If you’ve ever searched for “Dishoom Leeds”, you’re not alone. Dishoom has built a cult following across the UK, known for its vintage Bombay café style, flavourful comfort food, and immersive dining experience. But here’s the reality: Dishoom hasn’t opened in Leeds—yet.
The good news? You don’t have to wait. Right here in the heart of the city is Kerala Canteen, a homegrown gem delivering everything food lovers seek in Dishoom—and more.
Introducing Kerala Canteen: Leeds’ Authentic Answer to Dishoom
Kerala Canteen is a modern South Indian restaurant born in Yorkshire, led by Chef Bobby Geetha—a finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals and a celebrated face on the Great British Menu. The restaurant channels the vibrant spirit of Kerala’s street food and coastal kitchens into a tapas-style, spice-driven dining experience.
While Dishoom celebrates Bombay, Kerala Canteen celebrates the flavours of Southern India, making it a unique, equally immersive and high-quality alternative in Leeds.
Why People Search for Dishoom in Leeds
Dishoom has mastered the art of narrative dining—colonial-era café styling, curated playlists, and deeply comforting food. But Leeds diners don’t need to travel to London or Manchester to find bold Indian flavours with a story. Kerala Canteen brings the same passion for storytelling and even deeper regional authenticity to the table.
What’s on the Menu? Real Flavours, Real Fire
Dishoom is known for slow-cooked daals, bacon naan rolls, and rich curries. Kerala Canteen brings its own showstoppers:
- Beef & Bone Marrow Curry (Kerala toddy shop-style)
- Duck Kothu Porotta (street food classic with fried egg)
- Jackfruit Biryani (vegan, coconut yoghurt and jeerakasala rice)
- Gunpowder Potatoes (triple-cooked with house-blended podi)
- Trivandrum Fried Chicken (crispy, tangy, crowd favourite)
And don’t skip the desserts: Dubai Cheesecake with Gulab Jamun, Cardamom Brownies, and Vegan Jaggery Crumble add a sweet ending.
Why Kerala Canteen Could Be Even Better Than Dishoom
Leeds has long deserved an Indian restaurant that’s creative, authentic and chef-led. Kerala Canteen checks every box:
- Yorkshire-born with global standards
- Uses seasonal, local ingredients and authentic Kerala spices
- Located minutes from BBC Leeds, The Wardrobe, and the First Direct Arena
- Offers pre-theatre menus, corporate catering, private dining and delivery
- A full cocktail bar with spice-infused creations
In short, while Dishoom offers Bombay nostalgia, Kerala Canteen delivers modern South Indian soul.
Set Menus, Tappy Hour & Group Dining
Looking for incredible value and flavour? Try:
Pre-Theatre Menu – £11.75: Curry bowl + side
Set Menu – £22.95: Starter, main, side & dessert
Tappy Hour – £12.50: Small plate + drink (Tues–Fri, till 6PM)
Perfect for office lunches, after-work catch-ups, or pre-show dining.
Comparing Dishoom vs. Kerala Canteen
Feature Dishoom Kerala Canteen Location in Leeds
City Centre, LS9
Regional Cuisine
Bombay-Style
Kerala / South Indian
Chef-Driven Menu
Partially
Chef Bobby Geetha
Private Dining Limited
Seats 12–16 Guests
Cocktails Classic
Kerala-Infused Cocktails
Vegan Options Some
Full Vegan Menu
Delivery Limited
Uber Eats & Deliveroo
What Locals Are Saying
“A South Indian restaurant that rivals Dishoom and then some.”
“Flavour, atmosphere, and spice—Kerala Canteen is Leeds’ answer to Dishoom.”
“Yorkshire has its own star now. No need to wait for Dishoom to open here.” Visit Kerala Canteen
5 St Peter’s Place, Leeds LS9 8AQ, Time- Tues–Fri: 5–9:30pm | Sat: 12–9:30pm | Closed Sun–Mon📱 Book: info@keralacanteen.com | 0113 873 0635🚶 Just steps from the Arena, Playhouse & BBC Leeds
Conclusion: Leeds Already Has Its Dishoom—And It’s Better
Dishoom may be iconic, but Kerala Canteen is original. Rooted in Yorkshire, powered by passion, and flavoured by Kerala’s coastline, it offers an immersive, flavourful dining experience that rivals anything you’d find in London or Manchester.
No need to search “Dishoom Leeds” anymore. Just head to Kerala Canteen. It’s the local alternative you’ve been looking for.
