Even though I eat a fair amount, I’m guilty of avoiding the city center most of the time so the list of restaurants I want to try there builds and builds. The downside of this is that Leeds city center has a pretty decent selection of vegetarian restaurants… that I rarely visit.
The second I heard about Bundobust opening last summer it was on my list, but I’m ashamed to say it took me until April to finally visit. On the flipside, as I’d already been, I was doubly excited when Fran suggested that we go there for the most recent Yorkshire Bloggers lunch.
Bundobust, which in Hindi means ‘ tying and binding,’ is a collaboration meat-free Indian restaurant Prashad (which is also incredible and has a fantastic cookbook) and Sparrow Bar. Both are based just down the road in Bradford and began attending events to serve Indian street food and craft beer together in 2013; so successful were these events that the two decided to set up shop permanently last summer. Bundobust ties and binds them together in a new(ish) fully meat-free Leeds-based venture.
Indian food takes on a new lease of life here and the street food is served up in small portions – I can vouch for their suggestion of one for a snack, two for a lunch, and three for a dinner. On the menu vegan options are clearly marked, as are gluten-free ones and they have an amazing selection of vegan-friendly beers (again, clearly marked if any aren’t vegan – only one or two as far as I can remember). On my first visit I tried the coriander beer with its subtle citrus flavor but this time I went for the coconut beer, which transported me back to the Costa Rican beach I’d been on barely a week prior but did leave me a touch hazy for the rest of the afternoon!
For my lunch, I opted for the vegetarian Vada Pav, a burger of spicy mashed potato coated in gram flour, and the vegan, gluten-free Orka Fries. I can’t recommend both of them enough! We also tried the Spicy Nuts and they made a nice accompaniment alongside the lunchtime beer.
Both of my visits have been with meat-eaters in tow and everyone has been equally impressed. It’s also fantastic that Bundobust are doing their bit to regenerate Mill Hill, a formerly derelict area between Leeds train station and city center.
It was great to catch up with Fran, Fran and Adelle, plus Bee and Anna who it was lovely to meet for the first time. It’s always such an inspiration to talk with these ladies who know what blogging life is all about; be sure to hop over and discover these beautiful Yorkshire bloggers if you haven’t yet!
Are there any great veggie restaurants near you?
