Ting Thai on Byres Road brings the energy, heat and colour of Thai street food straight to Glasgow’s West End. Founded by Ting and Ae Tapparat, who first made their mark serving hungry crowds at the Edinburgh Festival back in 2012, the restaurant has grown from a cult pop-up into one of Scotland’s best-loved spots for authentic, no-nonsense Thai cooking. After success in Edinburgh, bringing their bold, flavour-led food to Glasgow felt like a natural next step – and Byres Road, with its lively mix of students, locals and visitors, couldn’t be a better fit.
The atmosphere is casual but fast-paced, echoing the street food stalls of Bangkok. It’s the kind of place you can drop into for a quick lunch, linger over dinner with friends, or stop by for a comforting bowl of noodles after a long day. The menu is extensive and designed for mixing and matching, with everything cooked fresh and packed with punchy flavours.
A great place to start is the Tom Yum soup, a classic hot-and-sour broth with chilli, lime and galangal that instantly wakes up the palate. For something crisp and indulgent, the Gai Yang - grilled chicken marinated with coriander, garlic and tamarind - delivers smoky, savoury depth with every bite. The Pad Thai, a house favourite, balances sweet, sour and salty perfectly, stir-fried with tamarind, egg, peanuts and your choice of protein. And for those who like a bit of heat, the Massaman curry offers rich, slow-cooked comfort with coconut milk, potatoes and warming spices that linger long after the last spoonful.
The menu also caters well for vegetarians and vegans, with tofu and vegetable-based dishes that never feel like an afterthought. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and everything is designed to be shared - just as Thai food should be.