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.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli
Clementine Hall
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Sophie Smith -
14th December 2022 
