To say Wokon was getting slammed is an understatement.
They operate two restaurants in Leeds: a smaller branch near the station and a larger one at the bottom end of Briggate. That morning the Briggate site had been hit by a string of problems, leaving them with leaking water and no gas.
No gas.
Not ideal when nearly everything is cooked in a wok over fierce flames like you’d find in Southeast Asia.
The affected restaurant was diverting customers to the station branch, and we were among them. When we arrived at New Station Street, staff were racing to keep up and the queues were long.
The cook was visibly under pressure. His colleague — taking orders, prepping ingredients, serving and helping at the wok — was moving faster than I’ve ever seen anyone move, taking and giving sharp words in the heat of service. Small mistakes happened — a customer’s noodles came without the extra chicken he’d asked for — but these were quickly fixed and understandable given the chaos.
Ethan chose a chicken satay: thick egg noodles with egg, bean sprouts and tender chicken in a chow mien sauce. I went for a spicy chilli combo with chicken, pork and beef in a fiery sauce. Both dishes were excellent: fresh, piping hot and perfectly cooked. The meat was tender and the noodles retained a pleasing bite. At around five pounds each, this is as good as quick Southeast Asian or Japanese-inspired takeaway gets.
As we ate, staff from the Briggate branch arrived carrying huge sacks of bean sprouts and noodles. Their arrival brought welcome relief and helped calm the kitchen.
After the rush, the cook estimated their trade had increased by about 60% — a huge surge if you’re not staffed or prepped for it. Despite that, he kept orders moving and the food quality never suffered. We didn’t have to wait long for our meals.
The noodles are served in deep takeaway boxes neatly closed with a wire carry handle. It’s ideal for takeaway: sturdy, convenient and spill-resistant. A steady stream of customers left swinging a little box of noodles by a wire handle, effectively advertising their lunch as they walked past. It’s clever, simple marketing.
Some central Leeds offices must smell incredible around lunchtime.
Wokon have got the formula just right: good food, generous portions, slick packaging and sensible prices. It’s fast, reliable and satisfying — exactly what you want from a noodle bar.
Wokon Noodle Bar – Briggate
156 Briggate
Leeds
LS1 6LY
Tel: 0113 234 6666
Wokon Noodle Bar – New Station Street
4 New Station Street
Leeds
LS1 5DL
Tel: 0113 245 2106
www.wokon.co.uk