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Once a month, the eponymous Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen hosts a “feast,” a gathering of people and food stalls to celebrate the widely diverse foodie culture in central Leeds. With free entry, DJs from midday, a dog- and kid-friendly atmosphere, and the choice of three dining areas (including a rooftop patio), it’s a perfect way to spend a warm-but-rainy Saturday afternoon.
This month’s food:
Choux Choux Patisserie
Manzoku Ramen
Vaso Kitchen
The Ball Box
Melt
Patty Smiths
Dough Boys Pizza
My choice of food, being vegan, was of course going to be Manzoku Ramen’s vegan lunch box and ramen bowl.
Included in the lunch box is a vegan katsu curry with breaded tofu and aubergine on a bed of rice, two samples of korroke (japanese veggie croquettes, battered and fried before topped with a sweet sauce) and a portion of asian slaw. The subtle taste of the sauce paired beautifully with the soft silkiness of the tofu and aubergine, and the korroke were an amazing burst of sweet and umami in a bite-sized portion.
The ramen bowl included slow-cooked sriracha tofu, the salty and umami goodness of a miso base, and veg including pak choi, tomato, spring onion, chilli, and pickles, all on an ample serving of ramen noodles. A good ramen bowl, especially a vegan one, is hard to come by, with it traditionally being made with egg noodles in a chicken stock, but Manzoku Ramen know exactly how to make flavours jump out in your mouth. Each bite was a new experience, with all the variety of ingredients therein
For the meat- and dairy-eaters, there’s plenty of options at both Manzoku and the rest of the booths. My non-vegan companion chose to try the meatball sandwich offered by the Ball Box (who also offer a vegan meatball option!). Slow-cooked in a tomato sauce and combined between two buns with a variety of vegetables, and then paired with a creamy slaw, the meatball sandwich is everything you could ask for in a nicely-packaged burger. The Ball Box also offers a fun extra: mac and cheese balls!