Danny Malin: Why Leeds does this cuisine best - and my favourite places in the city
In his latest column, Danny Malin shares his favourite cuisine to try in Leeds 🍴
Leeds is the home of moving pictures, an epic rugby team and of course, some of the best food in the UK.
From street food trucks to fine dining, each suburb has its own treasure chest of foodie gems to offer.
You’ve got Maureen’s Caribbean in Roundhay, Estabulo for your rodizio, and Sqew for their kebabs in the city centre.
Leeds has it all, but if I were to pick the best thing about food in Leeds nowadays, I’d have to say brunch stands out for me.
I never thought I’d be a brunch person, but now I’ve realised it's a great activity to enjoy while having a lengthy business meeting or socialising with friends when you have family or work to get back to.
If I’m feeling greedy in the past, I’ve highly rated the now-closed Bricklebank's in Chapel Allerton for its posh fry-ups and pancakes or Riveresque on Leeds Bridge for its Mega Full English, which includes spam and chips.
That said, I am more into trying lighter but tastier brunch options nowadays.
For a quick brunch while travelling, Laynes is my new go to pit stop. It’s worth every penny for their top-quality brunch dishes, such as their Yorkshire rarebit oozing with cheese.
If you’re heading out of town, it’s worth visiting Heckmondwike for Strada Cafe, a real hidden gem offering the best coffee I’ve ever had, as well as brunch dishes from around the world. From French toast to shakshuka, it's amazing what Chef Ivan creates from his small kitchenette.
I was one of the first to try the new brunch menu at Habbibi, which is the Dubai-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant on the third floor of Victoria Gate.
I tried their version of poached egg and salmon on sourdough, scrambled egg and avocado on toast, and poached egg in a rich tomato passata served with homemade garlic bread. Wow, the flavours were popping, and I even tried their beetroot hummus with fresh pomegranate and crumbled feta on toast, which I enjoyed.
These Middle Eastern-inspired flavours were a taste sensation which I happily washed down with a flat white. I’d happily devour just one of these dishes for my ideal brunch.
Closer to home in Wakefield, I often head to Capri at Newmillerdam for an Italian coffee and brunch.