A Review: Manjit’s Kitchen

Eating locally around Leeds,this month I learnt a valuable lesson: flavour and quality don’t have to be compromised by a low price. I learnt this firsthand when I took a trip down to Manjit’s Kitchen in Kirkgate Market; a fabulous female-run business based in the heart of our city. Location wise, this place is perfect for a lunchtime bite following a shopping trip or as a study session treat and a change of scene. 

When I bobbed down earlier this month, I met the lovely Manjit herself. After telling her my aim of showing off their lunchtime treats that won’t break the bank, she highlighted a few dishes and let me try them. Oh. Wow. I chose to review this place as I have had many delicious dinners here before. If it’s possible, this trip was even better! 

The first dish I tried was the Vadu Pav for £6.50: a battered, spiced potato ball with green chutney, garlic, coconut and tamarind in a bread bun. Amazing! This dish probably wasn’t a wise thing to try first as it was warm and filling and left little space for the two other meals I tried. The spices were flavoursome and subtle giving the bun a mouth-watering quality.

The second dish I sampled was the Pakora wrap, also costing £6.50. Manjit’s Kitchen is second to none for affordable, filling dishes for sitting and savouring or for eating on the run. The pakora wrap, with pakora cheese, fresh salad and a selection of tantalising sauces, was a little messy however, so definitely worth the time to sit in the bustling market and enjoy. It is easily the perfect lunch for a spot of people watching. 

Finally, I had to go out with a bang and sample the Thali. The thali is composed of two homemade curries, hot cumin rice, fresh salad and a soft roti. This was the showstopper! Both curries were hot, packed with flavour and completely different to one another. The presentation was top notch, served on a divided platter so the flavour can be enjoyed separately, or together. This dish is perfect when savoured with the refreshing and creamy mango lassi. 

Meeting Manjit and her team was a treat- it was a pleasure to see how much love and effort goes into what these ladies do. Sitting amongst the ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ fellow customers and seeing these ladies at work was lovely. I urge anyone heading to the centre to try their winter warmers and meet the team- you will not be disappointed and will get to try something rich, filling and yet so affordable.

On this occasion, my dad also tagged along after hearing where I was planning to visit. With the speed at which he devoured the food (barely with time for pictures), I can confirm that Manjit’s Kitchen is parent-approved if your family is coming for a visit. 

Thank you Manjit and your team.

Words and Images by Ella Brownbilll-Meehan