Who knows, these vegan loaded fries might convert you to a plant-based diet all year round.
It's no secret that loaded fries are the ultimate sharing dish. Whether you like barbecue, gravy or cheesy varieties, there’s always something for everyone on the plate to enjoy. But when you're the only vegan in a group on a night out, it sucks having to order a different plate or simple go without- so we've found the best vegan fries in Leeds that'll make your meat-eating mates want a taste of yours.
Before you know it, you'll have converted them to the vegan loaded fries and they'll become your staple sharer in no time- at least that's the aim here.
Vegan loaded fries from Hooyah is available from Deliveroo- so even if you want to sit in your PJs all night, you don't have to miss out on some meat-free loaded fries. The Chic-a-go loaded fries are made up of crumbled Falafel and Spinach accompanied with a vegan yoghurt and mint Sauce, mango chutney, chopped red onion and chilli sauce- all inspired from the Indigenous tribes of Chicago. If you do fancy eating in, their newly-opened restaurant on Albion Street is home to their 'build your own burger' menu and some seriously thick milkshakes so expect flavours aplenty.
Piled with vegan hoisin ‘duck’, spring rolls and chillies, the Vegan Hoisin fries are a chef's kiss level of perfection. As cult fans of this particular dish, it is The Hoot's go to at Assembly Underground, Beer Hawk or even when we're over in Manchester. Pair these delicious fries with a plant-based burgers loaded with vegan cheese (the stringy kind), onion rings, jalapenos and roquito chillies and more for the ultimate vegan dinner.
Long time vegan are more than likely to be accustomed to the tasty delights available from Knaves, who work from the kitchen at Oporto. The Woffy's Hogtied Waffle Fries come with facon bits and facon mayo - and if you like pickles, there's deep fried ‘Frickles’ to snack on too. With a 100% vegan menu, you really can't go wrong ordering your meat-free dinner from here.
These loaded fries comes with house pickle, cheese, F.A secret sauce and crispy onions from meat-free hot dog company, Fat Annies. Famous locally for their hot dogs that'll cure any hangover and tasty burgers, you'll find the kitchen inside the Kirkgate Markets every day of the week. Looking for something a little different? Why not try the I've Got Five On It Fries with b'con, cheese, pickle, jalapenos and crispy onions instead?
Fries that were made for sharing were practically invented at Patty Smiths. Located in Belgrave, you can pile up the fries and sauce and share with as many as possible- though we wouldn't judge you if you took on the Session Fries for yourself either. Available every single day alongside Dough Boys Pizza on Belgrave Street, either to eat inside or on the rooftop terrace (just bring a coat unless you're visiting in the peak of summer)
When we say all kinds, we mean all kinds. Get your vegan fries three different ways from Döner Summer, you can get them plain and simple with skin-on, with garlic or add parmesan for the ultimate lunchtime snack. Pair with a Fried Chick'n Combo and you're on to a winner. These vegan junk food experts aren't even exclusive to Leeds, so if you're in Huddersfield or over in Manchester, you can still get a taste of meat-free fries.
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
A cafe dedicated entirely to matcha gelato has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
Matcha is well and truly taking Leeds (and the country) by storm.
You're probably bored of hearing us talk about matcha, and to be honest we're getting a little bit bored writing about it.
But, this time it's different.
This is M Plus Matcha, a brand-new matcha store that's just opened near Leeds University who not only serve your classic matcha lattes but also bucket loads of freshly-churned gelato.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And to make things even better, they've got four on offer all at different percentages to suit your taste.
Soft and grassy, smooth and creamy, full and velvety…or deep and bold (they said it, not us) - this spot is truly a matcha lover’s summer paradise.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not sure what flavour you fancy, the lovely staff are on hand to help and can offer tasters of each percentage before you commit to a cone or a tub so you're not left disappointed.
The space is gorgeously light and airy, complete with matcha-coloured walls and plenty of matcha-coloured seating for you to perch and enjoy your treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Right opposite the Parkinson Building, we can see M Plus Matcha becoming a fantastic hub for students to whack their laptops out for a couple of hours whilst getting their caffeine fix.
The drinks menu includes iced matcha lattes, hot matcha, matcha lemonades and loads more. Basically, if you're of the opinion that matcha tastes like grass then we do not recommend you going.
But if you love it like us, then you're in for a treat.
Sophie Smith -
12th January 2022 
