Tag: Pollokshields

• Neka Southside: Strathbungo’s best coffee shop combines authenticity with aesthetics

  

  What a godsend NEKA is!

  Tucked between Minard Road’s tenements sits a delightful little coffee spot, Neka Southside, which hosts experts in all things coffee, cakes, and interior design.

  The hidden gem first opened last October, and has gone from strength to strength since with seasonal specials and a brand new matcha line (as if the place needed more style points).

  As one google reviewer pointed out, the spot seems like the only Southside coffee shop that is open at “an appropriate time”, serving frothy cappuccinos and light sweet treats from 7:30 to 5:30 on weekdays, 8:00 to 5:30 in Saturday and 8:30 to 5:00 on Sundays.

  Not only is Neka Southside perfect for a quick caffeine hit, its also becoming a social hub, with the popular social run group KOBA bringing a gaggle of joggers to the shop on a regular basis.

  Neka Southside may be small, but every corner of the place is beautiful to look at in its with minimalistic but stunning counter tops, a glass front, and cute Instagram worthy mugs.

  Not only does it look pretty, it’s also practical! Its small seating area features plugs for students or work-from-homers, the toilets come with a baby changing area, its even dog friendly! And to top it off, the shop offers a stamp card which entitles you to a free coffee after your eighth trip.

  

  The reviews speak for themselves: over 50, and every single one is a five star.

  One review read: “Today, my family and I visited Neka in Glasgow once again — one of my favorite cafés that I always look forward to returning to. This place has become a personal favorite thanks to its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and absolutely delightful food and drinks.

  “The overall experience at Neka is what makes it stand out. The interior is both stylish and welcoming, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind, and the staff are always attentive and kind.

  “If you haven’t visited Neka yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot for tea or a satisfying meal, this café is one of the best in Glasgow. Don’t miss out!”

  I’d have to agree, my stamp card is quickly filling up, and long may it continue.

  You can find Neka Southside at 90 Minard Road, Glasgow, G41 2EQ. Featured image via Google Maps.

  • Neka Southside: 90 Minard Road

  16th Jul 2025

  Coffee, Coffee Shop, Crossmyloof, Glasgow, Neka, Pollokshields, Shawlands, Southside, Strathbungo

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• Ranjit’s Kitchen: Authentic Punjabi food for less than £15

  

  “Great wee place!”

  Ranjit’s Kitchen has been serving up authentic Punjabi food in the heart of Glasgow’s southside for over a decade.

  Its small restaurant and unnasuming frontage means it can easily be missed on the busy Pollokshaws Road, but once you’re in it seems ridiculous that its still a hidden gem.

  With only a handful of tables getting a seat can be difficult, but the restaurant’s takeaway service is booming with locals flying in-and-out of the door with their arms filled with pakora and daal.

  The restaurant is unique as its completely meat and fish free, completely fresh each day, and Ranjit’s Kitchen even offers options for gluten free or vegan versions of its dishes, undoubtedly delighting the increasingly large student population in the southside!

  As if that isn’t enough, its also extremely affordable, giving each delicious bite even more bang for its buck.

  The spot offers a “Daal of the day” served with two rotis for only £7.00, with a generous serving of paneer pakora for £7.95, samosas for £6.00.

  Ranjit’s Kitchen’s ace card must be their “panjabi tea for two”, for only £19.95 you’re met with a platter that comes filled to the bring with pakora, samosas, aloo tikki, sweet channa paneer, tamarind chutney, mint yoghurt, a trio of panjabi sweets and Panjabi tea or coffee.

  

  The success of Ranjit’s Kitchen is also a fantastic story that exemplifies the nature of the southside:

  “Ranjit Kaur is a Sikh woman from the village of Jandiala in the Jalandhar district of the Panjab, the north west of India. She has lived in the UK since the early 1980s and in Glasgow since around 1990.

  “Ranjit’s love for cooking came at an early age and she learnt all of the basics from her mum and elders. When she married and moved to the UK, Ranjit brought her passion for cooking and food with her.  For Ranjit, it was a way to remember the warm sweet smells and tastes of the Panjab, as she acclimatised to her new way of life here in the UK.

  “Ranjit’s Kitchen signifies a journey from the Panjab to Glasgow and is a collection of memories, tastes, ideas and flavours that have developed over many decades. It is a family run business with Ranjit’s children helping to turn their mothers lifelong dream into a reality. 

  The southside business prides itself on “making homemade Panjabi food precisely the way it is eaten in every Panjabi household across the world”, and its clearly gone down well with locals with the site boasting a 4.7 star rating on Google after an incredible 1,126 reviews.

  One happy customer said:

  “I love Ranjit’s. I’ve always had amazing, fresh and tasty food, whenever I’ve been. It’s delicious, so so flavoursome and as a vegetarian, it’s so nice to have a Indian restaurant where I can eat anything and everything… in great excess. Happy tummies”

  Another commented:

  Ranjit’s Kitchen is a hidden gem offering a truly authentic Punjabi dining experience. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the delicious food, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of India.

  Ranjit’s Kitchen is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00am to 8:30pm and promises (probably) the best Punjabi food in Glasgow, a stones throw from Queens Park station and on the main road out from the city centre.

  You can find Ranjit’s Kitchen at 607 Pollokshaws Road, G41 2QG.

  Featured image via Ranjit’s Kitchen.

  • Ranjit’s Kitchen: 607 Pollokshaws Rd

  15th Jul 2025

  Authentic, Crossmyloof, Glasgow, Indian, Indian Restaurant, Pollokshields, Punjabi, Restaurant, Shawlands, Southside, Strathbungo

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