My City: Sarah Ahmad, @foodngems, gives us her guide to Glasgow’s best eateries, highlights, and hidden gems
Food enthusiast and social media influencer Sarah Ahmad, known as @foodngems on Instagram and TikTok, is passionate about uncovering the best culinary spots in Glasgow and beyond. When she’s not sharing mouth-watering food recommendations with her followers, Sarah enjoys exploring Glasgow’s vibrant food scene, visiting local markets, and indulging in delicious pastries. Here, Sarah shares some of her favourite eateries, hidden gems, and must-visit spots in the city.
Can you share with us some hidden gem eateries in Glasgow that you believe deserve more recognition?
I recently discovered a fantastic spot in Dennistoun called Bilson’s Cafe, just off Duke Street. They offer an amazing brunch menu and a tasting menu for dinner. Another wee gem is The Olive Tree inside the Savoy Centre. It’s an authentic Chinese spot popular among the Chinese community in Glasgow. Lastly, there’s Ottoman Coffee House. This place is often missed by those walking down Berkeley Street due to its inconspicuous location. Just look for their signage, go through their doors, and you’ll be transported to the most beautiful cafe in the city.
What are your top three must-visit restaurants for someone experiencing Glasgow’s food scene for the first time?
Glasgow is very good at three things: fried food, carbs, and meats! First, I’d recommend Thundercat for their indulgent deep-dish pizzas. Second, you need to try Ho Lee Fook for their outstanding katsu sandos and biang biang noodles. Third, Smokey Trotters Kitchen for their insanely good Dirty Dipper burger, which comes with peppercorn sauce and fried onions for dipping!
Are there any lesser-known cuisines or food cultures in the city that you think everyone should try?
There are still very traditional Scottish food items from past generations that you can try in Glasgow, like Scottish whelks. You can find cheap Scottish whelks at the Barras Market that you can eat straight out of the bag. The smallest bag is only £2. You can also get traditionally fried sugar donuts from Danny’s Do-nuts at the Barras, which are an absolute local favourite!
Do you have a favourite food market or street food spot in Glasgow?
I’m from Malaysia, so I’m always at some kind of Asian market looking for food products from Southeast Asia. Three of my favourites include iMart Oriental in Partick, which has a lot of options for Japanese items; Lim’s Chinese Supermarket on Cambridge Street for Malaysian items; and OAKA in the city centre for quick and cheap foods for lunch.
What is your favourite type of cuisine and where would you recommend finding it?
My favourites change depending on the season, but right now, I’m back to obsessing over Japanese and Italian. For Japanese, Maki & Ramen is the best for Tonkotsu Ramen, and Katsu is amazing for Chicken Katsu Curry. For traditional Italian, I’d recommend Santa Lucia Pasta for some authentic handmade pasta dishes like linguine with clams and Shetland mussels. For Scottish-Italian, I’m definitely a Coia’s fan! Their Chicken Milanese is exquisite!
Can you share a memorable dining experience you’ve had recently?
Somewhere By Nico was a very memorable spot! Their new concept of serving customers six courses of themed cocktails paired with carefully crafted food is very fun! The space also makes for a gorgeous backdrop during your cocktail experience. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Do you have a go-to spot for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea with a delicious pastry or snack?
Zennor in Dennistoun is one of my regular spots for a coffee and a delicious Maritozzi.
Where do you go for the best cocktails?
Porter and Rye, known for being one of the best restaurants in the world for steak, also has an incredible cocktail list! They have a very talented team of bartenders who create delicious cocktails that complement their food menu.
Where is your go-to takeaway if you’re too tired to cook?
When I’m too tired to cook, Yippon on George Street has literally the best salt and chilli chips in the city. I crave it so often when I want a takeaway! Their Honey Chilli Chicken and fried rice also hit the right spot!
Lastly, if you were to design the ultimate foodie itinerary for a day in Glasgow, where would you take someone from breakfast to dinner, including any snacks or drinks along the way?
To experience the best of Scottish businesses, start with an early coffee and pastry at Cottonrake on Great Western Road. For brunch, head to Singl-end in Garnethill for an excellent Scottish Breakfast. Then, visit Barras Market for a 3 pm snack like donuts from Danny’s Do-nuts or Scottish whelks from the seafood stand, or go to Rude Cookies in Shawlands for a quick giggle and cookie break. For an excellent dram of whisky, stop by Pot Still. Finally, head to The Dukes Umbrella for some traditional Scottish food like haggis, neeps, and tatties, paired with a fantastic Macallan-based cocktail.
Visit foodngems.com or follow Sarah on Instagram and TikTok.
