'The hippest restaurant in town': I tried this vibrant and authentic Vietnamese spot in Leeds
There’s a sign in the corner of Saw Mill Yard in Holbeck that proclaims it’s the coolest spot in Leeds. And you know what? It might just be right.
It’s part of the South Bank area that’s being transformed; all red brick mills and nods to the city’s industrial heritage, within easy reach of the vibrant Leeds Dock.
But more importantly, it’s home to Hoiana. This wonderfully vibrant and authentic Vietnamese restaurant manages to combine being very Insta friendly (check out the lanterns on the ceiling) with warm, helpful service and traditional cuisine.
We visited on a Thursday evening and the place was buzzing – families, couples, friends and a birthday party all enjoying the warm atmosphere and incredible food coming out of the kitchen.
The menu offers all you’d expect from a Vietnamese menu and then some, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options as well as favourites such as summer rolls, flavour-packed noodle salads, fried rice dishes and of course Pho – traditional noodle soup with both meat and vegetarian varieties.
To start, I opted for mushroom cakes, a combination of enoki, king oyster and chestnut mushroom with garlic. They were superbly rich, earthy and perfectly enhanced by a crunchy peanut sauce. Don’t worry if nuts aren’t your thing, the starters come with a choice of three different dipping sauces.
My guest opted for nem nướng – char-grilled Vietnamese pork sausage, served street food style on a skewer, the succulent meat enhanced by the subtle flavour of lemongrass and chilli.
As the kitchen was clearly busy we’d expected a bit of a wait for the main courses but they arrived promptly and with a flourish. Mine was simply glorious – a chilli and lemongrass stir fry with succulent tofu and crisp veg in a vibrant sauce.
The chilli didn’t dominate but instead worked perfectly with the lemongrass for a refreshing finish; the accompanying coconut rice felt indulgent yet seamlessly in tune.
My guest opted for the pho and was highly impressed – and insisted the quality beef wouldn’t have been out of place on a Sunday dinner.
The soft rice noodles in fragrant, slow-simmered broth with herbs and vibrant spices was a popular choice, with generous bowls landing on almost every table.
The service was faultless, friendly and attentive but not overwhelming while the citrusy house wine was the perfect accompaniment to the savoury, salty and sweet flavours of the food itself.
If this is the coolest corner of Leeds then surely Hoiana is the hippest restaurant in town.
Factfile
Address: Saw Mill Yard, Holbeck
Telephone: 0113 548 0029
Opening hours: Mon 5pm-9pm; Tues-Fri noon-3pm then 5pm-9pm, Sat noon-9.30pm, Sun noon-8pm.
Website: www.hoianarestaurant.co.uk
Scores
Food: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Service: 10/10