Chichini

It’s a bit hard to be too enthusiastic about Chichini considering all of the fabulous cafes on their doorstep and indeed, in nearby Headingley. Still, I feel they do have a deserved spot within the area as a very down to earth, standard cheap ish café.
The last time I paid them a visit was whilst my Dad was staying with me. He is a man who adores his breakfasts, it’s a ritualistic and coveted time for him that requires the utmost respect, detail and organisation. This can be a blessing and a curse, depending on how hungry one feels, and so to save the involvement and hassle of a DIY breakfast kit I took him here to lay the burden on someone else’s shoulders!
We both had the trad english option and it was ok. Really, there was nothing spectacular (except maybe the ultra low price) about the food; it filled a hole and did the job. Not quite the satisfying event my Dad was after, as I said he enjoys the breakfasts of Kings, a breakfast that deserves a good discussion afterward, a breakfast that might last well beyond lunch in your stomach and beyond the year in your mind.
This was no such breakfast. But, if you’re not picky and you are feeling strapped, that is what these guys are here for! Cheap fast and efficient.

Chichini’s is a very resonably priced café on the corner, diagonally opposite The Hyde Park Pub. It was once a hangover favourite of mine when I first became a student in Leeds, all those years ago.
Not much has changed since. The women that ran it back then, still run it now. Despite not talking to the customers, they have made quite an impression on a few of my mates, who still refer to them as ‘their women’, even though they no longer live around these parts. The menu is simple, like the setting of a few tables and chairs, serving up sandwiches and toasties, baked potatoes, and very well-​priced cooked breakfasts. Although I do have a soft-​spot for this place, don’t expect top quality fodder. Though perfectly edible, the cooked breakfasts are made suspiciously quickly, and I am pretty sure it is all microwaved. A few friends used to have a challenge to see whether they could finish a cigarette before their breakfast was whacked in front of them!

Chichini is a simple café with a cosy atmosphere that is perfect for the ‘no big deal’ coffee, snack or basic meal. Whether you are looking for a no fuss hangover breakfast that hits the spot or a simple lunch with one or two friends this is more than appropriate, however larger groups may find difficulty being accommodated for due to the modest seating space. The staff at Chichini are helpful and quick to take your order, although there may be a small queue at peak times. The food is great as far as sandwiches and jacket potatoes go with a wide selection of fillings to choose from and some tasty winter warmers. My personal favorite is the bacon and egg sandwich, which is absolutely perfect for a ‘morning after night before’ nudge in the right direction!