Glasgow’s best Asian cuisine

Nestled along the cobbled lane of the trendy foodie street, Ashton Lane, this West End haunt has both outside and indoor tables. The Japanese eatery had humble beginnings, making its debut as a ‘yatai’ ramen cart in Gordon St Lane back in 2016. A year later it had premises on Queen Street, before expanding to the prime position of Ashton Lane in 2018. Authentic cooking, top-quality ingredients and attention to detail in every bowl make this one of the best places to get ramen in the city and even in the UK as a whole. It has received rave reviews from the Sunday Herald and was named a go-to dining destination by the New York Times.

If you’d rather not limit yourself to a single country in terms of your food choices, book a table at Mamasan Bar & Brasserie – an eatery inspired by the entire region of South-East Asia. Everything at the brasserie is cooked on-site, from scratch, and the venue even makes its own coconut cream — the secret ingredient that makes Mamasan’s curries stand apart. Halal, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners are well catered for, and the mixologists will whip you up some decadent cocktails to take the heat out of your mains (or perhaps spice it up even more!)

This quirky West End haunt has one of the prettiest frontages in the city. Instantly recognisable by a bicycle and traditional lanterns hanging from the front elevation, this quaint and super colourful eatery looks like it’s been picked up directly from the streets of Vietnam and plopped down in the middle of Glasgow. The vibe is casual, with patrons of all ages and types, making it a super welcoming vibe for all. Order dishes to share or keep them to yourself, the choice is yours. Expect plenty of spice and lots of nutritious, healthy ingredients (typical of Vietnamese cuisine), with an emphasis on plant-based produce — Hanoi’s tofu is particularly good.

Those living and working in the Merchant City area should check out this multi award-winning fine dining restaurant by Ajay Kumar. You’ll find all of your classic favourites on the large menu, alongside options that will open your mind to the extensive possibilities found within Indian cuisine. Local, fresh ingredients with an emphasis on seafood are used to craft dishes bringing together the Scottish and Indian food trends. Try a mussel curry broth or a lamb shank rogan josh, in stunning surroundings decorated with polished dark wood, ceiling hanging flower arrangements and fashionable neon lighting pieces.

As we’ve learned of the incredible benefits found in this staple of the Korean diet, kimchi has taken off as a must-have superfood. Sample it at its tastiest, by popping into this funky little eatery for a burger, a bowl, fried chicken, fried tofu, layered fries and a jasmine tea. A champion of Korean food, the venue has its very own special recipe; from the Jeonju region, it’s been passed down through generations of Korean matriarchs (known as ajjumas). You can find Kimchi Cult just off Byres Road — be sure to check out the pocket-friendly lunch deals on your meal break.

A great option for families wanting something that little bit more sophisticated, Nansuka is well placed as a lunchtime stop-off during a day’s shopping at the Buchanan Galleries. It’s named after the set of seven herbs (said to bring longevity, health, and ward away evil spirits) traditionally eaten on the seventh day of the first month of the new year. It’s the city’s first and only all-you-can-eat BBQ with Shabu-shabu tables, allowing you to browse and pick what you want — a sure fit hit for those parents trying to accommodate fussier younger diners. There are some great value meal deals with lashings of true Japanese flavour.