Where to go for Nepalese food in Glasgow

Found on the ever-popular Kilmarnock Road in Shawlands (named as one of the coolest districts on the planet), Himalayan Dine is named after the nation’s most famous landmark. Fish pakora, the Himalaya Ghost (more tasty than scary), Monkfish tikka and lamb sekuwa are some of its signature dishes. If you’re further out of the city, you’ll find another Himalayan Dine restaurant branch in Barrhead. The restaurants have a traditional feel, with dark wooden floors, paintings depicting the Himalayan region, leather seating and tables laid with crisp tablecloths. Stop by at lunchtime for excellent value two course deals. Himalayan Dine was nominated as a finalist at the Scottish Curry Awards 2022 in The Nepalese Restaurant of the Year and Outstanding Indian Restaurant of the Year categories.

Named after Nepal’s valley capital, this fusion restaurant brings together the flavours of India and the Himalaya region on East Kilbride’s Main Street. Order some bhojpuri chicken, momo, noodles, nilgiri lamb curry, khasi ko masu, poori, biryani, pakora and more. The menu at Kathmandu Fusion Restaurant is vast and varied, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you live in the vicinity you can order food to your home with fast delivery and 10% off menu prices.

East Kilbridge certainly proves to be the place to be for Nepalese food. The Wee Gurkha is found on Hunter Street, offering both takeaway and dine in meals. A nominee and finalist at the 2023 Scottish Curry Awards for Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year, and Nepalese restaurant of the year at 2022’s Scottish Asian Food Awards, the Wee Gurkha is family-owned, like many of the other venues on our list. So you can expect personal service and authentic meals. The market menu delivers two courses for just £13.95, plus there are specials and an a la carte selection. Do try the house curries made with goat on and off the bone.

This West End eatery is a go-to for all things curry. And while it specialises in Indian cuisine, you’ll find plenty of Nepalese-style dishes and similar flavours on the menu. It reopened in 2021, following a 150k spend, with a whole new look. So while the Little Curry House has been around for a decade now, you may have noticed it for the first time more recently. Conveniently placed on Byres Road, the family-run establishment, passed from father to son, serves tapas dishes designed for sharing. Its popular location means that it’s advisable to book a table in advance, particularly during peak periods.

Open from 4 pm daily, this restaurant is, surprise surprise, in East Kilbride. The chefs here use traditional recipes and methods, but with a modern twist. It’s been in operation for a decade and caters to gluten-free and vegan diets. Try some crispy jhinga (king prawns with sweet chilli sauce and fresh salad); lollipop chicken; pooris; a sharing board; steam cooked nepalese dumplings (vegetable, chicken, mixed herbs and spices with sesame seeds, tomato & coriander chutney) freshly made to order; a chilli lasunni; or a Himalayan ghost (lamb pan fried with crushed timur and homemade spices. The restaurant also serves European meals, for those with a less adventurous palate.

As most of these are outside of the city centre, you’ll want to head for Chaakoo if you’re in town and hungry for spice. The menu riffs on Bombay-based recipes, but there are plenty of crossovers, such as pakora, lamb biryani, tikka and railway chicken. You’ll find Chaakoo on St Vincent Street, with a second venue in the West End. It’s all small plates, so bring a friend, order a bunch and sample lots of different flavours in one sitting.