Glasgow, I want street food.
Street food in Glasgow? Aye, it is totally a thing. Scotland’s climate can’t exactly be relied upon to support a meal in Glasgow’s great outdoors, but this culinary concept is thriving nonetheless – and I’ve been sussing out the best places to find it. Lets ignite your appetite.
This post is part of a paid campaign called ‘The Heart & Soul of Scotland’ with Wild About Argyll and People Make Glasgow.
Check out the other blogs in the series: ‘Isle of Jura: The Wild & Rugged Gem of the Hebrides‘, ‘My Top Ten Ways to Spend a City Break in Glasgow’ and ‘Islay Bucket List: The Best Whisky, Food & Experiences‘
Okay, so street food in its ‘classic’ form, is obviously served on the street. Meanwhile, in Scotland… we do what we want! You will find street food served authentically alfresco, but there are also restaurants with menus inspired by the ever-delicious delights served up by vendors in exotic destinations; their dishes are therefore advertised as street-food.
Either way, I don’t care. Street food is a trend that I will happily get on board with, regardless of where it is served. This style of scran (Scottish word for ‘food’) is right up my street. See what I did there? Committing to one single dish can be challenging, and I like to try to try a wee bit of everything. Sharing is not only caring, it is compulsory is you’re eating with me. If you’re territorial with your food, I’m afraid we can’t be friends.
My ongoing mission is to discover Glasgow’s best street food vendors, markets and restaurants. Accompanied by travel buddies who are always prepared to share, here’s what I’ve found so far.
Platform at Argyle Street Arches
Argyle Street boasts a series of historical stone arches which provide structural support to Glasgow Central Station. The unique arched chambers once played host to the legendary and world-famous nightclub The Arches, until its controversial closure in 2015. The space has now been renovated and reopened as an events venue and weekly street food market called Platform.
When myself and my best friend walked inside, we immediately flashbacked to the previous decade; when we went clubbing there together. Obviously, I was happy there was no queue for the toilets this time, nor would I be exiting with a ferocious hangover in the making. It was strange nonetheless, seeing the place transformed into a well-lit, family-friendly venue. I quickly got over this as I became distracted by the row of colourful street food stalls. Shrimpwreck came highly recommended, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The Shrimp Bun was delicious, and totally lived up to the hype; juicy king prawns in the light batter with wee bacon bits, Marie Rose sauce, pickles and red onion. We also couldn’t resist the ‘Loaded Pachos’ – AKA popadom nachos – from Ginger & Chilli, which were topped with masala sea salt, Asian slaw, mango, coconut sambal and tamarind.
- Entry to the market is free
- The Shrimp Bun cost £7 and Pachos with chicken cost £8
- For more information, check out the Platform website
‘BABS
This Mediterranean eatery pays homage to the humble kebab, but these vibrant dishes are far too good to be wasted on a drunken walk home from the pub. BABS street food is best served from the comfort of their city centre restaurant, on proper plates and in bowls with exotic patterns. I ordered the Lamb Shish, which is served with sweet pepper, tzatziki, green Turkish chilli, house pickles and pitta bread. The chunks of grass fed lamb fillet were chargrilled and flavoursome, yet tender all the same. I loved all the colours, tastes and textures. My sidekick had the hummus chicken dish which was also delicious – as were the fries with smoky cheese sauce and the halloumi fries. One of my new favourite places to eat in Glasgow.
- Take advantage of the brilliant value lunch deal which includes a main and side dish for £9.95
- Check out the full menu on the ‘BABS website
Hanoi Bike Shop
Quality Vietnamese restaurants are few and far between in Edinburgh, so this wee gem has become a popular stop for me on my visits to Glasgow; I even went here for my 30th birthday with friends. As soon as you walk in the door, your senses are bombarded with bright colours and the strong smell of fish sauce. The menu features homemade organic tofu, traditional pho, and a variety of street food dishes. It’s recommended that you order 3 – 4 of the small plates between two people, plus any sides. There is also a banquet option (£22.95 per head), where a selection of surprise dishes will arrive on your table, based on your personal preferences. As well as whatever else I fancy, I always order the peanut & chilli dip with prawn crackers, and the prawn rice paper rolls, and I also enjoy the black pepper tofu – despite not liking tofu. All dishes are best washed down with an exotic flavoured cocktail.
- Check out the full menu and prices on the Hanoi Bike Shop website
Chakoo Bombay Café
Glasgow has no shortage of Indian eateries, and this quirky wee street-food establishment is a local favourite. Chakoo is themed on the traditional Irani cafes which sprung up in India during the 19th century, following the arrival of immigrants from Persia and Iran. The varied menu features Irani kebabs, classic curries, special curries, rotis and a selection of accompaniments.
The small plates are designed to share, and it’s recommended you order around two dishes per person, plus as many sides as your stomach desires. The naan breads are light, palate pleasers, and the kebab dishes are full of flame-grilled flavour. I can personally vouch for the tandoori prawns, the garlic lamb bhuna, and the roti filled with smoked tandoori chicken. Masala fries are also a must for some sauce dipping antics! Take advantage of the lunch deals, or tuck into the full evening menu, and for an exotic after-munch tipple, try a King’s Ginger or the Kalani coconut liqueur.
- Find out more on the Chakoo Bombay Cafe website
Via Italia
Via Italia is an Italian street food diner, where pastas, piadas and salads get dolled-up with all the tasty toppings of your choosing. True to the concept, the team behind Via Italia originally dreamt of serving Italian street food from a burger van in Glasgow’s West End, as inspired by the food vendors they had seen on their own travels in the UK and abroad. The burger van didn’t work out, so they took a chance on retail units instead, and it paid off!
I had my first piada experience when I visited, and it certainly won’t be my last. A piada, if you don’t know, is a thin flatbread made with flour, a drop of olive oil, salt and water; it is essentially an Italian tortilla. Having chosen my toppings and sauces from the menu board overhead, everything was generously piled onto the piada in front of me, before being tightly wrapped and popped into a wee oven. I opted for Italian sausage, fiery arabiata sauce, jalapenos, sundried tomatoes, mozzarella and pepperoni mayo. Aye, it tasted as good as it sounds.
• Check out the full menu on the Via Italia website
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