5 kebab and grill eateries in Glasgow
Our TipLists suggest the places worth knowing about in different themes, categories and locations. This month, we’re on the grill. No longer the sole preserve of the late-night takeaway, kebabs, shawarma and gyros make for the perfect cheap, casual eat which (whisper it) can actually be pretty healthy too
‘Babs
49 West Nile Street
The folks behind burger spot Bread Meats Bread elevate the kebab with a Mediterranean/Middle East vibe to both menu and décor. The charcoal grill dishes out all manner of top-notch gyros, souvlaki, shish and shawarma. Avoid decisions with the mezze platter for a feast of their grilled delights.
Damasqino Restaurant
94 Saltmarket
A golden-hued warm welcome greets you at this Syrian/Levantine spot where grilled and skewered meats are among the best in town. It’s picked up plenty of accolades, including best Lebanese restaurant in the UK at the British Kebab Awards this year. Excellent food ranges from mezze and shawarma to various charcoal-grilled mixed dishes.
Hajar Shawarma
23 Gallowgate & 450a Sauchiehall Street
Owner Hajar Salih could be credited with Glasgow’s shawarma boom, having set up Shawarma King (see below) before moving on to other venues. Both the Gallowgate site and the outlet at Garnethill have seating, and everything is made fresh daily, from shawarma to flatbreads and sauces.
Shawarma King
113 King Street
Housed in a King Street railway arch, this virally popular shawarma specialist was an early player in Glasgow’s rotisserie craze and remains one of the city’s greatest grill exponents. The mini takeaway has gone all the way to the top, with awards to prove it, including five-time winner of Scotland’s best kebab shop at the British Kebab Awards.
Yadgar Kebab House
148 Calder Street
Established in 1981, Yadgar is a Southside institution serving Pakistani-Indian dishes. Their reputation and customer base has grown since opening, as did their size when they annexed the neighbours for a sit-in area. A canteeny vibe doesn’t deter spice fans queuing up for excellent seekh, shammi and chapli kebabs.
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This article was written in partnership with Monkey Shoulder.