Wen’s

Serving up comforting home cooked Chinese food from its home in North Street, Leeds, Wen’s is a tried and true family-run favourite. First opened in 2019, it has thrilled locals by providing a new independent staple to replace the well loved Hansa’s – a once-legendary Gujarati restaurant first opened in the same unit back in 1986. In place of intricate thalis and puffed, flaky breads, today diners will find comforting, home-cooked Chinese plates, dumplings and nibbles – all created with love and care by the family at its core. 

Taking over from the beloved Hansa’s, a fixture in North Street for over thirty years, over the past few years Wen’s has thrilled locals and tourists alike with its attentive service, welcoming atmosphere, and dishes created with love. The family here is originally from Shandon via Beijing, but the menu here is far pretty ranging with a noticeable appreciation for plates from Sichuan.

Headed up by matriarch Mrs Wen, who makes all of the restaurants’ dumplings and hand stretched noodles herself (as is proudly stated on the menu), you’ll find all the usual suspects on offer alongside some more unusual plates. Boasting generous portions and cheap to boot, signatures here include Dan Dan noodles, homemade pan fried dumplings, crispy lean pork in sweet and sour sauce, and the Kung Pao chicken.

Those feeling adventurous should also look at the cold starters menu – packed with everything from shredded chicken with mung bean pastry (a Shandong favourite), to chicken, beef tendons, shredded potatoes, or sliced pork belly in chilli oil, and marinated jellyfish with shredded Chinese leaves.Elsewhere, explore new dishes like stir fried hot chilli pepper with Chinese style bacon, pickled Chinese leaf with pork belly and frozen tofu, and the crispy deep fried whole sea bass in a sweet vinegar sauce.

Drinks wise you’ll find a good selection of beers, wines and softs on offer to wash everything down, as well as plentiful helpings of complimentary green tea.Open Tuesday to Saturday, expect traditional service: so  don’t expect all your mains and starters to come at once. A favourite in Leeds for quality home cooked Chinese food, Wen’s is a must visit and deserves all the praise it gets.