Are you a big fan of a tasty bite to eat? Us too. That’s why we regularly invite the best street food independents in Leeds to showcase their wares at Wellington Place.
Our lunchtime street food fair, Street Food in the Square, is held on the last Thursday of each month and brings Leeds’ best street food right to your rumbling stomach. From crispy Indian pakoras to flavour-packed pitas, bonafide Wagyu steaks to deep-fried pizza (yes, really), there’s a dish for all appetites. Let us introduce you to some of the top vendors who regularly cook up a storm here.
1) Luigi’s Street Food
Authentic Italian street food in Leeds? Yes please. Luigi’s Street Food started out by making moreish arancini balls, but soon realised they had another trick up their sleeve… fried pizza. They’re now famous across Leeds for their incredible fried calzone, made with proper Italian pizza dough and laden with toppings before being dunked in the fryer. Pull it apart slowly for the ultimate stringy cheese moment!
Far from a fad, fried pizza is well known in southern Italy’s Napoli. Luigi’s is proud to give the people of Leeds, and Wellington Place, the chance to try it. Feeling extra hungry? Pair your slice with a portion of mozzarella sticks or arancini for a proper Italian feast.
2) Rita’s Indian Kitchen
If you’re after something with a little more spice, Rita’s Indian Kitchen is the perfect choice and has even featured on Steph’s Packed Lunch. It’s run by none other than Rita herself – a mother-of-two who decided to leave her 15-year career as a maths teacher to follow her passion for food. After a single taste of her authentic Indian street food, you’ll be mighty glad she did.
With a proud Punjabi heritage, Rita’s cuisine fuses classic flavours with a twist. Some of the most popular dishes include Rita’s warming chickpea curry, vegetarian samosas, tangy samosa chaat, plus ever-changing daily specials with just the right amount of heat. Fish pakora, anyone?
3) Shoot The Bull
It’s not often you see a quality Wagyu steakhouse on wheels, but that’s precisely what you get with Hull-born Shoot The Bull. It’s a real meat-lover’s dream, offering USA-inspired comfort food that guarantees you won’t go hungry. Their signature dish is the Cowboy Wagyu Steak and Fries, topped with their famous cowboy butter. Other popular options include a melt-in-the-mouth pork belly sub and fried Oreos sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
Quality is at the heart of Shoot The Bull. Wagyu is used in all beef products and they pride themselves on the restaurant-style presentation of each dish. Basically, this isn’t your ordinary takeaway lunch. Watch out for some brand new menu items in 2023, alongside a few exciting tweaks to their tried-and-tested recipes.
4) Shouk Street Food
Be transported to the Middle East with Shouk Street Food’s fresh and fabulous dishes. All of its food is made from scratch and most dishes are vegan too. A roster of classic Middle Eastern ingredients reside on the menu, from crispy falafel to delicious halloumi. Plus, super-fresh salads, pickles and lashings of gently-spiced sauces. A winner if you want something that’s super yummy, but healthy too and doesn’t leave you feeling too heavy after lunch!
Our recommendation? You can’t go wrong with their soft, fluffy pitas crammed full of all the good stuff. Don’t forget to pick up a napkin! Or, if you’ve got a carving for loaded fries, why not opt for Shouk’s unique take topped with marinated shawarma, pickles, tomato salsa, pickled cabbage and crispy onions? All finished with a drizzle of garlic mayo harissa – perfection.
5) Mexican Pilgrim
If you love Mexican food, look no further than Mexican Pilgrim. A long-standing Wellington Place favourite, they take the humble burrito and elevate it to the next level. No surprise they’re considered one of the best Leeds street food vendors.
Picture this: crunchy lettuce, beans, fresh guacamole, punchy sour cream and a choice of fillings ranging from spiced chicken to succulent pork. Wrap it all up in a soft tortilla wrap, lightly toasted for a warming crunch, and you’ve got yourself a handful of lunchtime heaven. Warning: these bad boys can get messy but are oh so worth it!
6) Vegan Spice
Bringing together scrumptious Indian flavours with a sustainable focus, Vegan Spice’s homemade vegan food is sure to give your belly a big warm hug. Their mission is simple: to share hearty, healthy, happy food with as many people as possible. We’re delighted to welcome them here at Wellington Place.
Quality ingredients rule the roost on Vegan Spice’s no-nonsense menu. Take your pick from a masala curry of the day or a Bombay biryani. Their lovely cooks will be more than happy to talk you through how it’s all made. Oh, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a couple of their tantalising samosas and onion bhajis!
Find out who’ll be joining us at our next Street Food in the Square on Thursday 27 April, 12 – 2pm. We also support other independents, so keep an eye out for our upcoming craft markets.
