Add some spice to your life with Glasgow’s Mamasan

It began with Brad…

The restaurant was founded just two years ago in Glasgow’s Merchant City, by the successful Scottish culinary entrepreneur, Brad Stevens (who was also behind the thriving Bar Soba and Pizza Punks brands). There are now two Mamasan venues in the UK, one in Liverpool and the other here in Glasgow; the latter being the brand’s flagship restaurant. And despite having opened in 2020, the toughest year on record for hospitality, this popular culinary destination has been growing fast ever since.

At the heart of Merchant City

Found close to Royal Exchange Square on Ingram Street in the city centre, the restaurant is well-placed for diners enjoying a day or a night out. It’s just steps from George Square, a hub for nightlife, with an array of pubs and clubs in close proximity. And it’s a great pit-stop to rest your feet and bags during a day’s shopping; Mamasan is less than 500 metres from both the Buchanan Galleries and the Princes Square Shopping Centre. 

With overland and underground rail services as well as a multitude of buses close by, getting here is a cinch, wherever you live, or work, in the city.

Transporting you to Asia

So while this restaurant may have its roots planted firmly in Scotland, it also captures the true essence of contemporary South East Asia. You’ll find Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Japanese and Malaysian-inspired dishes, created using the likes of home-caught Hebridean scallops and Loch Fyne oysters. 

And let’s not forget the drinks – an imaginative cocktail menu takes an alternative look at the classic serves, with quirky Asian-influenced options such as a Coconut Old Fashioned, a Hot Margarita, a Matcha Melon Sour and a Salted Watermelon Mojito. Seedlip mocktails are also available.

Produce from farm, field and sea

Its ingredients are curated from across Great Britain, maintaining as low a carbon footprint as possible and highlighting the incredible quality and taste of the food found on our shores and within our countryside. Once received, these products receive a personal touch from the chefs, with elements of each and every dish made on the premises, from scratch, giving an extra special and unique flavour to the legendary curry pastes in particular. It’s the antidote to pre-packaged fast food.

Mamasan’s menus

An expansive a la carte selection covers everything from pre-starters through to puds. Perhaps begin with an appetiser of Edamame Hummus, followed by some Hoisin Aubergine Doughnuts, then Pad Thai of King Prawn and Crispy Soft-Shell Crab for main, and Marbled Black Sesame Cheesecake for pudding. 

Those with a planer palate can opt for something simpler such as a steak and if you’re planning on pushing the boat out, why not order the epic Whole Lobster Fondue? The restaurant also has a superb value Market Menu option that provides two courses (starter and main) for just £18.

On-trend decor

If, like us, your surroundings and the ambience are just as important as the food when dining out, you’ll be keen to hear what the venue itself looks and feels like. Befitting its Merchant City setting, the building is sleek, yet glamorous and modern. Glass fronted with golden-hued illuminated signage appearing to float on its facade and a cascade of flowers and greenery above, Mamasan creates a great first impression. 

Once inside you’ll find soaring ceilings, with what is easily a quadruple-height bar, stylishly stacked with beverage bottles. A herringbone wooden floor contrasts with dark walls lifted with multiple mirrors and mid-century meets Chesterfield teal banquette seating. Those on a date or seeking a tad more seclusion can book a booth table, otherwise hang out in the central area to soak up the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere (and to eye up everyone else’s dishes as they pass). 

With flavoursome, aromatic dishes to suit every taste and fancy, and a chic dining room that’s conducive to both sociable nights out and a more intimate meal, Mamasan is a winner. Book a table for your next gourmet outing and discover some of the finest fusion food in town.