Four Seasons Vietnamese Restaurant
Vietnamese, Merchant City, 23 Stockwell Street
£52.20 for 2 starters, 2 mains and 2 teas
Brie: So, Four Seasons – Glasgow's hidden little Vietnamese gem. Shall we talk about it without mentioning your Vietnam trip?
Basil: But it’s relevant! I mean, how do we talk about Vietnamese food without referencing the time I ate—
Brie: Nope. Not today. Let’s start with first impressions instead.
Basil: Fine. It’s an unassuming little place – blink and you’d miss it. The inside? Minimal, street vendor vibes with a touch of “keep your coat on, it’s chilly in here.”
Brie: Yeah, not the warmest dining spot, but I kind of liked the vibe. It felt authentic, like stepping into a food stall that had just been built into the wall. And the service was so sweet. It’s counter service, and the lady working was lovely and patient as we mulled over the simple menu.
Basil: I do like a menu that keeps things straightforward. “We do this, and we do it well.” And they mostly did. Let’s talk food.
Brie: Starting with the vegetable spring rolls – they were incredible. Crispy, golden wrappers packed with fresh veggies, and they weren’t tiny. Two big rolls, sliced in half to make four pieces.
Basil: Which, as minor as it sounds, made a difference. Each piece had that satisfying crunch and just the right amount of filling. Perfect balance. I could’ve eaten twice as many.
Brie: Couldn’t we all? Then there were the homemade fish cakes, which… well, let’s say they weren’t for me.
Basil: Same. The texture was rubbery, almost like tofu gone wrong. It was odd – not the bright, zesty fish cakes you’d expect. It’s rare for us to agree on a dish fully, but this one’s a pass from both of us.
Brie: Luckily, the mains made up for it. My barbeque pork dish – the chef’s recommendation – was fantastic. The pork was tender, cooked in this rich, savory fish sauce with just a hint of sweetness. It came with a side of rice and a refreshing salad.
Basil: It was one of the stars of the meal. My winter snow coconut curry was another highlight—chicken and potatoes in a creamy, fragrant broth. It had layers of flavor, with the coconut giving it a slightly sweet, comforting base, balanced out by the spice.
Brie: Oh, the spice. You say “balanced,” but it nearly lit my mouth. My spice tolerance is basically nonexistent, though, so I’ll concede that it’s probably just me.
Basil: Probably. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Just be aware that the spice level here is more authentic.
Brie: That's a good tip. Speaking of tips, I tried the mango passionfruit boba tea. I liked it, but at £4.90 a pop, it felt like a splurge.
Basil: I agree. It was tasty, but the price tag stood out on an otherwise very reasonably priced menu.
Brie: So, final thoughts?
Basil: It’s a great little spot with plenty of charm—simple, flavourful dishes at a reasonable price point. I’d go back, though I might skip the fish cakes and just double up on spring rolls.
Brie: Same here. And while it didn’t quite whisk you back to Vietnam, it’s a solid choice for when you’re craving something authentic and satisfying.
Basil: Speaking of Vietnam, maybe it’s time we—
Brie: Nope. That’s where I cut you off.
Basil: Fine. But I’m just saying, another trip wouldn’t hurt…
Brie: You’re on thin ice, B. Thin ice.
Three Things to Know About Four Seasons (Glasgow):
- Unpretentious, street food-style vibe – A tiny, low-key spot with simple counter service and a warm welcome, even if you’ll want to keep your coat on.
- Hits and misses on the menu – The vegetable spring rolls and mains (especially the BBQ pork and coconut curry) were excellent. Fish cakes? Not so much.
- Good value overall – Most dishes are well-priced, though the boba tea felt like a bit of a splurge at nearly £5.