Posted by Maris on 23rd Apr 2024
Where To Find The Best Street Food In Glasgow
Glasgow's street food scene? Indeed, it is a real thing. Although you can't really count on Scotland's weather to be suitable for dining outside in Glasgow's great outdoors, this culinary trend is thriving all the same, and I've been figuring out where to locate it. Let's get your appetite going.
Alright, so street food is definitely served on the street in its "classic" form. In the meantime, we can do as we please in Scotland! While street food is typically served outdoors, some restaurants have menus that are inspired by the delightful treats that sellers in far-off places serve; as a result, these dishes are marketed as street food.
I don't give a damn either way. Regardless matter where it is served, I will gladly embrace the trend of street food. This particular type of scran—the Scottish word for "food"—is exactly what I like. You see what I did there? It can be difficult to stick to just one dish, so I usually try a little bit of everything. Not only is sharing caring, but it's also required if you're eating with me. We can't be friends if you're territorial about your cuisine.
Finding the greatest markets, eateries, and street food vendors in Glasgow is my constant goal. Here's what I've discovered thus far, always willing to share, accompanied by trip companions.
Platform at Argyle Street Arches
Glasgow Central Station is structurally supported by a number of medieval stone arches on Argyle Street. Before its contentious closing in 2015, the iconic and globally recognized nightclub The Arches was housed in the distinctive arched chambers. After renovations, the area is once again available for use as Platform, a weekly street food market and event space.
My best friend and I instantly had flashbacks to our clubbing trip there from ten years ago when we entered. It goes without saying that I was relieved that there was no line this time to use the restrooms and that I wouldn't be leaving with an intense hangover. Even still, it was odd to see the space converted into a bright, welcoming area for families. This was quickly forgotten, though, as I was drawn in by the line of brightly colored street food vendors. It was highly recommended that Shrimpwreck not be disappointed. The shrimp bun, which included juicy king prawns in a light batter with tiny bacon bits, pickles, red onion, and Marie Rose sauce, was amazing and completely lived up to the promise. We also couldn't resist Ginger & Chilli's "Loaded Pachos," also known as popadom nachos, which were topped with tamarind, coconut sambal, mango, Asian slaw, and masala sea salt.
‘BABS
Though these colorful dishes are far too excellent to be squandered on an inebriated stroll home from the pub, this Mediterranean restaurant pays homage to the humble kebab. Serving BABS street cuisine on appropriate plates and in bowls with unusual patterns is best done from the comforts of their restaurant in the heart of the city. I had the lamb shish, which comes with pitta bread, house pickles, green Turkish chili, sweet pepper, and tzatziki. The lamb fillet pieces that had been fed grass were flavorful and charred, but they were still delicate. Every color, flavor, and texture was wonderful. My companion enjoyed the hummus chicken meal, which was equally tasty as the halloumi fries and the fries with smoky cheese sauce. One of my favorite restaurants in Glasgow right now.
Hanoi Bike Shop
Since there aren't many good Vietnamese restaurants in Edinburgh, this little gem has grown to be a favorite of mine when I travel to Glasgow. I even celebrated my 30th birthday there with friends. Bright colors and a powerful fish sauce aroma hit your senses as soon as you step through the door. The menu offers a selection of street food specialties, traditional pho, and housemade organic tofu. It is suggested that two individuals order three or four small plates each, along with any sides. Additionally, there's a banquet option (£22.95 per person) where, depending on your selections, a variety of surprise foods will be placed on your table. In addition to everything else I want, I always have the prawn rice paper rolls and the peanut and chili dip with prawn crackers. Even though I don't like tofu, I also like the black pepper tofu. The ideal way to pair each meal is with a unique cocktail.
Chakoo Bombay Café
There are many of Indian restaurants in Glasgow, and this oddball little street-food joint is a local favorite. The concept of Chakoo is based on the classic Irani cafes that appeared in India in the 1800s after immigrants from Iran and Persia arrived. Irani kebabs, rotis, exotic curries, traditional curries, and a variety of accompaniments are all part of the extensive menu.
It is advised to order about two meals per person plus as many sides as your stomach can handle because the small plates are meant to be shared. The kebab meals are flavorful from the flame-grilled meat, and the naan breads are light and pleasing to the palette. I personally attest to the quality of the garlic lamb bhuna, the tandoori prawns, and the flatbread stuffed with smoked tandoori chicken. For some fun with sauce dipping, masala fries are also a necessity! Take advantage of the lunch specials or indulge in the entire evening menu. For a unique post-meal beverage, try the Kalani coconut liqueur or the King's Ginger.
Via Italia
Pastas, piadas, and salads at Via Italia, an Italian street food diner, can be customized with any number of delectable toppings. True to the idea, the people behind Via Italia were initially inspired by food vendors they had observed on their own trips both domestically and internationally and had dreamed of selling Italian street food from a burger van in Glasgow's West End. After the burger van failed, they decided to take a bet on retail spaces, and it was profitable!
When I went, I had my first piada encounter, and it was definitely not my last. If you're not familiar, a piada is a thin flatbread that is created essentially like an Italian tortilla with flour, water, salt, and a drop of olive oil. After selecting my desired toppings and sauces from the menu board above, I heaped an abundance of them onto the piada in front of me, wrapped it securely, and placed it inside a little oven. I went with the spicy arabiata sauce, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, jalapeños, and pepperoni mayo with Italian sausage. It tastes just as nice as it sounds, Aye.