.
And they're making some of the most inventive bakes that we've seen.
Of course there'll always be a focaccia on offer, with flavours ranging from crispy chilli oil, sesame and spring onion to kimchi, cheese and pistachio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And it's not just savoury focaccia, you'll even find gooey chocolate and banana focaccia as well as Biscoff waffle focaccia....yep, seriously.
Elsewhere they specialise in gigantic footlong cheese twists with more crispy bits than soft, as well as chorizo and cheese stuffed sausage rolls and a range of freshly baked bagels for you to go home and smear in your cream cheese of choice.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Some seriously spectacular specials have been the gochujang cookies and the 'pickle roll', basically like a sausage roll but with...pickles.
It seems there's really no boundaries for where these bakes will go, and you can guarantee that every visit will be different than the rest.
Only open on Saturdays from 10am - 1pm, Fold are changing the baking game. Pop in and say hello, you won't be disappointed.
Family-run Thai street food stall made famous in Leeds Kirkgate Market to open brand-new restaurant
Clementine Hall
One of Kirkgate Market's best hidden gems is growing.
If you're a fan of all things Thai then you'll most likely know about Khao Gaeng Thai.
This family-run street food stall is known for its quick-service Thai food at brilliant prices.
They serve everything from zingy papaya salad and crispy chicken with rice to your classic Pad Thai noodles with your choice of protein.
And if you're looking for a hearty meal to keep you full throughout the day then this is the spot, as the portions are absolutely huge.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Much to our excitement, Khao Gaeng Thai has now opened its second site over on Burley Road which has a bigger kitchen plus its own seating area for you to relax and enjoy the food.
Announcing the news to Instagram, they said: "We’re so excited to announce that Khao Gaeng Thai – Thai Kitchen, our SECOND location, is NOW OPEN! And don’t worry — our original Khao Gaeng Thai at Kirkgate Market is staying OPEN as usual!
"Thanks to all the incredible support we’ve received from our customers at Kirkgate Market over the years, we’ve been able to take this exciting next step and open a second Khao Gaeng Thai.
"At our new Thai Kitchen on Burley Road, you’ll find even more dishes, more choice, and a relaxed sit-down restaurant experience — all with the authentic Thai flavours you know and love.
"So now you can enjoy Khao Gaeng Thai at TWO locations in Leeds! Thank you for helping our little Khao Gaeng Thai family grow. We can’t wait to welcome you!"
We couldn't be happier for the team and can't wait to check out their new space.
Sophie Smith -
7th October 2021 
