How to have the ultimate food safari in Glasgow

New kind on the block Bru, brings its South African-inspired menu to the Thornwood pocket of the west. In addition to classics, like avo on toast and a full Scottish, it offers tender Phelps’ boerewors with chakalaka on a hotdog style roll with crispy onions, thick-cut chips and salad for brekkie. Pair this with a Bloody Mary, prepared using Finlandia vodka, tomato juice, Lea and Perrins and Tabasco sauce and your safari is sure to get off to a spicy start.

Now you make a horizontal crossing of the city, over to the emergent foodie neighbourhood of Dennistoun. Pop into Mesa, a cute modern cafe, where you can avail yourself of a lemon and poppy seed sponge topped with a colourful edible flower, slice of Oreo cheesecake, a sticky bun and a glass of freshly squeezed OJ, or some caffeine courtesy of Ovenbird Coffee Roasters. Mesa is the sister venue to the ever popular Cafe Strange Brew on the Southside.

From the new to the extremely well established… With a legacy that spans decades, Mother India stands as a beacon of authenticity and innovation in Glasgow’s dining scene. It was the first in a series of openings across both this city and Edinburgh, by the local brand. The restaurant’s commitment to quality, combined with its creative reinterpretation of classic Indian dishes, has made it a beloved dining destination.

Here, the emphasis is on sharing a variety of tapas-sized dishes, allowing diners to embark on a culinary voyage through India’s diverse regions and culinary traditions. The tandoor, a traditional clay oven, is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, and Mother India pays homage to this age-old technique. Dishes emerge with a smoky char that marries perfectly with tender meats and vibrant vegetables.

Post-lunch your safari takes you to what is perhaps the highest point to dine in the city. The Radisson Red Sky Bar has a stunning alfresco terrace from which to take in the city’s sights and iconic river landmarks, as well as indoor seating. And their afternoon tea spread is unlike any other you’ll try. It includes Asian-style confit duck and plum sauce in a bao bun; smoked bacon and sweet maple doughnut; Southern fried crispy chicken on a hot waffle with barbecue sauce; a spoonful of hot smoked salmon on a bed of RED quinoa; and a classic strawberry milkshake with retro pink candy floss topper.

Next you’ll be trying out one of the city centre’s latest launches as part of your jaunt. Bizaroon is the home of all things Latin American. Order up a bowl of grande locro (Argentinian squash soup), a plate of feijoada (a smoky Brazilian black bean and pork stew), moqueca (an Angolan and Brazilian seafood stew with tomatoes, onions, garlic, lime and coriander), picanha (rump) steak, or the house fave chicharron Colombiano (Colombian fried pork belly). And wash it down with a tropical rum cocktail, accompanied by the sound of the DJ. If the weather’s nice, book a table outside to take the sunshine.

Containing ingredients like lemon genoise, devil’s food cake, brown butter cookies, tahini chocolate sauce and black coconut ice cream, these ice cream sandwiches are sure to hit the spot after dinner. And the walk between the two venues will help you work up a hunger again.

All of the ice cream sandwiches are veggie-friendly and the What’s Up Doc? (carrot cake, honeycomb ice cream, orange gel and walnut crumb) is vegan. And if that’s just not enough ice for you, you can pair your sweet sarnie with a Frozen Rumstar cocktail. Platform is a popular live music venue found beneath the arches of Central Railway Station, so you can enjoy some tunes while you tuck in.