Taste the Place

As part of our year-long Glasgow 850 celebrations, the April edition of our ‘8.5 things to know’ blog turns the spotlight on the city’s vibrant food and drink scene - a key part of what makes Glasgow so unique.

This month, the city is also serving up the ‘Taste the Place’ food trail, which invites residents and visitors to explore Glasgow’s culinary culture through three themed routes:

• Taste the World – showcasing international flavours from across the city
• Taste Through Time – spotlighting eateries in iconic and historic venues, as well as historic Glasgow dishes and menus that continue to shape the city’s food identity
• Taste for Good – highlighting the food businesses making a positive social impact

While the Taste the Place trail explores these exciting strands of the city’s food identity, let's take a broader look at Glasgow’s food and drink culture – from legendary dishes and beloved restaurants to some of the city’s quirkiest foodie facts and hidden gems. Tuck into the stories and flavours that help make Glasgow’s culinary scene one to celebrate.

1. Europe’s Longest Bar 

Tucked away on Drury Street, The Horseshoe Bar is a true Glasgow institution, one of the oldest pubs in the city and proudly home to Europe’s longest continuous bar, measuring an incredible 104 feet. Originally established in 1846, it was renamed in 1884 by publican John Scoullar, who was known for giving his pubs horse-related names (Armstrong, 2020). The Horseshoe is steeped in history and was granted Category A listed status in 1988 for its architectural and cultural significance to the city.

2. Glasgow’s Global Flavours 

Glasgow’s culinary scene is a vibrant reflection of its rich heritage and diverse communities. The ‘Taste the World’ trail, part of the Taste the Place 850 initiative, celebrates this diversity by showcasing eateries that bring global flavours to the city. From the authentic Korean dishes at Kimchi Cult, the Italian masterpieces at Eusebi’s Deli, the Ethiopian and Eritrean specialities at Mosob Bar and Restaurant, and the traditional Indian Cuisine at Shish Mahal, these establishments offer a world of flavours within the city. This self-guided experience invites locals and visitors alike to explore the city’s global flavours, highlighting how Glasgow’s food scene continues to evolve while honouring its multicultural roots.

3. MasterChef & Culinary Capital of Creativity 

Glasgow’s food scene is thriving, thanks in part to a wave of talented chefs emerging from top culinary competitions and the city’s respected hospitality courses. A standout figure is Gary Maclean, a Glasgow native who clinched the title in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016. Beyond his television success, Maclean serves as Scotland's first National Chef and imparts his expertise as a senior chef lecturer at City of Glasgow College. He has also been elected as an Academician of the prestigious Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA).

Another notable alumna of the college is Chloe Oswald, whose handcrafted chocolates have garnered multiple Great Taste Awards, earning her recognition in the Scottish Parliament (City of Glasgow College, 2025). The city's prominence in the culinary world is further highlighted by figures like Jilly McCord, a former Scottish rugby captain who became a finalist in MasterChef 2019. These individuals exemplify how Glasgow's blend of thorough training and creative flair is shaping a dynamic and diverse food culture. 

4. Michelin Mentions & Dining Excellence

Glasgow’s culinary star continues to rise, with an ever-growing list of restaurants earning recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide. The city is currently home to two Michelin-starred restaurants: Cail Bruich, known for its elegant modern Scottish cuisine, and Unalome by Graeme Cheevers, offering refined tasting menus with a creative edge (Landon, 2025). Beyond these star-holders, several other Glasgow gems have also made the guide’s shortlist for their outstanding food and atmosphere. Among them, The Gannet in Finnieston stands out for its seasonal, locally sourced dishes served in a stylish, industrial-chic setting, while Gaga impresses with its bold flavours, vibrant interiors, and playful fusion of global influences. Both of which are proudly featured in the Taste the Place food trail.

5. The birthplace of Chicken Tikka Masala?

One of Glasgow’s most flavourful claims to fame is its alleged role in the creation of the chicken tikka masala. According to popular lore, the dish was invented in the 1970s at the Shish Mahal restaurant in Glasgow’s west end by chef Ali Ahmed Aslam (Rao and Kwai, 2022). Aslam reportedly improvised the now iconic creamy tomato sauce after a customer complained that their chicken tikka was too dry, leading to the birth of what many consider Britain’s national dish. While the exact origins are debated, the story has become a cherished part of Glasgow’s culinary identity, highlighting the city’s rich history of cultural fusion and innovation.

6. Scotland’s Sweet Tooth Starts Here 

Glasgow’s culinary heritage isn’t just about hearty meals – it’s also about the sweet treats and iconic beverages that have become synonymous with the city. In Uddingston, just outside Glasgow, Tunnock’s has been delighting taste buds since 1890 with its famous Caramel Wafers and Teacakes, now enjoyed in over 40 countries worldwide (Erskine, 2024).

Meanwhile, AG Barr’s Irn Bru, affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s other national drink’, has been produced in Cumbernauld since 1901, offering a unique flavour that’s become a staple across the nation (AG Barr, 2025). Not to be outdone, Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery, with roots dating back to 1556, stands as Scotland’s oldest surviving brewery. In 1885, inspired by Bavarian pilsners, Hugh Tennent introduced what is believed to be the UK’s first lager, establishing a legacy that now produces an astonishing 150million pints across Scotland and the world every year (Tennents, 2025).

7. A Plant-Based Powerhouse

Glasgow has firmly established itself as a plant-based powerhouse, earning a reputation as one of the UK’s top destinations for vegan and vegetarian food lovers (LNER, 2024). As part of the city’s ‘Taste the Place’ initiative, standout venues like Suissi Vegan Kitchen in Partick serve up vibrant Asian-inspired dishes, while Lovacore Café – Glasgow’s only fully organic eatery – offers seasonal plant-based meals sourced from its own market garden, championing sustainability and zero-waste practices. Whether you're a lifelong vegan or just curious about plant-based dining, there's no shortage of options in Glasgow. According to HappyCow—a global guide to vegan-friendly eateries—the city is home to over 330 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, offering something to suit every taste. 

8. Glasgow's Food Markets Brewed Up a Coffee Revolution 

Over the last decade, Glasgow has brewed up a food and drink revival – one best tasted through its thriving street food markets and independent coffee scene. From the bustling Big Feed and Dockyard Social to community-rooted favourites like the Forge Market and SWG3’s Yardworks Market, these spaces have transformed into melting pots of global flavour, creativity and local talent (Seay, 2023). Alongside the rise in artisan eats, Glasgow has undergone a full-blown coffee revolution, with a thriving scene of independent cafés now fuelling the city’s caffeine-loving culture. Spots like Laboratorio Espresso, Dear Green Coffee Roasters, and Papercup have put Glasgow firmly on the UK coffee map (Loudon, 2024) – placing people, passion and perfectly poured flat whites at the heart of the city’s modern food story.  

8.5) A Wee Dram, Anyone? 

Glasgow’s roots in Scotland’s whisky heritage run deep – once a central hub for whisky blending and bottling thanks to its industrial powers and access to trade routes (Wright, 2024). Today, that legacy lives on through a growing number of city-based distilleries, including The Clydeside Distillery, which welcomed over 180,000 visitors in its first few years, and the award-winning Glasgow Distillery Co., the city’s first independent single malt distillery in over 100 years (TBF, 2025). Though it’s not just whisky making waves – craft brewers like Drygate Brewing Co, and WEST Brewery are putting Glasgow on the map for beer lovers too. From traditional drams to experimental brews, Glasgow continues to raise the bar for locally made beverages. 

From legendary locals to new favourites, Glasgow’s food and drink scene is bursting with flavour, passion, and stories worth sharing. Most of the places we’ve mentioned are part of the Glasgow 850 - Taste the Place food trail, so if you’re hungry for a new way to explore the city, why not get involved? Grab your friends, pick a route (or try all three!), and taste your way around Glasgow this spring.