Perhaps the most exciting development in the Glasgow food scene of late has been the growth of pop-up kitchens. Without the need to maintain the massive overheads involved in a bricks-and-mortar restaurant, pop-ups are free to explore more experimental styles of food and provide them at lower prices.
Whether it be celebrating Scottish food, riffing on international cuisine or pushing the newest trends, there's no doubt that pop-up kitchens offer some of the freshest, most exciting dishes on the Scottish food scene.
Here, we present some of the best and the newest pop-up kitchens making waves in Glasgow right now.
Baked Aubgergine Parmigiana. Picture: Chompsky
One of the more creative pop-ups on this list, Chompsky tend to change it up at every event and bring something a little different each time.
Aimed at providing the freshest, quality foods at affordable prices, Chompsky's dishes are perfect for sharing and make for an excellent social experience.
Taking inspiration from around the world, they never fail to surprise or delight with their dishes.
Regulars at interesting venues like Booly Mardy's, you can follow them on their Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest on upcoming events (especially keep an eye out for their secret cinema venture). You can email them at chompskyfood@gmail.com, too.
Picture: Tantrum Doughnuts
Who doesn't love doughnuts? Tantrum Doughnuts have only been around for a few months, but word is already beginning to spread on their excellent gourmet doughnuts.
Something of a unique concept in Glasgow, Tantrum Doughnuts takes up the slack in a market that was, until their arrival, sadly lacking in quality.
All of their doughnuts use the finest ingredients possible, while all of their glazes are made in house, and the doughnuts themselves feature a great range of tastes and flavours.
Keep an eye on their Facebook and Twitter pages to see what they're up to next, or email them at tantrumdoughnuts@gmail.com
Picture: El Perro Negro
Perhaps one of the most established and respected pop-up kitchens on this list. El Perro Negro - The Black Dog - provide some of the wildest takes on burgers around (and were making burgers cool again before they became the 'next big thing').
The man behind El Perro Negro, self-taught chef Nick Watkins, is moving his popular concept forward and alongside their classic creations like the Top Dog - which several bloggers have already named the 'best burger in Glasgow' - has begun to move onto to other culinary styles.
If the rumours are true, then they could soon be moving into a more permanent base – we certainly hope so, as their burgers need to be tried by all.
For now you'll find them regularly appearing at Bloc and BrewDog. You can track their latest events on Facebook and Twitter, or email them at el.perro.negro.glasgow@gmail.com
Picture: Big Stir
The brainchild of local chef Liam Bell (with a little help from close friend Ali Morrison), Big Stir focuses on quality ingredients made well.
Backed by a conscientious message, Big Stir also bids to ensure no food is wasted with donations of anything not used going to food banks and local charities.
They are also keen to highlight local talent with young, up-and-coming artists and designers supplying exhibits for you to peruse as you enjoy the meals they provide.
Having already held events at places like the Scullery, the venture is beginning to gain growing popularity with each pop-up.
Follow them on Facebook and @bigstirglasgow on Twitter.
Bulgogi Fries. Picture: Kimchi Cult
London import Kimchi Cult aims to bring Korean-style street food to Glasgow and having successfully negotiated the pop-up kitchen scene have now secured their own premises.
A fun fusion between Korean cuisine and Western-style fast food, Kimchi Cult put the focus on Korean recipes made using Scottish ingredients.
Their excellent new premises is on Chancellor Street, in the city's West End, and is definitely worth visiting should you fancy joining the Kimchi Cult. Follow them on Facebook and on Twitter, or email them at danny@kimchicult.com
Vegetable roti. Picture: Babu
If you regularly follow our posts then you'll know we're big fans of Babu Bombay Street Kitchen and we were very glad when they move to a more permanent base in West Regent Street.
An excellent example of a street food vendor building their reputation by hard work and good food, the eatery still offers a food stall - which you can visit at Stockbridge Farmer’s Market in Edinburgh - as well as the occasional pop-up.
Look out for all the lovely little Scottish fusion touches they add to their Indian style cuisine - including on of our favourites, the Pau Bhaji (served with a toasted Morton's roll). They have a Facebook page, and you can tweet them on @BabuKitchen, too.
Picture: Smoak
One of the biggest names on this list, Smoak is perhaps the most experienced and well travelled pop-up kitchen in Glasgow.
Providing the original template that many still follow, Smoak's kitchen offers great quality barbecue style cuisine and is hugely popular wherever it goes.
All of their food is cooked Texan barbecue style and regularly features slow-smoked brisket, tacos, pulled pork, poutine and more.
Currently they can be found at Tribeca in the city's West End but you can follow them on social media to keep up to date with their latest movements. Tweet them at @smoakfood, or follow them on Facebook.
The Breakfast Dog. Picture: Surf Dogs
One of the newer pop-ups on this list, Surf Dogs have yet to establish themselves in Glasgow but are already receiving high praise.
Taking the unique concept of gourmet hot dogs and ramping it up to the next level, husband-and-wife team Martin and Denise are keen to bring a little bit of Americana to Glasgow.
Having already enjoyed success at events in both Glasgow's Southside and in the capital, expect to see more of them soon.
You can follow them on Facebook, or tweet them @surfdogsglasgow
• Did we miss any out? Keen to have your pop up acknowledged? Let us know by emailing us at foodanddrink@scotsman.com
