Ka Pao Glasgow
Glasgow, Strathclyde
This striking green-and-white tiled architectural A-lister just off Byres Road brings the flavours and energy of South East Asian-inspired street food to Glasgow’s cool climes – and an even cooler customer base. The low-key side entrance leads down to a buzzing basement that celebrates the building’s industrial heritage with exposed metal ducting, brightly painted galvanised walls, functional furniture and a vibrant open kitchen. A young team of friendly and efficient servers help you explore less-familiar ingredients and navigate the Scoville scale for chilli heat. There are plenty of opportunities for getting messy with finger food. Corn 'ribs' with salted coconut, dried shrimp and lime are nicely fire-charred, while the fried chicken with spicy caramel is a crispy, sticky plate of pure hedonism. Larger plates build layers of flavour, as in stir-fried ox tongue with choi sum, oyster sauce and green peppercorns, or a creative and veggie-friendly curry of charcoal-grilled celeriac with almond, turmeric and crispy kale. Side salads merit a central role - shaved carrots and rhubarb with brown shrimp and hazelnut pack a fiery punch, while a plate of chunky cucumber with chilli, lime, peanuts and an abundance of fresh aromatic leaves including the (almost) eponymous kra pao (Thai holy basil) is zingy and clean.This is in-your-face food: unapologetically bold with generous portions and powerful flavours. Although it can occasionally veer towards hot cooking rather than haute cuisine, it certainly hits that ‘addictive’ spot where sweetness, sharpness, chilli heat and aromatics collide. You’ll leave with your taste buds popping and your ears tingling. The bartenders craft cocktails that build on the four cardinal points of this culinary compass (hot, sour, salty and sweet), or you might prefer a refreshing lemongrass and lime-leaf soda.
Dining Information:
Counter seating, Wheelchair access
Botanic Gardens Garage, 26 Vinicombe Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde G12 8BE
0141 483 6990
