Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Why Leeds is great if you're vegan
Leeds’ food scene is thriving, with brand new restaurants opening each and every month. Among these new restaurants, almost all have at least some tasty vegan offerings, with many having entire menus devoted to delicious plant-based meals.
As well as having lots of varied and wonderful new openings, Leeds has plenty of vegan-friendly old favourites, and many well-known chain restaurants which serve up vegan meals and treats, such as Nando’s, Wagamamma, YO Sushi, Zizi and Pizza Express.
Here’s just a hint of what you can enjoy in Leeds as a vegetarian or vegan – pretty cool, right?
Cheap vegan meals and snacks (for under £5)
Humpit
This little gem is located within the beautiful Corn Exchange building in Leeds city centre. Humpit sells freshly made hummus, yummy falafel and fluffy pita breads – all for great prices. It’s perfect for a quick healthy lunch when you’re exploring the city centre.
Student favourite vegan dishes:
- The Humpit Classic – a bowl of creamy hummus with pitta on the side
Leeds Beckett SU
If you’re after a fast, cheap meal on campus that’s vegan friendly, then the SU is the place for you. The SU serves plenty of vegan meals, and even more which you can make vegan on request. It’s perfect for stopping by in-between lectures!
- Veggie breakfast
- Tomato and pesto panini
- Jacket potato with veggie chilli
Cosy Club
Cosy club is on Albion Street, right in the heart of Leeds city centre. We dare you not to be impressed by their adorable vintage décor, roof terrace, quirky cocktails and extensive vegan menu!
Student favourite vegan dishes:
- Thai burger – spicy quinoa burger with coconut sauce, sweet chilli jam and fries
- Super food bowl (for when you’re in need of a health hit!)
- Chocolate and orange torte with raspberry sauce
Mogs
Well, Mogs really doesn’t need much introduction. This all-vegan takeaway is the stuff of legend in Leeds. It serves the yummiest junk food you could imagine – perfect for when you feel like a treat. Take a look at their Instagram feed we guarantee you’ll be hungry afterwards!
Student favourite vegan dishes:
- Bossman burger – southern fried ‘chicken’, vegan cheese, hashbrown
- BBQ ‘chicken’ wrap complete with crispy onions
- Big mog burger – vegan beef patty, big mog sauce, vegan cheese and pickles
Bundobust
This laid-back, minimalist vegetarian restaurant is located on Mill Hill, close to Leeds train station. It serves delicious Indian street food and some unusual craft beers. Most dishes here can be made vegan, so be sure to ask when you arrive. Their combo meal deals also mean that a yummy meal for two is pretty affordable on a student budget - result!
Student favourite vegan dishes:
- Okra fries – fried lady’s fingers coated in chickpea batter. A must-try!
- Massala dosa – mini rice pancakes with a cauliflower and potato dry fry
Oranaise Café
Oranaise is a North African café and takeaway that’s located on Hyde Park corner, in the middle of city and Headingley campus. They have a HUGE dedicated vegan menu, which has quite the variety of items on it – including breakfast, burgers, pizza, kebabs, tapas, tagines and more.
Student favourite vegan dishes:
- Vegan chicken wrap, spicy vegan mayo, smoked hummus and salad
- The ‘Yummy’ pizza - vegan cheese, cooked spinach, aubergine, courgette and garlic
- Tofu kebab
Cantina
Cantina is Leeds’ first all vegan restaurant. It’s located up near Merrion Street, meaning that it’s easy to get to from city campus. Their menu is ever-changing, meaning you can visit regularly and never get bored.
Student favourite vegan dishes:
- Southern fried tofu bites with chipotle BBQ sauce
- Faux fish and chunky chips
- Seitan hotdog with onions, mustard, ketchup and chunky chips
My Thai
My Thai has a couple of restaurants in Leeds, meaning that in the city centre you’re never far away from one. They’re lively and inviting spaces which sell traditional Thai cuisine. Their new vegan only menu means that you can enjoy all of your your favourite Thai meals (such as green and red curry) minus the meat and dairy.
Student favourite vegan dishes:
- Pad Thai – rice noodles, carrots, beansprouts and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts
- Tuk Tuk fried rice
- Red curry
Roots and Fruits
Roots and Fruits is another vegetarian only café in Leeds. It’s been around for over 20 years and it’s located in the Grand Arcade – a quirky little arcade full of independent shops, bars and cafes. Why not head there and have a little wander around to while away an afternoon?
Student favourite vegan dishes:
- The whole bowl - chipotle black beans, brown rice, mango salsa, guacamole and vegan ‘cheesy’ sauce
- Jerk jackfruit served with wraps and coconut sour cream
Socialising with like-minded vegans and environmentalists
Leeds Beckett’s Vegetarian and Vegan society
All of these places are pretty amazing, and there are plenty more which we couldn’t fit onto our list. The very best way to find out more about what’s on offer for vegans in Leeds is by joining Leeds Beckett’s Vegetarian and Vegan society. They host socials and tasting evenings, as well as enjoying plenty of fun nights out. Take a look at Leeds Beckett SU’s website to find out how you can join them.
Cookery classes
If you love vegan meals but struggle cooking them, why not head to a cookery class to brush up on your skills? ‘Leeds cookery school’ hosts in-depth classes, as well as more relaxed group events. Why not go along and learn to cook something spectacular for your new housemates? Or, go along with a few friends and make a night of it. A great thing about Leeds is that once you’ve mastered your new recipes, you could include some funky ingredients, as we have plenty of exciting international supermarkets for you to have a snoop around.
The Grub and Grog Shop’s veggie food evenings
The Grub and Grog shop is based in Sheaf Street Cafeteria, a funky little venue which hosts many different events. All of their events have a common feature - fresh, delicious vegetarian and vegan food. Upcoming events include: an Indonesian food evening, a vegan street food and live music event and a pop-up board game café.
Vegan food and drink festivals
Vegan food festivals are becoming a regular occurrence here in Leeds. At Christmas, Leeds Town Hall hosts a Christmas vegan market, where you can bring your friends and have a great evening stocking up on gifts and eating delicious food! Leeds Indie Food also hosts ‘Veg North’, a monthly plant-based street food celebration, where you can wash down your yummy food quirky craft beers and wines.
