Glasgow is the best city in the world. The people, the architecture, the history, our sense of humour, the food, bars, restaurants, burgers…you name it, Glasgow’s got it. But we’ve definitely arrived late to the party when it comes to proper street food. I’m not talking about the dodgy burger vans outside the SECC or the ice cream van that blasts up and down your mate’s street. I’m talking about real, gourmet street food. Glasgow has had a long, problematic history with kickstarting a proper street food scene – to the point where we were seeing street food trucks and festivals confined to warehouses and anywhere else but, you know, the street!
All of that; however, looks like it’s about to change. Hopefully, the partnership between StrEAT Glasgow and Good Food Glasgow is the beginning of something beautiful and long-lasting on our city streets.
Appearing throughout the city during the month of May, StrEAT is bringing together quality names in Glasgow’s food scene and serving up food to the people of Glasgow on the streets, where street food belongs. We were eager to get down and check out what it was all about and headed along to the Broomielaw, right next to the busy Financial District. It’s the perfect location for street food in Glasgow and I couldn’t imagine a better place for food trucks to set up on a sunny day. Upon arrival, I couldn’t believe how much choice there was! Burgers, hot dogs, coffee, thai food, curry, Korean food, veggie and vegan dishes…there was something for everyone. There was a seating area and an absolutely buzzing atmosphere in the air. As soon as I saw it, I knew that real street food had finally arrived in our great city.
With that, it was time to eat! I didn’t know where to hit first…I was like a kid on Christmas morning wandering around the stalls and trucks.
First up, we went for the Firedog burger. An angus beef topped with smoked cheese, sriracha, jalapeños and salad on a toasted brioche. I remember when I was a wee guy and the only burgers you could get from a van were the ones that you wouldn’t dare eat. I’m talking burger patties that you could use as a frisbee. Times are changing though, as you can see from the photos!
What I liked about this was that it DID remind me of a burger you’d get at a good garden barbecue or at a burger van – but a much higher quality. A word of warning, there’s a crazy kick to this burger. The sriracha and jalapeño combo was deadly but delicious. It’s also optional, but the guy making my burger recommended it so I went for it. I’ve mentioned before that my ability to handle hot food has depleted lately and I was reminded of that fact here. Tasty, but fiery!
Secondly, the pulled pork bao from Chompsky Food was an absolute winner for me! I’ve been desperate to try their food for some time, so bad was definitely on the cards during this visit. Pulled pork in a hoisin peanut sauce with pickled apple and crunchy veg. This was just dynamite! A serious taste sensation. If you’re in Glasgow during one of these events then get along to the Broomielaw and GET THIS IN YOUR FACE!
I really enjoyed my visit to StrEAT. A cracking atmosphere and set up and I’m so tempted to go back again next time. We need more stuff like this in Glasgow. Get along and support it if you can!
Keep an eye on www.streatglasgow.co.uk, @GoodFoodGlasgow and @StrEATglasgow for upcoming dates!
Price: Firedog Burger £4 / Chompsky Bao £5
SUMMARY
+ FINALLY we have awesome street food in Glasgow. Amazing atmosphere and set up.
+ Sriracha, jalapeno and smoked cheese combo on the burger
+ Incredible pulled pork bao.
Talk to James on Twitter and tell us what you thought of this burger! You can also leave your own review and comments below. We want to hear from you! You can also leave a message or join in on the burger chat on our Facebook page.
StrEAT Glasgow
Broomielaw Glasgow
Glasgow
G2
Website: http://www.streatglasgow.co.uk / http://twitter.com/GoodFoodGlasgow
Check out Chompsky and Fire Dog online too!
LEGAL / COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: ALL Photography by PAMELA GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY. Copyright of Pamela Graham & Pamela Graham Photography. All Rights Reserved.
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