The Glasgow Times is on the hunt for the best takeaway lunch spot in the city. We are looking for your recommendations across the city centre, North Glasgow, East End, Southside and West End, and will be judging food based on Value for Money, Taste, Atmosphere, Service and Variety.
Deciding what to have for lunch on a soggy summer day makes me feel like a Glasgow Goldilocks.
The air is too close for anything heavy but the dreary weather leaves me craving comfort. I decided to test out the simple lunchtime offering at West End favourite Naked Soup.
The Kersland Street eatery has been mobbed every time I've tried to visit. Since the owners rebranded the venue in 2021, Naked Soup has amassed over 10.8K followers on Instagram and been featured in dozens of TikToks about places to eat in the city.
Described as a 'cafe, bar, and hideout', the restaurant serves lunch daily and transforms into a wine bar at night from Wednesday to Sunday.
There were seven different types of sandwiches and three different kinds of soup to choose from when I arrived just before 1pm.
I ordered an everything bagel filled with grilled artichoke, vegan pesto, and sun-dried tomato with a butterbean and lemon puree (£6.60) along with a small side of lentil, sweet potato and coconut soup with breadcrumbs (£2.00).
I was asked to wait outside while the order was prepared (just 5 minutes) before skipping through the rain back to the office.
I understand why this lunch spot has amassed such a cult following. It's hard to find a decent healthy takeaway in Glasgow that doesn't break the bank, and Naked Soup dishes up a fresh menu with something for everyone.
The stuffed bagel was incredibly filling and ticked the sandwich box of something I wouldn't make at home. The only letdown was the soup, which was too salty and came without breadcrumbs.
Regardless, I finished the whole thing and the meal kept me going for the rest of the day without feeling groggy. I will definitely be adding this venue to my midday meal rotation.
@glasgowtimes ♬ Novacane
What's the verdict?
Value for Money: 4/5 – A tenner for a takeaway sadly seems like the new norm amid the cost of living crisis. This healthy, filling lunch clocked in at £8.60 which felt worth it for a treat. They also offer a large soup with sourdough for £4.70.
Taste: 3.5/5 – Despite the soup being too salty it was a perfect dip for the stuffed bagel. The menu is creative and illustrates some care and thought goes into it.
Atmosphere: 4/5 – The ideal atmosphere for a lunch spot is somewhere that's buzzing with people who are enjoying their food and this place does that well. The interior is also modern and cool.
Service: 3/5 – The order-at-the-counter service was perfunctory but worked as the experience was quick and painless.
Variety: 4/5 – Seven different types of sandwiches including vegetarian and meat options. All of the soups were gluten-free.
Overall score: 18.5/25
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