Bundobust Leeds

Offering meat-free Indian street food and craft beer in laid-back surroundings near Leeds train station, Bundobust has struck a winning formula. The dining space is stripped back, with long wooden tables, plastic cutlery, exposed brickwork and eye-catching artwork: a fitting space to enjoy a menu of snacks and sharing plates that’s exclusively vegetarian (though doesn’t shout about it). Our moreish spiced okra fries were coated in chickpea flour and seasoned with black salt and mango powder. Crisp biryani bhaji balls resembled arancini flavoured with whole spices; and a burger of spicy mashed potato, fried until golden, was enlivened by chillies. We especially enjoyed bundo chaat, a rollercoaster of flavours and textures including samosa pastry, chickpeas, tamarind chutney and turmeric noodles. The beer list showcases local brewers such as Northern Monk, plus limited-edition ales as specials. With its enthusiastic service, elegantly spiced dishes and enticing drinks, Bundobust is somewhere to savour.

Bundobust is a funky modern restaurant that offers authentic Indian street food in a relaxed and informal setting with a great selection of craft beers from local and international breweries alike. The Gurjarat-inspired street food menu provides a whole new take on Indian dining which many people will be unfamiliar with. The small portions of snacks and finger food provide colourful bursts of flavour and texture perfect for sharing with a table of family or friends.

The rustic colourful interiors with wooden tables and seats, exposed brickwork and disposable (but fully compostable) plates and cutlery add to the authenticity of the venue that draws influence from the laid-back family-run cafés of North West India. From the selection of dishes to ‘munch’ diners can choose from the likes of bhel puri – a classic Mumbai street snack that combines broken samosa pastry and puffed rice with peas, onion, pomegranate and tomato in a tamarind chutney; or idli sambhar- steamed rice cakes in a hot and sour lentil and aubergine soup fragranced with coconut, curry leaf and mustard seed chutney. More substantial dishes include a masala dosa pancake filled with cauliflower, and potato masala; barbecued paneer with mushroom and peppers marinated in tikka masala yogurt served with red pepper ketchup and a spinach chutney; and a classic tarka dhal spiced with cumin garlic and chilli and served with basmati rice.

If decision making is too difficult the ‘combo’ options are a great value way to try a balanced selection of dishes. Combos for two people start at £25.50 while for £82.50 diners will be presented with every single dish on the menu which is enough food to go around six to eight people.

Alongside a good selection of beer and wine the drinks list includes a selection of innovative and affordable cocktails including a ginger amaretto sour, coconut and mango mojito and a mango and rose water bramble. Chai lovers will love Bundobust’s house brew with the option to add Bailey’s, Bourbon or Cognac for an extra boozy hit.