Where to go for Pakistani food in Glasgow

A longstanding neighbourhood eatery in Govanhill, Yadgar was first established back in 1981. The Kebab House has a story that isn’t just about great food, but also about those who started new lives here in Glasgow; the migrant Pakistani and Indian communities of the city’s south side were always at the forefront of the family’s mind when opening Yadgar. And the team have continued to offer the tastes and culture of Pakistan in their delicious dishes – like nihari, haleem and kihari – for over four decades. The premises have extended since then, when the Anwar’s purchased the adjacent barbershop, to create a larger seating area. Providing both sit in and takeaway, it’s open Sunday to Saturday from 3pm to 11pm.

Offering Scotland’s only Pakistani Street Food experience, this is a great shout for authentic, pure Pakistani food. Portions are large, representing excellent value and you’ll always receive a warm welcome at the family-run establishment. Like Yadgar, Pakistani Street Food is located in Govanhill. Try some pani puri, kulfi, Channa chatt, Kashmiri tea and falooda (the latter is proclaimed by many to be the best in the city). Pakistani Street Food is open daily from noon to 10pm.

This restaurant began life in 2008, between the city centre and the trendy West End on the bustling Woodlands Road in Glasgow. The halal food is served in a tapas style, packed with fusion flavours and specialising in desi dishes. A talented team of curry and tandoori chefs – whose experience included five star hotels – create the restaurant’s unique signature tastes. And this is a BYOB (on wine and beer) establishment with NO corkage on parties of under nine people, saving you lots of pennies that can be splurged on the food instead. The interior design echoes the theme here, with deep red decor and a sophisticated vibe. As Chillies is in a foodie district with a loyal clientele, it’s a good idea to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you find yourself craving Pakistani food, or are in need of a meal to go a little closer to the city centre, pay a visit to Karahi Palace in Tradeston. It does a roaring trade in takeaway but has a small seating area on the ground floor, as well as a larger dining room upstairs, all colourfully decorated for a bright and cheery ambience (the perfect anecdote to a dreich evening). Karahi Palace suits those with all appetites — the handi and karahi can be ordered in a number of different sizes and the extensive menu features dishes you won’t find anywhere else. And if you’re bringing someone who’s averse to spice, there’s a broad range of pizzas and calzones too.

Found on Paisley Road West, the contemporary styled DumPukht Restaurant is in the Kinning Park locale. The great value menu includes appetisers, street food, old school classics, biryanis and the chef’s own specials. For a taste of the capital, order the Lahori fish, lamb or chicken Lahori karahi and Lahori channa. Everything is freshly cooked – the venue’s name actually translates as “to breathe” and “to cook”.

While all of the eateries on our list will serve up something sweet, MacChai goes large on the Pakistani pudding front. This southside cafe opened in 2021, on Cathcart Road, with two seating areas – one desi dhabba themed, the other decorated to resemble a tearoom in Pakistan. Along with sugary delights, the desi breakfasts have become a stalwart of the mouthwatering menu and the chai cereal (featuring rice krispies) is a lot of fun. And MacChai is the ideal lunch spot, with paratha rolls and desi thali. Wash it all down with a nimbu pani or a Thanda Thanda Ice Gola as a slushie, or on a stick.