Having only been open since 2019, De Baga has become something of a roaring local favourite over the past few years.
Tables are often fully booked on the weekend, though the team will accommodate as many walk-ins as possible, but given that food here truly blends traditional Indian street food with inventive, modern flavours- it's really no surprise.
Now the food here is going to be recognised on a whole new level after the restaurant has become the 2022 recipient of the 'Taste of the Year' award, representing the North in the 7th annual Asian Food and Restaurant Awards International.
The team were nominated for the first time and came up top for what is known as the 'gastronomical innovation and excellent customer service'.
The owner, Mandeep Singh is overjoyed with the award, "It is a proud moment for us to win this prestigious award. A simple thank you does not begin to cover the gratitude I feel towards the whole De Baga team, chefs & front of house staff. Their hard work and resilience has made De Baga what it is today in such a short time.
"De Baga made its name in the industry during the trying times of Covid-19. Within 8 months of our launch, we were the finalist for Oliver awards in 2020 and have been getting Travellers Choice Awards from last 2 years. A huge milestone for us though a little dampened due to Covid-19."
"We have strived for excellence in the culinary world and continue to do so even during the current rising energy costs and inflation."
The team behind the menu. / Image: De Baga
The ultimate goal of the Modern Indian dining restaurant is to be recognised by the Michelin- but in the meantime, this award certainly gives the UK a taste of the high bar that De Baga has set in the city.
You can find the original Headingley restaurant on Otley Road or head over to the Chapel Allerton site which opened earlier this year.
Celebrating the “East Meets West” spirit of Goa at both sites, the menu consists of unique curries and small plates designed in-house by the chefs. The focus is on flavour, rather than size or spice- and it’s this recipe that makes De Baga one of the most-loved curry spots in Leeds.
Everything is beautifully presented, sweet and savoury. / Image: De Baga
Adding a playful twist to classic dishes, expect Cornetto bites, puff pastries filled with eggplant bhartha (aubergine), chorizo cigars and speciality dishes like the Chingaari Kebab, a red hot flame coloured kebabs special in Lucknowi style Lamb mince, crushed pepper tossed bell peppers, whole spice, served with home made mint sauce.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
14th December 2022 
