The new street vendors have announced- and there's some seriously delicious options to finish the 2022 season with.
There's a lovely combination of old favourites and newcomers to feed us until the new year, and whether you're after a burger and fries or some gyozas drenched in secret sauce, these vendors have got you covered.
Keep reading to find out what you can grab from each of the food trucks, as well as The Hoot team's recommendations...
Jimmy Macks
Roast squash and black bean tacos. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Packed with flavour, grab a meal deal from Jimmy Macks and take full advantage of the three-piece meal for £12. There's roast squash and black bean soft tacos with charred corn salsa and lime crema or the cult-classic beef brisket birria in crispy folded tacos served with tomato salsa; Mexican chicken with jalapeno salsa and that birria dipping gravy that's got everyone talking. Every meal deal is served with seasoned fries and a soft drink of your choice, or there's side portions like loaded nachos and fries to choose from too.
Hoot recommends: Roast squash and black bean soft tacos with charred corn salsa and lime crema
Pickled Porker Smoke House
Loaded fries with pulled pork and veggie burger. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Back for another year, Pickled Porker is serving up smoked meats with the most incredible barbecue sauce. The huge menu includes at least 14 different options, including the gluten-free skinny loaded fries with 12-hour apple wood smoked pulled pork, melted cheese, sweet and smokey Louisiana-style BBQ sauce and cheese 'whizz' and veggie burger with sweet and smokey BBQ pulled 'chicken' or fiery jerk pulled 'chicken' with pear and lemon ponzu slaw on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Hoot recommends: ANYTHING with the sweet and smokey Louisiana-style BBQ
Big Mouth Gyoza
Mushroom gyoza. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Big Mouth is serving up two different gyoza options, mushroom or pork belly, each of which that are packed with flavour, and generous servings of the brand's secret sauce. Choose from either a bento box with four gyozas in saucy, sticky rice with sesame, spicy, cheezu or curry toppings and house pickles sprinkled on top, or opt for the gyoza tray, which serves a whopping six gyozas in different styles.
Hoot recommends: Mushroom gyoza bento box with sesame rice and as much secret sauce as you can get your hands on
Luigi's Street Food
Fried Cheese and Tomato Pizza. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The much-loved Luigi’s Street Food is just one brand that has taken over Trinity Kitchen this month, but their Italian speciality dishes are proving popular with just about anyone that walks up to their pop-up van. Known as a panzerotto, the traditional Italian dish is deep fried pizza dough stuffed with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and a choice of toppings- and they’re going down a treat.
Hoot recommends: Arancini balls or the cheese and tomato calzone look like any cheese lover dream
Nelly's Barn
Vegan chicken and chips with gravy. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those looking for a burger fix will be delighted to see Nelly's Barn making an appearance at Trinity Kitchen over the 2022 period. There's cheeseburgers, bacon and cheeseburgers or the Whoa Nelly- the double burger with cheddar and crispy bacon to choose from- plus plenty of sides. Think popcorn plant-based 'chicken' with fries and sauces like southern-style gravy, sweet BBQ, garlic mayo and parmesan garlic.
Hoot recommends: Grown up deal with a cheese burger, chips and a lager
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Eats
A modern Mexican restaurant made famous in Manchester is opening in Leeds city centre next week
The North’s favourite Mexican restaurant is arriving in Leeds.
You've met Salon Madre, but have you met her older sister Madre?
This fabulous new restaurant is bringing a taste of Mexico to Leeds, and after making a name for themselves over in Manchester you already know it's going to be good.
By day, Madre is a laid-back space designed for relaxed lunches and by night, it transforms into a lively restaurant serving a menu that celebrates the breadth of Mexican cuisine.
Expect everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Images: The Manc Group
At the heart of Madre is the Mexican tradition of sobremesa - the art of lingering at the table long after the meal is over. It’s all about good food, great drinks and even better company.
Madre’s famous Taco Tuesday will also be heading to Leeds, launching on Cinco de Mayo and running every Tuesday thereafter, guests can enjoy two-for-one tacos all day, every Tuesday.
Madre joins its sister venue, Salon Madre - the lively tequila bar and taqueria- which opened just a few weeks ago. Just a few minutes walk apart, the two spots are perfectly paired for a full day or night out.
We're talking dinner at Madre followed by a few margaritas and a couple games of pool at Salon Madre - class.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by extensive travels across Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of Madre.”
Madre Leeds will be located on Wellington Place and will officially open its doors next Friday 17 April, you can book your table here.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Edge's Pizza said: "Well there’s good reason for our silence over the last few months, (planning permission pending) we’ve got a home! Seven months of looking and we’ve learnt so much on this journey already, from investment that didn’t work out, to dodgy buildings not fit for purpose. We’ve got there in the end.
"All that to say, we pride ourselves on perfection and wouldn’t settle for anything less. We hope this will be worth the wait, and that you’ll support us on this next huge step. We are terrified to say the least, but we’re also so excited and immensely grateful to you our lovely customers for this opportunity."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This would be great news for Leeds, as their pizza is something unlike anything we have in the city at the moment.
Forget the floppy, Neapolitan-slices that you fold before shoving in your gob. These slices are satisfyingly thin, perfectly crispy and just downright delicious.
We would love to welcome Edges Pizza to the city and we'll keep you updated with the progress. You can bet we'll be the first to order.
Sophie Smith -
21st November 2022 
