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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Is this the best Chinese food in Glasgow? I'm not so sure
Twenty minutes on the treadmill is surely a free pass for noodles and rice, right? I was a fan of this spot's previous incarnation as Salt & Chilli Oriental (also run by Lee), which had a relaxed street food feel and enormous portion sizes that would explain the pre-emptive exercise. The menu was short but sweet and no doubt driven by the city's enduring love affair with all things salt and chilli seasoning that sees restaurants and cafes sprinkle the stuff on everything from hash browns to 'haggis baws'. But Lychee is a different beast, vying to bring the cooler, more sophisticated vibes of its older sister restaurant, first established on Mitchell Street in 2015, to the Southside. While the interiors of the split-level venue on Kilmarnock Road have barely changed, the food offering is now hugely expanded, drawing inspiration from Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisines. On a Wednesday evening, the place is busy with a mix of families, larger groups and couples. We're shown upstairs, where a tight fit between tables is just on the right side of cosy rather than cramped, before ordering a couple of soft drinks. On another occasion, I'd have been drawn to the cocktail section of Singapore Slings or Lychee Cosmos, which sit at a reasonable £8.50 each. There's a selection of salt and chilli dishes available at Lychee, so we're going for a portion of the squid starter (£7.50) to see if they've still got it, as well as Yuk Sung, spicy minced pork and chicken served with little gem lettuce leaves (£8.50). Though we've not requested them, a small bowl of prawn crackers arrives to munch on as we wait. Some early bonus points there. But, oh dear, that squid is looking awful peely-wally against cubes of green pepper and fiery chilli as our server approaches with the starters. Pictured: Starters of Salt and Chilli squid and Yuk Sung (Image: Newsquest) Close up, it's not much better. Whatever has happened between the journey from the kitchen to our table, there's not a hint of crunch left in these chunky strips of battered seafood slick with oil. There's a good hit of salt and chilli from a surface dusting of dry seasoning, but otherwise the spicy, moreish flavour fails to carry through to the rest of the plate. The Yuk Sung is more appealing. Mixed mince is firm and meaty, holding up in a bowl of soupy sauce that's to be spooned onto boats of lettuce leaves and eaten by hand. With the addition of pickled red cabbage, it's fun and fresh, if nothing more. My confidence in Lychee has been shaken slightly by the time the half-finished plates are cleared, but there's a lot of hope reserved for the main dishes. Pictured: Main dishes selected from the Specialities section of the menu at Lychee Oriental (Image: Newsquest) Both selected from the 'Specialities' section of the menu, the chicken claypot (£14.50) and roast duck (£18.50) are served in identical ceramic dishes. They won't win any prizes for presentation, but with this kind of food, looks don't matter all that much. It's all about the big, punchy flavours that emerge as you get stuck in. After a few spoonfuls of each, I'm still searching. Slices of duck are served with oyster sauce and mushrooms, while the claypot chicken, which sounded like the most adventurous of options on the menu, shares its red beancurd base with cloud fungus and Chinese sausage. The latter is my favourite of the pair, the delicate mushroom caps of cloud fungus and slivers of sausage adding intrigue and layers of texture where bland chicken pieces fall short. But there's not an awful lot that differentiates the taste of these two seemingly contrasting dishes aside from a hint of sweet nuttiness from the redbean. Come to think of it, I'm not sure that in a blind taste test they would be all that distinguishable from the sauce in the Yuk Sung starter either. Eaten with side dishes of wok noodles (£4.50) and egg-fried rice (£4.00), this trio could be from any local takeaway I've tried over the years, rather than a sit-down spot that aims to serve 'the very best Chinese food in Glasgow'. I wonder if we would have had more luck choosing from the crowd pleasers, like Hong Kong sweet and sour or crispy lemon chicken while picking out the best bits of mangetout and tofu skin from the leftovers. Read more: We'll remain seated a while after admitting defeat, but with no offer of a dessert menu, decide to forgo any sweets this time round rather than catching a server's attention. They've been incredibly attentive all night, so this feels like a small oversight rather than a real inconvenience, and we're keen to give them the table back as the restaurant starts to fill up. A quick check on social media later indicates that banana fritters could be the star of their sweet selection, so if that's your thing, be sure to hang around for pudding. I'm not sure what prompted chef Jimmy Lee's decision to transform his Salt & Chilli restaurant into a second Lychee branch, but as we leave, I feel a small pang of sorrow for the demise of a failsafe favourite. I suppose you never really do appreciate what you have until it's gone. Menu: It's a tantalising selection of dishes ranging from crowd pleasers like crispy lemon chicken to more adventurous claypot dishes. Plenty to choose from. 4/5 Service: Aside from a slight hiccup with the lack of dessert menu at the end, the team here is amiable and attentive. 4/5 Atmosphere: The upstairs of the restaurant is cosy, but there's not much room as bigger tables start to arrive. We never quite settle in before feeling we should vacate our seats. 3/5 Price: Lack of wow factor means £18.50 for the roast duck feels steep, but overall prices here aren't bad. They also run a set menu and lunch deals if you're watching your budget. 3/5 Food: I fully expected a knockout meal from Lychee Oriental, but found nothing to rave about in any of our dishes. 5/10 Total: 19/30 Lychee Oriental is located at 67 Kilmarnock Road in Glasgow.
Elle
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
13 Of The Chicest Summer French Tip Nail Designs To Try Right Now
For your next manicure appointment, do consider a summer French tip nail design. They have the refined elegance of a clean French set, yet make for a great starting point to try new colour combinations, additional nail art and ethereal finishes on top. Most of the year's freshest nail trends - from cat-eye and aura nails to pretty shades of pink and baby blue - can be incorporated into your French manicure. Session manicurist Ami Streets agrees. 'For the sunny season, the classic French manicure gets a modern refresh with colourful tips in pastels, citrus brights, or soft gradients,' she tells ELLE UK. 'Wavy, angled, or double lines playfully replace the traditional tip, while iridescent polishes give a luminous glow that catch the summer light beautifully. Meanwhile, matte, or marbled textures can add edge and interest for those that love a nail art effect.' Think of the French manicure as the nail version of the little black dress or jeans and tee combo. It can be kept completely minimal and clean or it can look completely maximalist, depending on what you add to it. The easiest way to start is by switching up the basic white and pink colourway with more playful or unexpected tones. Streets is a fan of pairing peach tips with a subtle pink base (try Kure Bazaar's Lychee with French Rose), sky blue with soft lilac or mint green with butter yellow. If you're easing into nail art, Streets suggests a thin, micro-French tip with chrome or glazed finishes on top. 'This is one of my favourite looks, especially over beautiful sorbet pastel shades like mint green or icy blue,' she says. 'It's all about playful details and personal expression while keeping it subtle, chic and wearable. Dual-tone micro French tips create an extra detail that's understated yet playful. Chrome powder finishes lend an ethereal touch to this sorbet-themed French manicure. Channel the laidback mood of a Mediterranean getaway with this yellow and blue colour palette complete with intricate nail art on the ring fingers. Butter yellow is all the rage right now. Extra touches of watercolour floral makes this design feel extra summery. If you're a summer bride (or simply attending the festivities), this bow-embellished design is exactly what the occasion asked for. Tap into the baby blue manicure trend and add on sprinklings of shimmer and white flowers for a tropical touch. When in doubt, keep it clean with a classic French mani and elevate it for the season with a jelly pink base instead of a matte one. Chrome finishes, off-white tips, and tiny pearls come together for an otherworldly set. If you prefer something with a little edge, try this crocodile-inspired design in a mossy green hue. Korean gels take nail art to the next level. Try this aura-inspired manicure and enjoy the compliments that'll come your way... Committed to dark nails all year round? Incorporating it your French manicure gives it a fresher feel. Sea-themed manicures, complete with waves and starfishes, are big on social media. This magical set will please the maximalists among us. Why not take it up a notch with both a reverse French mani and and French tip? Leave the rest of your nails clean for a grow-up feel. Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Trendy Glasgow restaurant eyes Edinburgh expansion
Combining Cantonese, Hunan and Sichuan influences, it has since served more than 34,000 portions of egg fried rice, poured more than 20,000 pints of Hong Ba lager, and shaken thousands of Lychee and Oolong Martinis, the venue's most popular cocktail. Read More: After 12 months of operation, the brand is looking to expand to Edinburgh. Paul Sloan, co-founder of Hunky Dory Dining Group, said: 'A restaurant like Zhima belongs in major cities. Edinburgh is definitely on our radar, and we can see it happening in the not so distant future. 'What we've proven here is that the appetite exists for this kind of elevated, late-night Chinese dining. We set out to create something special, and when you see how hard it is to get a booking most nights, you know it's struck a chord. That's the kind of excitement we want to build on.'
Identity
04-03-2025
- Health
- Identity
4 Places to Try Delicious Smoothies
It's smoothies season and we're all ready for it! Whether you're on a health kick or just craving a refreshing treat, there's something undeniably satisfying about sipping on a delicious smoothie. Luckily, there are many spots where you can indulge in these delightful drinks. Here are four places you absolutely must try: Daily Dose: Located in Zamalek, Daily Dose is your go-to destination for a tropical escape in a glass. Bursting with the flavors of ripe peaches and juicy mangoes, this smoothie is like a vacation in every sip. Trust us, one taste of Daily Dose's fruity creations, and you'll be transported to a paradise of flavor! Acairo: Are you a fan of Acai bowls and all things fruity? Then Acairo in Maadi is the place for you. While you're there devouring your favorite Acai bowl, why not pair it with one of their luscious fruity smoothies? From tangy berries to sweet bananas, Acairo offers many flavors that perfectly complement their wholesome bowls. Lychee: Who says smoothies can't be both healthy and delicious? Enter Lychee, where berry yogurt smoothies are supreme. Packed with the goodness of fresh berries and creamy yogurt, these smoothies are a guilt-free indulgence that doesn't compromise on taste. Bubble: If you're someone who enjoys the icy cold boba mixed with a bunch of flavors, then Bubble in Zamalek is your go-to. Step into this cozy spot and treat yourself to their delightful boba smoothies, with a variety of flavors to choose from and those signature tapioca pearls adding a delightful chewy texture.
Globe and Mail
03-03-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
The Tapping Tapir Expands gutC Prebiotic Range with New Mix Berry Flavour
KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 3, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - The Tapping Tapir, Malaysia's pioneering brand of naturally flavoured sparkling beverages, has introduced the latest addition to its gutC prebiotic drink range – Mix Berry. The new flavour was officially unveiled at the brand's wellness-driven Valentine's Day event at Pickle Nation, themed "Self-Love and Gut Love." This unique gathering blended fitness, mindfulness, and social connection, reinforcing the importance of gut health and self-care in daily life. Since its inception in 2013, The Tapping Tapir has been dedicated to crafting all-natural, additive-free beverages made from real fruit juices, spices, and herbs. The gutC range, designed to support digestive wellness, reflects the brand's commitment to health-conscious innovation. Recognising that 70% of the immune system is linked to gut health, gutC offers a low-calorie, prebiotic-infused selection of refreshing drinks that seamlessly fit into modern lifestyles. With the launch of Mix Berry, gutC now features four unique flavours: Mix Berry, Peach, Grape, and Lychee – the latter being an exclusive offering at 7-Eleven outlets. Each variant is carefully formulated with prebiotics (Inulin & Apple Cider Vinegar) to support digestion, Vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, and less than 2g of sugar, keeping each can under 15 calories for a guilt-free, refreshing beverage experience. To mark the launch of Mix Berry, The Tapping Tapir hosted a special Valentine's Day event at Pickle Nation, bringing together a diverse crowd of health enthusiasts, professional athletes, influencers, and brand partners for a day of self-care and gut health awareness. Attendees were treated to an array of immersive experiences that highlighted movement, mindfulness, and social connection. Participants took part in pickleball training sessions, where beginners were introduced to the fast-growing sport under expert guidance. Wellness expert Piyachai Teo led guided meditation and breathwork workshops, promoting relaxation and stress relief. The event also featured an invigorating ice bath recovery experience, showcasing the benefits of cold therapy for muscle recovery and mental clarity. Throughout the day, guests were invited to visit sampling stations, where they had the first taste of the new gutC Mix Berry, alongside other beverages from The Tapping Tapir. The highlight of the event was a social pickleball tournament, which saw friendly competition among influencers, celebrities, and professional pickleball players. Among the notable attendees were Toi Sieu Ee, Malaysia's No. 2-ranked pickleball player, alongside well-known personalities such as Cik Manggis, Mark O'Dea, Luqman Hafidz, and Intan Sarah. VIP guests from Diamond & Platinum, Christy Ng, and Pickle Fox were also present, adding to the vibrancy of the occasion. The competition concluded with participants vying for prizes in the Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories, with winners taking home RM500 cash prizes and a Six Zero Quartz Paddle, generously sponsored by Pickle Fox. Adding an element of glamour, Diamond & Platinum awarded a diamond necklace to the best-dressed guest, while two lucky winners received RM500 shopping vouchers. With the expanded gutC range, The Tapping Tapir continues to redefine healthy beverages in Malaysia. As a brand known for innovation and sustainability, it remains committed to sourcing high-quality natural ingredients from local farmers, minimising processing, and prioritising eco-friendly packaging. Widely available in premium retailers, cafés, and hotels, The Tapping Tapir is making it easier for consumers to embrace healthier, more responsible choices in their daily lives. For more information about gutC Mix Berry and upcoming events, visit or follow The Tapping Tapir on its Facebook and Instagram pages. – End – About The Tapping Tapir: Founded in 2013, The Tapping Tapir is a proudly Malaysian brand specialising in all-natural sparkling sodas crafted from real fruit juices, herbs, and spices—free from artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Embracing the philosophy of 'Refreshingly WILD,' the brand celebrates nature's best ingredients to create bold, tropical flavours with a refreshing twist. Each beverage is enriched with Vitamin C and contains less than 5g of sugar, naturally sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Committed to quality and sustainability, The Tapping Tapir works closely with local farmers to source fresh ingredients while ensuring all products are Halal-certified. Headquartered in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, The Tapping Tapir's beverages are available nationwide through leading retailers, wholesalers, and online platforms. ]]> Source: The Tapping Tapir Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
