The new eatery Partick’s going gaga for

Those familiar with Partick and further down toward Broomhill will likely be acquainted with The Thornwood, somewhat of a landmark bar (and dearly loved local), perched just off the expressway. It’s the same team behind this new arrival, along with chef Julie Lin, who’s already garnered a fierce following (and inclusion in the Michelin Guide) over on the southside, with Julie’s Kopitiam. Lin’s particular skill in South East Asian, and especially Malaysian, cooking, has enabled her to concoct an enticing menu of small and sharing plates.

A taste of South East Asia in Scotland

Wander along the Dumbarton Road and your eyes will likely be drawn in through GaGa’s floor to ceiling windows. Inside are scenes of tropical cosiness, meeting with the kind of urban chic befitting Glasgow. The decor is deeply stylish and oh so ‘now’, with exposed brick walls, minimalist wooden benches and tables, rattan light shades over tungsten bulbs, soft green velvet upholstered chairs, contemporary art pieces, exotic potted plants and huge banana trees. It’s relaxed, yet ever so on-trend. But of course, this is all just scene-setting for the main event, Julie’s bespoke menu of street food.

Past lives combining to form a new venture

If you’re familiar with the spot, you’ll have known GaGa’s residence in its former life, as the craft ale bar Six North. And as far as the food goes, this isn’t GaGa’s first foray into Glasgow’s foodie scene. Julie Lin had brought GaGa chicken, the menu’s forerunner, to SWG3 in the year prior to this new venture opening. The cocktails are utterly dreamy here too, many with a spicy edge. They’ve been designed by the third element of this strong new team, Fraser Hamilton, who was previously director of Sweet Liberty cocktail bar on Miami Beach. Sweet Liberty was named one of the world’s top 50 bars in 2018, so Hamilton brings an enviable reputation to the beverages at GaGa.

Lip smackingly good food

So let’s get down to business. What delicacies await behind GaGa’s doors? The venue is open morning, noon and night, serving brunch, lunch and dinner. A small, but perfectly formed menu is broken down into a range of sharing plates and sides, as well as a sprinkling of sweet treats at the bottom. The menu is ever-changing but includes dishes such as Taiwanese popcorn chicken, brined in GaGa’s secret house brine, with fried kaffir lime leaf and kewpie mayo (extra starch makes the bites even more crunchy), as well as breakfast Nasi Goreng with a pancetta fried egg.

There are flavoursome vegan options such as creamy, brightly coloured chickpea coconut curries. And for carnivores, there are hearty, meaty broths with noodles, ground pork and fragrant chilli paste – perfect for warming up those cold winter nights. If you fancy a proper South East Asian comfort food lunch, stop in for a fried chicken sandwich with sambal ketchup, kewpie mayo and pickles — be sure to add some chaat and chilli crinkle-cut fries too. They’re sure to have you smacking our lips with tangy joy. The desserts feature ingredients like sticky rice, condensed milk and mango, so be sure you leave room for this tropical goodness.

Gloriously over the Topp cocktails

Onto the drinks. We’ve already mentioned that you can expect some pretty special cocktails at GaGa. Try an iced Kopi Cham (coffee, condensed milk, ginger, tea and spiced rum, dusted with coffee sugar), the Tipp Topp (mezcal, passion fruit, habanero extract, salt and pepper), or a Malaysian Highball (a type of Philippine lime called calamansi, salted plum and aquavit). You can also order a glass of red, white, rose or even orange wine, as well as beers, ciders, hot and cold drinks.

Weekends are pretty hectic at the venue, so don’t expect to rock up and get a table without a booking. Even weeknights are busy at this vibrant new venue. Request your table in advance and arrive hungry — you’ll receive a warm South-East Asian style welcome and a mouthwatering dining experience.