Cafe Mao

fusing the best of Asian cuisine into a compact yet widely varied menu... new dishes include shiitake noodle cakes and chilli mango duck

Venue Review by Neil Whiting | 11 May 2007

Located in the heart of Glasgow's trendy Merchant City, Cafe Mao has become one of the most reputable and established restaurants in the area. Easy to spot due to the outsized Andy Warhol-style portraits of Chairman Mao (curious choice) prominently displayed on the outside window, Cafe Mao has gained a reputation for its lively atmosphere and delicious Thai Fusion cuisine.

Although part of a mini-chain of restaurants, it is entirely unique within Glasgow in terms of the menu, ambience and decor. And, after recently unveiling a new healthier menu in partnership with Scottish Slimmers, it appears that the restaurant's popularity will only go from strength to strength.

The influences range from Japan to India and everywhere roughly inbetween, fusing the best of Asian cuisine into a compact yet widely varied menu. New dishes include shiitake noodle cakes and chilli mango duck and other mouth-watering options available include the teriyaki salmon and five spice chicken. The Thai rare beef salad is excellent and even a dish as basic as chicken lemongrass salad manages to possess a unique spark.

The food is fresh, fast and cooked to order and with the open plan kitchen you can watch your meal being prepared in front of you.

The restaurant consists of two large open plan floors, both with a full bar and separate kitchen. The Warhol-style paintings of Mao adorn the walls and glass frontage, contributing to an overall effect of funky, colourful minimalism.

To match the decor, the staff are equally as bright and cheerful and, unlike many a Glaswegian restaurant, they actually appear to have some knowledge of the menu.

There is also an intriguing drinks list with fresh, healthy fruit drinks and delicious smoothies with flavours including honey and banana and mango and guava.

On the whole, Cafe Mao is a unique and exciting venue and an ideal place for couples or people after fresh and delicious food. With its stylish surroundings, energetic staff and inimitable menu it will probably not be long before there is a Mao establishment in every major city.

84 Brunswick Street
Merchant City
Indicative menu:

STARTERS: Tandoori Chicken Salad (£5.00) Chilli Squid (£5.75) Moo Num Tok (£5.00)

MAINS: Chicken lemongrass salad (£10.00) Coconut Lamb Korma (£10.50) Teriyaki Salmon Fill