Glasgow is a great city for vegans with loads of places to choose from. Many of Glasgow’s best vegan and vegetarian cafes are in the Southside. So whether you are taking part in Veganuary or just fancy a plant-based treat, here are some of our reader’s faves.

By Jack Howse

New Year’s Resolutions are something we all make and something we all break. While it’s great to want to better ourselves, expecting massive change to happen overnight can be a big ask.

One resolution that has really taken off in the last few years is Veganuary as more and more people see the benefits of veganism concerning health, environmental impact and animal welfare. Even if you are not only eating a plant-based diet, meat consumption are its lowest levels since records began.

If you’re wondering where are Glasgow’s best vegan eats, the cafes and restaurants of Govanhill and the surrounding areas in the Southside offer some delicious vegan options. Take a look and find your next lunchtime fix – as recommended by our readers.

Vegan Cakes & Pastries

If you are after a vegan pastry then look no further than the corner of Langside Road and Dixon Road where the light blue shop of Two Eight Seven sits. Only open on the weekends the bakery is known for its bread and pastries packed with interesting flavour combinations. You might have to queue with rumbling stomachs for your pastry fix but it will always be worth the wait.

On the other side of Queens Park – on Skirving Street in Shawlands – there is the plant-based bakery, Honey Trap. You can get everything from bakery classics like almond croissants to more adventurous bakes like miso caramel chocolate ganache tart.

Family Run South Asian Cafes

Head to Pollokshaws Road for a bowl of warming and delicious Punjabi vegan food at Ranjit’s Kitchen. A family affair, the eponymous Ranjit moved from North West India to Glasgow in the 90s. The food is available for takeaway or sit-in where you’ll be elbow to elbow with other hungry diners looking for some delicious vegetarian grub. A particular favourite is their daily dal and two rotis for £5.50.

Another perennial favourite is Vegan and Veg Cafe at the top of Victoria Road. Another family run establishment, the cafe is known for its thali, a variety a dishes served in little bowls with bread and salad.

Chippy Teas and Takeaways

If you are after a quick fix, you can’t do much better than a falafel wrap from Kurdish Street Food. Famed for its glorious bread which is stuffed with piping hot falafel, crunchy, hummus and pickles, with a drizzle of chilli sauce or garlic sauce for a less spicy affair.

Pakistani Street Food is another place to grab a quick bite to eat with their wraps also being a particular highlight. A personal favourite wrap is their aloo tiki wrap - carbs stuffed in between carbs? What’s not to love.

And a shoutout to Yadgar Kebab House which many say does the best (meaty) kebab in the Southside. But they also do a delicious samosa chaat for a quick vegan lunch.

While you might want to associate veganism with leafy greens and the crunch and vibrant vegetable colours, there is still plenty of room for everyone’s favourite colour of food - beige. Head to Tina’s on Calder Street or Ramsays on Victoria Road for a piping hot bag of chips. Ramsays also do a veggie black pudding which you can also get battered for an even beiger affair.

Ice Cream

While you may not be in the mood for an ice cream, getting to know the best vegan gelaterias in preparation for the summer queues can’t be a bad thing. Ginesi’s on Victoria Road have been smashing the ice cream game for decades but did you know they also did vegan flavours? New kids on the block La Gelatessa have become known for their unique flavour combos (including vegan ones) and their interior decor — but did you also know they make an amazing vegan hot chocolate?

Free Vegan Food!

Food Not Bombs stall with vegan haggis and mash - photo by Dylan Lombard

While there are lots places you could go and get yourself a vegan grub on Victoria Road, did you know that you can get free vegan food as well? Food Not Bombs is an all-volunteer movement that recovers food that would otherwise be discarded, and shares free vegan and vegetarian meals with the hungry in over 1,000 cities in 65 countries in protest to war, poverty, and destruction of the environment. Get yours on Victoria Road every Saturday. Oh, and check out this article we did on the group.

Some other shout outs

Categorising our favourite vegan eateries is a fool’s errand, especially with so many great places on offer here. Some other highlights include two delights on Alison Street, a warming bowl of pho at Little Hoi An, while Gomo Kimchi’s vegan kimchi guk stew is the go-to for anyone needing a kick on these dark evenings.

Over at Locavore, there is always a solid offering of salads and soups. While at Glad Cafe, you can bag yourself a veganuary deal, where they are offering two mains and two sides or deserts for just £25.