Let us tell you about a fantastic afternoon we spent recently! Jet2holidays invited us on a special Leeds Food Tour, and it was an absolute delight for our taste buds and wanderlust.
We started on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Queen’s Hotel, close to the train station. Our brilliant guides, from Leeds Food Tours were ready to show us the city and its international flavours.
We have lived in Leeds previously, so we know the city (quite) well. However, we had only been to one of the 5 places we were taken and would recommend the tour even if you are a local.
Stop 1: Germany
Our first stop was a real surprise: I Am Doner, serving authentic German kebabs. Forget greasy late-night takeaway fare!
This was a revelation – fresh flatbread piled high with juicy beef, tangy feta, and crispy veg, drizzled with a delicious sauce. It was the perfect way to kick off our taste bud adventure.
Stop 2: Spain
Next, we strolled through the city centre, learning interesting facts from Linda about Leeds’ history. Did you know Park Row was the first street in Britain to have traffic lights?
We ended our walk at El Gato Negro Tapas, a stylish restaurant where we were treated to a mouthwatering selection of Spanish tapas. It brought back so many happy memories of holidays in Spain, and made us crave more adventures in the sun.
Stop 3: Greece
With a bit more walking to build up an appetite, we arrived at Tavernaki Bistro, a hidden gem serving Greek Cypriot cuisine. From creamy feta and juicy olives to flavorful stews and giant white beans, it was a feast for the senses.
This stop made us realise we are well overdue for a return trip to Greece – perhaps Kos, Rhodes, or even Crete?
Stop 4: Italy
Could we possibly eat any more? Well, the aroma of Stuzzi’s Italian Bistro on Merrion Street was too tempting to resist. Here, we devoured delectable Arancini balls, fried Sicilian street food filled with flavorful rice and a molten, buttery centre.
It brought back memories of my visits to Palermo and Sardinia, and made us realise Italy is always a good idea, from bustling Rome to the Amalfi Coast.
Stop 5: Turkey
Our final stop was a trip to Turkey, right in the heart of Leeds City Markets! Here, we tried authentic mackerel sandwiches, a popular Istanbul street food. Packed with grilled fish, onions, and peppers, it was another explosion of flavour.
This stop made me realise how much we want to explore more of Turkey beyond Istanbul. Antalya, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman – where should we go next?
A Perfect Afternoon
The entire food tour took about four hours, and it was the perfect balance of delicious bites, interesting walks, and good company.
We visited five venues, each offering a taste of a different Jet2 holiday destination. It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, and it left us wanting to explore more of Europe through food tours.
If you’re ever in Leeds, I highly recommend signing up for a food tour. And if you’re looking for a delicious and affordable way to experience the world, consider a Jet2 holiday! You might be surprised by the global flavours you can find.