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Here’s 10 of the best student-friendly cheap eats in and around Leeds

Your student loan will thank us later.

Clementine Hall - 15th September 2026

Just moved to lovely Leeds for uni? Here’s how to eat out for less than a tenner.

With Freshers’ Week fast approaching, you're probably trying to work out exactly how far your student loan is going to stretch.

But don't worry, we're here to help.

Whether you’re after a cheap lunch between lectures, somewhere to grab dinner with your new flatmates or a bite to eat before heading out for the night, Leeds city centre is packed with places where you can eat well without blowing your budget.

So, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite places where you can grab a bite for under £10.

Let’s get into it...

Bundobust

Mill Hill

It wouldn't be a cheap eat round up without Bundobust. These Indian street food legends are the GOATS of dishes for under tenner, because every single thing is.

We recommend the Vada Pav - a deep-fried mashed potato ball stuffed in a springy bun. It'll fill you up good and proper and you can get two Vada Pav sliders for just £8. Class.

Mommy Thai

Duncan Street and Vicar Lane

Okay you may have to forgive us on this one...but we couldn't not include it.

For just £10.95 (close enough) you can get two courses at one of Leeds' best Thai restaurants. And there's loads to choose from, from chicken satay and Pad Thai to corn cakes and Pad Grapow - you won't be going home hungry. The perfect fuel before a mad night out on Call Lane we think.

Brod

Great George Street

Brod is a staple for those looking for a lunch in the city, famous for their stacked sandwiches for super low prices. Most sandwiches are around the £6 mark, using fresh and homemade ingredients prepped daily.

Karpaty Bakery

Kirkgate Market

Now this one really is a bargain. In the market hall of Kirkgate Market you'll find Karpaty Bakery, a wonderful Polish bakery serving traditional baked goods for under £3. They're absolutely massive and such great value for money.

Bánh and Mee

Kirkgate Market

Another classic from the market is Bánh and Mee, a brilliant lunchtime option for those wanting hot and fresh Vietnamese food all for under a tenner.

Our favourite is the lemongrass chicken rice box or the aromatic pho that'll warm you up in an instant.

Eastern Oven

Kirkgate Market

If you hadn't gathered by now, Kirkgate Market is an absolute honeypot for cheap eats in the city centre where you'll find hundreds of dishes for under a tenner.

Another one of our favourites is Eastern Oven, a family-run stall selling fresh falafel wraps and pittas.

Meat:Stack

Bishopgate Street

If you're looking to be a bit naughty and get stuck into a burger and chips, then Meat:Stack is the spot for you.

American smash burgers, loaded fries and thick milkshakes all for great prices. They do a lunch deal where you can get a burger for just a fiver, or you can add on chips, a dip and a drink for a total of just £10. Available Monday - Friday from 11 - 3pm, it doesn't get much better then that.

Bakery 164

164 Woodhouse Ln, Woodhouse

Based in Headingley just opposite the Parkinson Steps, this spot is the OG of great student deals. Gourmet sandwiches, all made fresh in-house for great prices - we wouldn't be surprised if you found yourself here every day of the week.

Kefiyo

17 Ash Rd, Headingley

If you're after a sweet treat, then look no further than Kefiyo in Headingley. Here you can get a large tub of frozen yoghurt with unlimited toppings (yes, unlimited) for just £6.49.

Dough Boys

Belgrave Music Hall

As a student in Leeds you will no doubt find yourself in Belgrave Music Hall, but don't sleep on their food options. Dough Boys specialise in unusual flavours for their pizza, with one standout, the Queen Brie, featuring roasted grapes to complement its namesake French brie.

All the slices are under a fiver, and between 12-7pm Sunday to Thursday and 12-5pm Friday and Saturday they're all half price. Class.

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds