Located on North Street, this cosy restaurant is the place to go for authentic, home-cooked Chinese food at affordable prices.
Looking to celebrate the Lunar New Year with some deliciously authentic Chinese food in Leeds city centre? Then keep reading, as we've got the perfect spot for you.
A hidden gem sitting in plain sight, Wen's feels like one of those 'if you know, you know' spots and we are certainly all the better for knowing.
A few minutes walk out of the city centre, Wen's may look unassuming but my god the food is not.
We decided to pop by on a Tuesday evening, as we stepped through the door we were greeted with a warm welcome from the staff as well by a delicious aroma wafting into our noses.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The intimate restaurant was buzzing and only by chance did we manage to grab the last table in the corner. Next time we won't be taking such chances and will definitely book ahead.
We started with the Pork Xiao Long Bao and Pan-fried King Prawn Dumplings, lifting the bamboo baskets to reveal these doughy delights felt like unwrapping presents on Christmas morning.
All lovingly handmade by Mrs Wen and just as beautiful as they were delicious, served alongside a homemade chilli dipping sauce which gave them the perfect spicy hit to combat the fatty, dense flavourful fillings.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
After finishing my last dumpling I was already planning my next visit to Wen's and our main courses hadn't even reached the table yet.
Next up came the Salt and Pepper Baby Squid which was perfectly crisp and coated in a light, flavourful batter which did not detract from the fresh squid flavour.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Dandan Noodles can only be described as a hug in a bowl, served swimming in a bowl of rich, savoury broth and topped with a mound of delicious pork mince and crunchy spring onions. They were the sort of noodles where slurping took place in order to consume them as quickly as you could, and that still wasn't fast enough.
The menu is extensive and allows for multiple visits to try out all of the goodness on offer, and we are certainly not complaining.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The portions are generous and perfect for sharing, Wen's is the place to bond with friends and family over wonderful food that won't set you back a pretty penny.
To find out more about Wen's and to peruse their menu, take a look at their website.
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.
Clementine Hall -
24th August 2022 
