Yorkshire Food & Drink: Try a taste of authentic Indian street food in Leeds at half price for January date

Diners in this city are spoiled when it comes to eating out, but the wide choice, unusual fusions and attention to customer service, combined with the passion and authenticity of owner and head chef Nitin Sharma, have made foodies in Leeds sit up and take notice of Delhi Wala Food.

The restaurant has 24-40 covers and has an informal and cosy feel – ideal for evenings out with family and friends or for a date night out. It’s fully licensed with a great wine and spirits choice and cocktails as well as a wide mix of non-alcoholic foods.

Nitin describes it as “more than just a restaurant—it's an ode to the heart and soul of Delhi's vibrant street food culture”.

With a separate lunch menu served from noon-3pm, where every dish is under £10 and there are Thali options – like Indian tapas – it’s a firm favourite with workers and shoppers too.

Meet the patron

Nitin is a seasoned chef who hails from Delhi, India’s capital city, where he studied his craft. He worked all over the world - from five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, to Edinburgh’s oldest Indian restaurant Kushi’s, which opened in 1947; from head chef at Loch Fyne to Marco Pierre White’s restaurants, via Carluccios and Wagamama- and has certainly had an eclectic culinary background.

But he always had a passion for his home-city’s cuisine, which is as lively, colourful and varied as Delhi itself. Nitin explains that because Delhi attracts people from all over the sub-continent food styles mix and are unlike anything elsewhere in India.

A family business

Having bought a house in Leeds Nitin and his wife Jyotsna, a director of the company who works front of house, became part of the small Indian community in the city. One of their friends asked him to cater for a party he was hosting – and the rest is history.

“People were asking him who had done his catering,” said Nitin. “They really loved the food so I started to do cooking for people and events, more like a hobby really – a little sideline.”

But it grew and he made the break from working for others to open a modest café and takeaway in Halifax – it was 2019 and just before Covid struck. But, having built a reputation and strong following early, the business survived and thrived, going on to scoop several awards including a Travellers’ Choice on Trip Advisor for 2021/22 and several nominations in the English Curry Awards. In 2022 it was awarded a Yorkshire Prestige Award for delivery.

But, he was always on the lookout for premises in Leeds, and when one of the units under the arches at Bishopsgate Street, near the station, became vacant, he jumped at the chance and Delhi Wala Food opened on January 16, 2023.

“When I was working as a head chef it was a good job, I was earning good money,” said Nitin. “Starting your own business is really hard, but I have a passion for my cooking and people’s support and recognition is what drives me forward.”

He and Jyotsna, who have an 11-year-old son and one year old daughter, run the business together. It is they who decorated the place with an Indian street theme vibe and bring their passion and warm welcome to the venue. Nitin has taken on two trainee chefs as well, who both hail from Nepal.

“When you come here, it’s like being welcomed to someone’s home to enjoy great food and a lovely atmosphere. I didn’t want it to be corporate.”

About the food

There is a wealth of choice on the menu including meat dishes and vegetarian dishes. Vegan food is not just one or two options here – there is an entire menu of vegan dishes, from starters to desserts.

It has already been nominated in two national awards – Indian Street Food Restaurant of the year and Indian Restaurant of the Year (North).

From stuffed flatbreads (Parathas) to dals, sizzing kebabs to tangy chaat, fresh foods are carefully prepared and spiced to delight the tastebuds.

One signature dish is Shyam Savera – which means black and white – is a recipe learned from a celebrity chef in India whom Nitin worked with. It’s a vegetable dumpling with spinach and cottage cheese, which looks black on the outside and is white inside.

And Nitin has created his own unique section of the menu with Chinese-Indian fusion dishes including Chilli Chicken and Ghobi Munchurian (cauliflower).

What you said

With an impressive 300 plus Google reviews in under a year, it has earned 4.7 out of five; and has a 4.5 out of five ranking on Trip Advisor.

Described as a “Little gem from Delhi” one reviewer said: “Great food and service. Must try this little gem. Bring the flavour of Delhi. Well done. See you soon.”

Another paid tribute to “absolutely lovely food and staff” and said: “My friend and I had a lovely meal here today. It is a small family run business. It is in a great place near the train station. It is a busy little place. The food was absolutely lovely. The staff are so polite and I wish them all the best. I can see them eventually needing a bigger place as they are good at what they do.”

Whilst a recent reviewer described it as “One of the best Indian food places in Leeds.”

Half-price offer

It’s open Monday to Friday for lunch between noon and 3pm, dinner between 5 and 10.30pm, all day Saturday from Noon – 10.30pm and Sunday from Noon to 9pm. Takeaway is also an option with delivery through various third parties.

To celebrate its first anniversary, the restaurant is offering a 50% discount on food on January 16*.

See the website for more details, menus and how to book https://www.delhiwalafood.co.uk/index.html

*Terms and conditions apply