Zhima Chinese Brasserie, Glasgow – A Stylish Take on Modern Chinese Dining

Restaurant Review: Zhima Chinese Brasserie in Glasgow City Centre

While visiting clients in Glasgow recently, we stumbled upon a stylish spot that immediately caught our eye – Zhima, a contemporary Chinese brasserie located right in the heart of the city centre. With its sleek signage and modern exterior, this definitely wasn’t your typical high-street Chinese restaurant.

First Impressions: Chic, Smart, and Welcoming

Stepping inside, we were met with an impressively chic interior – stylish lighting, elegant table settings, and a sophisticated atmosphere that made us feel instantly comfortable. Zhima is clearly going for an upscale vibe, and it works. The staff were polite, well-trained and attentive without being overbearing, and every dish that came out of the kitchen looked beautifully presented.

Starters That Set the Tone

For my starter, I went for the minced chicken with basil, garlic, and sweet chilli, served in crispy lettuce leaves. It was bursting with flavour , a perfect blend of heat and sweetness, although slightly tricky to eat neatly due to how generously the leaves were packed. A bit messy, but worth it!

My colleague Matt chose the crispy duck pancakes, which he rated very highly. The duck was tender, flavourful, and complemented perfectly by the classic hoisin sauce and thin pancakes.

Flavour-Packed Mains with a Kick

For my main course, I opted for a spicy lamb dish, which delivered a satisfying punch of heat. I paired it with a side of stir-fried Chinese vegetables, which were fresh, crunchy, and well-seasoned. The portions here are generous – you definitely won’t leave hungry.

One side I couldn’t resist trying was the chilli and garlic edamame beans. They arrived in their pods, and while tasty, they were a bit fiddly to eat. Next time, I’ll ask for them shelled!

Matt went for a beef dish with a thick, rich sauce, which he described as delicious – though he did get caught off guard a couple of times by some fiery fresh chilli slices! He also had a bowl of egg fried rice, which was light and fluffy, and we shared a portion of prawn crackers. These could’ve done with a dipping sauce, something sweet or spicy would have really elevated them.

Drinks, Price, and Overall Experience

We washed everything down with a couple of crisp Chinese beers and a jug of tap water. The bill came to £108, which might not be the cheapest Chinese meal in town, but considering the quality of the food, the generous portions, and the ambiance, it felt like decent value for money.

Had we been staying locally, we’d have definitely asked for a takeaway box – there was just too much food to finish. Sadly, we had to leave some behind.

Final Verdict: A Stylish Spot for Quality Chinese Cuisine

Zhima offers a refreshing take on Chinese dining in Glasgow. The smart décor, attentive service, and flavour-packed dishes make it a spot well worth visiting. I’d happily give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. If you’re after high-quality Chinese food in the city centre, Zhima should be on your radar, and I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town.