Top 8 Cheap Eats In Leeds Revealed
If you’re wanting to treat yourself to something tasty but you don’t want to put a dent in your student bank account then don’t worry, whilst studying in Leeds you’ll have so many options when it comes to cheap eats.
Who said eating good has to cost a bomb? The array of food hubs in this West Yorkshire city sure didn’t, with cuisine to suit everyone’s taste buds, and budget!
Without further ado, here’s the top places to get some affordable but nonetheless delicious scran…
1. Lupes Cantina Mexicana
Lupes Cantina Mexicana is a low-key joint serving traditional Mexican plates in the heart of Burley.
The food focus here is on traditional Mexican street food with dishes like Taco Al Pastor with dry Mexican chilis, achiote rubbed pork, Chile arbol salsa, and grilled pineapple, which will only set you back £7.50.
If that doesn’t hit the spot, how about their Mexico City Quesadilla?
It’s a delicious corn tortilla stuffed with cheese, epazote, and served with sour cream and salsa Verde, which costs just £4.25.
Drop in to their art-filled space on Cardigan Road to get an authentic taste of Mexico, or order from this family run restaurant on UberEats.
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Address: 204 Cardigan Rd, Burley, Leeds LS6 1LF
2. Humpit – The Hummus & Pita Bar
So you’re looking for cheap eats in Leeds? Make sure to give Hummpit – The Hummus & Pita Bar a try.
Located inside Leeds University Union, this totally plant based fast food outlet focuses on warm filled pitas, salad boxes with hummus, falafel, pickles and sauces, and meal-size hummus bowls.
Dig into their tasty combo meal with a warm filled pita with falafel, hummus, salad, sauces and pickles along with fries and a drink for £8.50.
Or, order their salad box with vegan kebab topping, tahina and amba sauce which costs £7.50.
Open Monday to Friday 11:30 until 5pm, this place is not to miss if you’re after great tasting Middle-Eastern which is good value for money!
You can even order this award winning restaurant straight to your student flat through Deliveroo.
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Address: Leeds University Union basement level, Leeds LS2 9JZ
3. Bundobust
If you’re looking to eat out with your friends in the city centre but don’t want to stretch your student budget too much, we urge you to head to Bundobust.
Situated round the corner from Leeds Train Station on Mill Hill, this casual street food and craft beer hall offers vibrant and varied Indian food.
You can choose from an array of sweet and spicy flavoured small dishes which come in compostable cardboard containers so you can take them home.
Order their popular Bundo Chaat with layers of samosa pastry, chickpea, potato, onion, sev, and chilli sauce. Served cool, with yoghurt and tamarind chutney, this dish costs £5.50.
The best part? All of their dishes are vegetarian and most on the menu are able to be made vegan.
Gather with your besties and enjoy a meal on their bare brick and wooden benches, or order on Deliveroo from noon until late!
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Address: 6 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ
4. Fat Annie’s
On the hunt for mouth-watering grub which doesn’t put a dent in your pocket? Fat Annie’s is a must-try.
You’ll find this vegan American style street food vendor within Kirkgate Market in the heart of the city centre.
Inspired by the flavours of New York, this meat free food outlet serves all American breakfast dishes, juicy burgers, loaded fries and lush milkshakes.
If you’re wanting something flavorful for breakfast, why not try their Club Sandwich with a meat free sausage patty, tof-egg slice, cheeze and F.A secret sauce in a toasted brioche style bun?
Priced at £4.50, it’s certainly good value for money and tastes unreal.
For a tasty lunch, order their V.Frank hot dog which costs £4.25 and comes with smoked tofu frank, ketchup, mustard and crispy onions.
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Address: 28-34 George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
5. Mr Mackarel
Arguably some of the best Middle Eastern street food in Leeds, Mr Mackarel is not one to shy away from for high quality and inexpensive scran.
You’ll find this affordable Turkish restaurant inside Kirkgate Market, with a menu that brings the flavours of Istanbul to West Yorkshire.
The range of dishes here are sure to impress everyone, a stand out for us is their Lamb Kofta Sandwich Meal.
It comes with 1 skewer of grilled lamb kofta with salad in a sandwich, as well as a portion of chips and soft drink for £7.
There’s plenty of other options such as the grilled homemade Chicken Kofta Burger, for £4.50.
This hidden gem is well worth checking out for a cheap lunch or an early evening bite to eat.
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Address: Market Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Mr Mackerel, Leeds LS2 7BR
6. Jino’s Thai Cafe
If authentic Thai food is calling your name, then this Headingley restaurant will definitely deliver.
Jino’s Thai Cafe on North Lane offers a wonderful variety of Thai street food plates which deliver big flavour and don’t cost a fortune.
Will it be their Satay Chicken grilled on bamboo skewers, and served with peanut and veg pickle dips which tempts you?
Or maybe their Pad Thai Kai with egg and beansprouts?
Both dishes cost less than £7 so you won’t leave hungry, or with a dent in your wallet.
Having been a part of the Leed’s food scene since 2003, this family-run restaurant is one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again during your student years!
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Address: Jino’s Thai Cafe, 38 North Ln, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HU
7. Banh & Mee
With a reputation for providing Real Vietnamese cheap eats, Banh & Mee is a great option for students and locals alike.
This street food kitchen delivers fresh and authentic food, with must-try staples including their Banh Mi BBQ Pork, a crispy baguette filled with house pickles, fresh herbs, mayo and cucumber, with a side of sriracha sauce.
For £6 you can also get a Lemongrass Chicken Rice Box accompanied with side salad, house pickles and sriracha sauce on the side.
If you’re craving tasty food which is excellent value for money, take a stroll to this food hub inside Kirkgate Market.
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Address: Westminster Buildings, 31 New York St, Leeds LS2 7DT
8. Fuji Hiro
When it comes to student budget-friendly eats in Leeds, Fuji Hiro is a top choice.
Having opened in the city centre back in 1997, Fuji Hiro was the first Japanese restaurant to open in Leeds and is still bringing in customers over two decades later.
Whether you’re after some delicious ramen and pan-fried noodle dishes, dumplings, sushi, a bento box, curry or a rice dish, you won’t be disappointed with the selection on offer here.
Opt for their Spicy Tofu Bento Box with ginger, garlic, chili, coriander and miso sauce fried tofu, with rice and potato salad, egg noodle salad and vegetable tempura.
Priced at £8.50, you’ll get loads for your money – yum!
Still hungry? Try their Mango, Green Tea and Chocolate Ganache mochi balls for £3.95.
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Address: 45 Wade Ln, Leeds LS2 8NJ
As you’ve discovered fellow foodies, Leeds is not short of cheap eats with plentiful options to choose from to fill you up without costing an arm and a leg!
If you try out any of these delicious places, make sure to tag us @essentialstudentliving.
For students wondering how to boost their LinkedIn whilst at university, take a read of our blog post with tips and tricks.