45 Wade Lane,
LEEDS,
LS2 8NJ
(0113) 2439184
The ViewLeeds Review
A great place to get away from the crowds for a bowl of piping hot noodles and down-to-earth dining.
The Venue
Situated on the side of the Merrion Centre, and in not the most desirable part of town, the brown tinted-windows of Fuji Hiro have long been concealing a wonderful little noodle bar.
Inside doesn’t get the heart racing aesthetically, with formica-topped tables and vinyl-covered chairs, but it does retain a certain quirky, traditional charm, like something you'd find in Kyoto's back streets. It’s close to the theatre so it’s great for an early dinner if you’re off to the opera or to see a musical.
The People
Regulars keep this place in business, with fanatical support from those who want no frills, good Japanese food. You see alot of people eating alone in here, a clear indication of the quality and affordability of the place.
There’s no pretentiousness at all and that’s what Fuji Hiro’s clients love about it. The best dressed person here is usually someone having a pre-theatre meal.
The staff are always very friendly and give you a warm welcome. They have a no-fuss attitude, but unfortunately the atmosphere is lacking to non-existent at quiet times. A good place for a group of friends to meet if chatting and a cheap bite to eat are top of the agenda.
The Food
Dishes include wholesome bowls of ramen and big plates of soba noodles (yaki soba is £7.50), and it's comfort over style every time in Fuji Hiro. There's a few spicier alternatives such as Fuji Hiro beef-men (£8.50) which is delicious and very spicy.
The menu is small, as you would imagine from this kind of establishment, which is a plus point. The dishes that they do, they do very well. Prices are low and the food comes quickly and is always piping hot.
The Fuji Hiro ramen is a must (£7.50) and the gyoza’s (pork dumplings) kick things off fantastically. Desserts are not on offer, this really is all about noodles.
The Drink
There are Japanese beers (large Asahi is £3.50) and a limited stock of soft drinks. The wine is probably best avoided (around £11.50 a bottle) but the green tea is refreshing and readily topped up when your cup is empty, and it’s free. Beers are recommended for maximum noodle enjoyment and the plum wine is an interesting option (£1.95).
The Last Word
The place to be if you love good, simple noodle dishes but if you like glitz and glamour then this place isn't for you. You either love or hate Fuji Hiro which for its fans is just how they like it.
Fuji Hiro has been reviewed by 2 users