Manjit Kaur of Manjit's Kitchen was named for making "a mark on the city’s Punjabi food scene" and supporting women into the workplace.
CODE's 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality 2022 has brought together a list of 100 inspiring women from across the UK, from national lobbyists and chairwomen to behind-the-scenes talent changing the face of their community, this is a seriously coveted list to have be included in.
The judges panel, made up of food, diversity and identity writer Melissa Thompson; Evening Standard's chief restaurant critic Jimi Famurewa; co-founder of Hawksmoor, Will Beckett; previous panelist Claire Koffman and Good Food Guide contributor since the 90s, Elizabeth Carter, chose a range of hospitality representatives, one of which was right here in Leeds.
Chef and owner of Manjit's Kitchen, Manjit Kaur has been named in CODE Hospitality's top 100 women in hospitality, particularly noting Manjit's support in her local community and helping to give other women a leg up and into work themselves.
Image: Manjit's Kitchen
What the judges had to say about Manjit: "As chef owner of Manjit’s Kitchen in Leeds, Kaur has made a mark on the city’s Punjabi food scene. She is also a support for women in her community – one that often expects women to stay at home – enter work."
Owner of two restaurants in Leeds Market and Kirkstall, Manjit's Kitchen is described in CODE's interview as "Openhearted, resilient and rooted in the community".
If you've had the opportunity to taste test some of Manjit's dishes, you'll know exactly why it's far more than her personality that's made this happen.
Image: Manjit's Kitchen
The menu at Manjit's Kitchen is considered in options and rich in flavour. There's Mango Lassi to soothe the lunchtime crowd and inventive options like pakora and chilli paneer wraps amongst classic favourites like onion bhajis, Thali bowls and Vada Pau, The Mumbai Sandwich.
Think Spiced mashed potato ball in a gram flour batter, green chutney, tamarind, dry garlic chutney on a beetroot bun, as just one example of the fusions of flavour the kitchen offers busy city commuters or those looking for a hot midday treat from the markets.
Pakora wrap. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is meat-free and with the exception of husband Michael, an entirely female team. In an interview with CODE about celebrating ten years in business and pandemic-related worries, Manjit explained that this was no accident.
"My staff have husbands that don’t allow them to go to work – their main role is to stay at home, look after the kids and cook. So it’s nice to bring these ladies out and their husbands feel safe knowing they’re working for me, an Asian lady.
Inside the Kirkstall restaurant. / Image: Manjit's Kitchen
"Some of them didn’t have the confidence to speak English and now they’re running the place. It’s beautiful to see and it makes me so proud."
It's easy to see from this that here in Leeds we're fortunate enough to have far more than some incredible culinary skills, we have kind-hearted chefs aplenty, and Manjit is just one example of the difference fantastic women are making in hospitality.
Congratulations Manjit.
Feature Image- Manjit's Kitchen
Eats
Popular Leeds cafe known for its fluffy Japanese sandos is moving to a bigger space
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Sophie Smith -
15th July 2022 
