A popular restaurant in Chapel Allerton has announced its closure with immediate effect, leaving local fans of its Malaysian cooking feeling gutted.
Dapur Malaysia's owner Valerie shared the news via an Instagram post on the business's Instagram page last week, writing that things had been difficult ever since the restaurant first opened in 2019.
Between mandated closures as a result of the pandemic and the rising cost of living, she said that running the business had been 'tough' and, whilst always being 'up for a challenge', her struggle to hold things together at the Leeds eatery had taken 'a toll on family life'.
As a result, she said that, whilst it saddened her to close the restaurant, she is 'relieved that it is over'.
Fortunately, it's not all bad news. The restaurant, opened in memory of owner Valerie's mum, will continue on in other forms.
She will be reopening Dapur Malaysia, on a much smaller scale, in her hometown Huddersfield and continuing to offer local takeaways as well as nationwide deliveries of her award-winning ready meals.
Image: Dapur Malaysia
Valerie also revealed that she will return in May 2023 with a planned stint at Trinity Kitchen, so Leeds fans will also be able to get their hands on her cooking then.
The full statement read: "I am sorry to inform you that our Leeds restaurant is closed with immediate effect.
"Since we opened our restaurant in August 2019, we have faced some challenging circumstances. We have been forced to shut or trade under some form of restrictions for approximately half that time. Unfortunately, the price rises across the board this year have made it impossible to continue trading as a restaurant.
"I opened the restaurant in memory of my Mum and found it comforting recreating the food I grew up with. I loved sharing these with all our patrons, the pandemic however showed us where our strengths lay, our takeaway and our Great Taste award-winning ready meal range will be our focus moving forward.
Image: Dapur Malaysia
"We are reopening in Huddersfield (where we live) all be it on a much smaller scale in the next few weeks so you can still order ready meals range with nationwide delivery from www.dapurathom.com as well as outside catering.
"On a personal note, it saddens me to have to close the restaurant, but I am also relieved that it is over. I’ve always been up for a challenge, but it’s been tough for me and my husband to hold it all together this last year and it has taken a toll on our family life.
"I would like to thank all our staff past and present particularly Tomasz, Mark and Genti who have stayed with us from the beginning. Their loyalty, hard work, sense of humour and kindness has made it enjoyable to come into work. I will miss all of them and our chats and jokes.
"Lastly many thanks to the Chapel Allerton community who warmly welcomed us and all our customers who have supported us from the time we opened. It was an honour to be able to share the food I love with you. We will be back in Leeds in May at Trinity Kitchen where we hope to see you.
"With love, Valerie."
Comments have flooded in thick and fast as followers reacted to the news, with one person saying: "Hold your head high Valerie! Your beautiful food, the Dapur Malaysia brand & all it stands for, lives on! The new takeaway spot brings an exciting new addition to Huddersfield! 👏 Wishing you all the best xx"
Another person said: "So sad to see you guys go! We’ve loved having you as neighbours ❤️"
A third added: "Heartbroken, we love your food and the ethos behind your business. Good luck for everything in the future ❤️"
A fourth said: "So sorry to hear you were dealing with such behind-the-scenes issues! All the very best in Hudd x"
If you would like to support Dapur Malaysia, you can order their Dapur At Home ready meals online via their website here.
Feature image - Dapur Malaysia
News
A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
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.”
Georgina Pellant -
25th October 2022 
