The best new vegan and vegetarian dishes to try in Glasgow this summer

With veganism and meat-free diets on the rise, many restaurants in Glasgow are offering new dishes.

Published 29th May 2019
Updated 9 th Aug 2023

With Glasgow being hailed as one of the best places in the UK for vegans and veggies, we take a look at some plant-based and meat-free events and menus available to try in the city this summer.

From a seven course tasting menu to dedicated vegan festivals, there's something for all this summer.

Supper Club by Nico

(142 Nithsdale Road, G41 5RB)

Glasgow vegan summer

Picture: Supper Club by Nico

Celebrated chef, Nico Simeone, is set to launch a plant-based menu at his southside restaurant - Supper Club by Nico.

From 31 May - 8 June, diners can enjoy a seven course vegan tasting menu which will feature sustainable dishes such as: Spring lettuce, avocado and cucumber gazpacho; Isle of White tomato tartare, verjus granita and sourdough crisp; King oyster mushroom “risotto” with truffle and black garlic and parsley foam and coconut creme, banana and yuzu sorbet.

Chef Nico Simeone said: "The launch of our new seven course vegan tasting menu is in response to our growing, ethically inspired customer base, looking for delicious alternatives to meat. Many of our diners across our restaurant group are asking for more options to reduce their meat consumption and we hope the introduction of our inaugural vegan menu will appeal to both new and existing guests."

The seven course vegan tasting menu is priced at £28 per person with vegan snacks to accompany from £5.

Swadish

(33 Ingram St, G1 1HA)

Glasgow vegan summer

Picture: Swadish Facebook

This modern Indian restaurant has recently opened on the site of the old Ad Lib on Ingram Street.

Headed up by husband and wife team, Ajay and Jaspreet Kumar - who run a successful catering company for the Asian weddings and functions market, Swadish has a dedicated vegan menu that offers choices that have never been available before.

Cùl Cùil

(84-86 W Nile St, G1 2QH)

Glasgow vegan summer

Picture: Cul Cuil

This city centre gem is an ideal place to visit on sunny days thanks to its outdoor space, range of drinks and varied menu.

With a full kitchen refit just completed and a mezzanine extension, Cul Cuil has introduced some new summery dishes to the menu, including a revamped vegan and vegetarian offering.

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The bar is also stocked full of traditional and craft beers, cocktails, gins and rums.

Platform at the Arches

(253 Argyle St, G2 8DL)

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2dxQiF-5j/

This monthly independent street food market has a revolving number of vendors, many of whom serve up delicious veggie and vegan food.

As well as the food trucks, there is a new food quarter. Here foodies can pick up produce from the specialist farmers and food market traders and producers who offer quality products for customers to enjoy at home.

Visitors can also celebrate the weekend at the fully licensed bar, which offers craft beers, cocktails, spirits and soft drinks.

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Halloumi

(697 Pollokshaws Road, G41 2AB )

Glasgow vegan summer

Greek restaurant Halloumi has recently launched four meat-free menu items, just in time for summer.

Created by Halloumi Southside head chef Argyrios Tsipos, the new dishes celebrate fresh summer flavours such as beetroot, courgette, sweet potato, spinach and chilli.

The halloumi fries, bruschetta and beetroot and yoghurt houmous dip will appeal to veggies.

There’s also a Greek mac and cheese on the menu with layers of bubbling halloumi and speciality extra virgin oil from Greece.

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Guests dining between the 3rd to 6th of June can enjoy 20 per cent off the a la carte menu. What's more, there is also a summer bubbles promotion coming up.

Running seven days in June, guests to Halloumi Southside can enjoy their choice of any five mezze from their a la carte - including their new mezze-  alongside a bottle of chilled fizz for £49.50. A great way to catch up with friends and available until 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and until 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Glasgow Vegan Markets

(Barras Art And Design Centre, 54 Calton Entry, G40 2SB)

Glasgow vegan summer

Picture: Facebook

These markets, which run from June - December will feature vegan names such as Planet KuKu, The Herbivore Kitchen, Dear Green Claes, Hygge and Cool Jerk Vegan Pies.

As well as good food there will be plastic free produce to purchase and a vegan brunch is available, making this a perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon.

The monthly markets will host 10 regular stall holders and keep 10 spaces on reserve for new vegan businesses.

Vegan burger pop up

(The Cran, 994 Argyle St, G3 8LU)

Glasgow vegan summer

Picture: the vegan burger

The Mad Chef and Durty Vegan Burger Club have taken over The Cran in Finnieston, with the doors to the pop up opening on Friday 30 May at 5 pm.

The launch weekend runs from 5pm – 10pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the pop up continuing Thursdays-Sundays 5-10pm.

After more than a year of planning, The Mad Chef, Danny McLaren, said: "So finally the waiting is over, I'm absolutely overwhelmed with this news, and cannot explain how long I have been waiting for something like this."

And in even better news, Danny confirmed he'll be doing some good deeds when his business gets its permanent home. He added: "I have put everything on the line and chased a dream that started in 2017. Now we have a shot at taking this brand to the next level, while achieving what we set out to do. The goal was always to be Glasgow's first vegan burger restaurant and takeaway that helped support social enterprises, that goal has never left my sight.”

"Expect me in my element creating some of the most downright Durty Vegan wares a human could imagine, while bringing back the true mad chef theatre. I will also be cultivating and programming events and happenings that will bring people from all walks of life together, and help grow and support others.

"This is the platform I have been searching for its now time to show Glasgow who we really are."

Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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