Mans Market Leeds

I love Chinese food, yet I don’t get to enjoy it as much as I usually would as my other half isn’t a fan, so when I was invited to the launch of a hip new Chinese restaurant in Leeds called Mans Market, I couldn’t wait.

Laura and I headed to Mans Market and walked through a small door and were met by Chinese umbrellas, a wall of bags and a wall of cats, which we later came to understand was to represent the Ladies Market in Hong Kong. Down we headed and into a funky bar where we were each handed a cocktail. Past the bar it opened out into the restaurant which was very industrial in terms of decor, with a private dining area setup to look like a shopping container.

We all took our seats and the food began to arrive, we were able to taste the majority of the menu as we shared the dishes across the table. My favourite starter was definitely the pork and prawn dim sum, closely followed by the firecracker prawns. My favourite main course was definitely the sweet and sour chicken which was served on a skewer, something I’ve never seen in a Chinese restaurant.

We all commented how we didn’t feel bloated after trying the menu, something I know I tend to feel after Chinese food. It was the little touches that made the evening so enjoyable, such as the fact you could choose the healthier option of brown rice, or the idea of clipping your food, drink or bill request above you. The fact that this city centre restaurant doesn’t charge the Earth for a main course, means it really is an option for all.

We spoke to Ray Chan, the owner, who explained he wanted to break away from the stereotypical Chinese restaurant (think red, a dragon on the wall and a fish tank), and bring something to Leeds that is accessible and hip. He took inspiration from his travels to Hong Kong and New York, and many of the drinks on the menu are named after places in the village his family come from. I thoroughly enjoyed the launch and will definitely be back with friends and family. If you’re in Leeds, go try it, I have a feeling this place is going to be the new ‘IT’ restaurant in Leeds for a good while.

If you visit Mans Market let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you to Ray, Mav and the team at Pink Gorilla.

Lauren xx