MyMakan is bringing a taste of Malaysia to the suburbs.
The new restaurant has only just opened here in Leeds, and is the second MyMakan to open in the UK.
Promising a 'culinary journey that takes you straight to the heart of Malaysia', MyMakan prides itself on using fresh, quality ingredients to ensure that each bite is just as flavoursome as the next.
On the menu you'll find a whole host of traditional crowdpleasers like Nasi Lemak and Satay, as well as more unusual, but nonetheless exciting combinations like Mee Goreng and Char Kuey Teow.
The menu spans from curries, noodles, satay and rice dishes aplenty, including a delicious-sounding Butter Prawns Rendang, a slow-cooked dish with thick coconut sauce, lemongrass, toasted coconut, aromatic spices and herbs.
Cucur Udang: prawn fritters and sweet chilli sauce for dipping.
Images: MyMakan
Between meaty, veggie and vegan options and a fully halal menu, there's really something for every palette and dietary preference too.
The savoury options are just as tempting as the sweet. For dessert, there's a selection of traditional Malay options like Bubur Pulut Hitam, a black gluttonous rice pudding served with thick coconut milk and vanilla ice cream; Sagu Gula Melaka, Sago pearls cakes and the ABC, a dessert made up of shaved ice, syrups and cream paired with creamed corn, ice cream and a fruit medley.
Image: MyMakan
The restaurant also has a branch in Norwich, as well as two restaurants in the Middle East, but it is reported that they plan to bring more to the north and other UK cities in the future.
The Saudi Arabian restaurant group has taken over the former space of Kuala Lumpur, which closed last year. MyMakan translates to 'a place to eat', and with over 40 dishes for diners to choose from, the Town Street opening certainly does promise to be a culinary feast for locals.
Now open to the public, you can head over for a taste of MyMakan Tuesday - Friday evenings (5-10pm) or enjoy a weekend trip to the suburbs with a Malaysian meal 12pm-11pm Saturday and Sunday.
To find out more about MyMakan, including how to book yourself a seat, visit the MyMakan website.
All Images- MyMakan
News
Otley is now bidding to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
Sophie Smith -
6th February 2023 
