Mowgli has welcomed in customers to its first ever Scottish restaurant, in the heart of Glasgow city centre.
Over two years in the making, we first brought news the independent Indian street food spot was due to open in our city way back in February 2020.
Mowgli Street Food, hugely popular south of the border, was launched by curry evangelist, food writer and YouTuber Nisha Katona in Liverpool in 2014.
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Mowgli's arrival in Glasgow always felt inevitable, given Nisha's links to the city. When the celebrity chef unveiled the St Vincent Street location in spring 2021, she said: "Glasgow is a city close to my heart. I spent many a happy night in The Ubiquitous Chip in my student days. I’m so utterly humbled to have any hand in making her streets even more delicious."
And with the new restaurant opening its doors to the public for the very first time this Monday, we popped along to give a try.
The first thing we noticed as we stepped inside is that no expense has been spared in transforming this place, which was last home to Handmade Burger Co. before it closed permanently in 2020.
It's beautifully decorated and also pleasing to see the best brought out of the character-filled property, with its high ceiling, which allows for seating areas over different levels.
Adorned by fairy lights at every turn, including on the tree in the centre of the restaurant, this place certainly passes the eye test in terms of looks. Its unique features include the swing seats and birdcages hanging from the ceiling, while it also benefits from lots of natural lighting and an impressive open bar with views out to the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
All of these elements add up to give the Glasgow Mowgli a good, busy atmosphere when its in full flow.
Of course, food is at the core of what Mowgli's about, or as they say themselves we're 'all about how Indians eat at home and on their streets.'
'Mowgli is not about the intimate, hushed dining experience. It is about the smash and grab zing of healthy, light, virtuosic herbs and spices', they add.
While Mowgli centres around Indian cuisine, it offers a different experience to what you might find in your local neighbourhood restaurant. The menu isn't a list of curries and pakora, but rather Indian small plates - the waiter will recommend you go for around five dishes between two on your first visit.
From the Street Chaat section we went for the treacle tamarind fries and Mowgli chip butty. The tamarind fries in particular were a big hit, sweet and sticky with an almost BBQ-style honey glaze, with the coriander keeping it fresh. The chip butty presented a twist on British tradition, small diced wedge style chips served in a roti wrap.
In The Hindu Kitchen section of the menu, Mowgli's take on the Indian classic Paneer was the choice and this again was a highlight of the meal, being fresh, hearty and comforting.
The Aga Ginger Chicken from The House Kitchen options tasted similarly fresh, but on the next visit we might be tempted to try out something with more of a kick and spice.
Roti breads were also ordered from the curry companions list, mopping up any of the left over sauces on our plates.
As recommend as a must have by the waitress, the Mowgli Chocolate Brownie was a lovely way to finish the meal and one you'll probably struggle to resist if you have a sweet tooth.
For a full look at the menu you can click here.
A big aspect of Mowgli's offering is also an exotic cocktail selection, many of which are linked back to India, including Sweet Delhi Delights and the Chai Rum Sling.
We opted for the Mowgli Gin and Tonic and the Mango Tonic mocktail, both fresh and fragrant and a reminder that Mowgli would be a good stop-off option for a couple of drinks and snacks before heading elsewhere on a night out.
It must be noted, as is so key in any restaurant, the service was quick - the food arrived very soon after ordering, attentive and came with a smile. The staff have clearly been trained to warmly welcome the guests and make sure Mowgli's arrival makes a good impression on its first customers.
And, given its location, what we were left feeling from our visit is that Mowgli will really benefit from its versatility and ability to cater for all - we can imagine it will be a fun spot for a family meal - they have a kids menu as well as a vegan and gluten free menu - with the decor and design of the place, including those swing seats, more than enough to keep the kids entertained.
It would work as a date night spot too, given its atmosphere, its solid drink selection and its food offering, which we feel has something for everyone, and is largely focused on sharing.
There's bigger tables too to cater for large groups of friends, while if you're looking for somewhere a bit more private there's some cosy seats tucked away on the upper levels.
Scotland's first Mowgli is relaxed, informal and fun and - for the reasons listed above - given its ability to appeal to all, there's little down it's going to be a popular addition to Glasgow's city centre dining scene.
Mowgli is located at 78 St Vincent Street, G2 5UB. To find out more, you can visit the Mowgli website here.
