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 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 -
6th March 2024 
