The area just north of Cowcaddens is equal parts residential, industrial and urban regeneration as the city centre fades into flyovers and walkways. Plenty of people live here, particularly students (Glasgow School Of Art, Royal Conservatoire Of Scotland and two universities are within striking distance) and a large Chinese and East Asian community. 

Starting at the kink of Garscube Road there's a decent culinary spread. Head to Rockvilla Pizza for hand-stretched sourdough vibes in a bright, modern space. A quick diversion takes you to the Scottish Opera building, where indie coffee house Willow Grove Coffee has an outpost in the foyer for caffeine, big toasties and Portuguese tarts. Back onto the main road presents two Chinese options: China Court Bakery is a quiet legend for those in-the-know, with glossy, buttery breadstuffs including a pork and pineapple variety that usually sells out. Next door, the glorious whiff of grilled meat and five-spice emanates from Yummy Roast’s Hong Kong-style roast duck and pork in a spartan café setting. Just further up, Parveen’s plant-based Indian food has a residency at Civic House; coconut and lime leaf joyfully ping their way through sweet potato, green beans and rice.

By now you’ll see Cowcaddens. And roadworks. Stay calm, follow the signs and aim for the traditional Chinese gateway to the Chinatown Restuarant, which does a serious number in dim sum. Out and up the stairs is The Wee Curry Shop for hearty, delicate Indian dishes from an open kitchen, and The Philippine Store, the city’s only Filipino grocery specialist. There are also several Chinese equivalents ranging from the sizeable (Matthew’s Foods) to the petite (Lim’s Chinese Supermarket) along the way.