Who’s Café Paisley dinner review by Suzanne Oswald

Our resident food expert Suzanne Oswald visits one of Renfrewshire’s fastest rising eateries, Who’s Café

Despite being a relatively new addition to Paisley’s ever-expanding food and drink scene, it’s fair to say that the modestly named Who’s Café? has already established itself as a firm favourite among locals. And, after one glance at the mouth-watering menu (and the compelling reviews from fellow food lovers), I was eager to find out why.

Since relocating to Scotland a couple of years ago, owners Ellen and Ivan have taken what we know of the traditional café experience and turned it on its head – serving up beautifully presented and delicious Asian fusion dishes from their humble abode on Moss Street. With chef Ivan at the helm – who developed his craft in five and six-star restaurants no less – their mission is to bring something unique to the area, delivering high-quality food with love and care.

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During this visit with my friend and Mill Magazine alumni Linzi Clark, it was a delight to see this come to fruition.

On our arrival, we were ushered into the cosy café, which was tastefully decorated and instantly welcoming, and given time to peruse the impressive menu. 

With opening hours from 10am-8.30pm, Ellen and Ivan have carefully curated an expansive menu that caters for all times of the day. Whether you want a hearty full breakfast, a filled roll, a generously filled toastie or soup for lunch, or even a herbal or lemon tea as a warming soother, there’s plenty to tantalise the taste buds.

 For those looking for something a little more adventurous though, their dinner menu is something to behold. We started with some small plates – namely the Thai Spicy Pork Minced with Lettuce Wrap and the vegetarian version of the Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Lime Mango Salsa. 

Meticulously presented, the fresh, crunchy lettuce wraps were the perfect foil to the spicy, moist pork that lay within, providing ample kick but a great balance of flavour. Meanwhile, the summer rolls were a vibrant and refreshing mouthful – generously packed with the exotic taste of mango and crispy veg and elevated by the sweetness of the sticky salsa. 

When it came to the mains, we thought it would be remiss of us not to delve into the many chef’s specialities that were on offer, particularly given the six-star credentials. After much deliberation, I opted for the Nasi Goreng Spicy Indonesian Fried Rice. Ivan’s flavoursome take on the classic dish came packed with prawns, chicken, spring onions and a moreish samba sauce – all the finishing touches showcasing the care with which it was created.

Meanwhile, Linzi chose for a vegetarian option in the house favourite Who’s Fried Rice. A generous portion, I was assured that the combination of pillows of rice with mushroom, sweetcorn, carrots and spring onion was as tasty as it looked. 

If you take anything from our experience, it’s that you shouldn’t be fooled by what seems like a low-key and intimate café from the outside, as the modest exterior certainly belies the culinary marvels that lie inside. 

On top of that, you can expect to have an excellent meal at an affordable price – an appealing prospect at a time when the price of heading out for a meal is on the rise. So, if you’re not yet acquainted, we’d urge you to get down to Who’s Café and sample their delicious dinner menu when you get the chance. Driven by ambition and talent, as well as a desire to create a warming, welcoming new dining spot for locals, it’s a refreshing and exciting addition to Moss Street – and we’ll certainly be back. 

Who’s Café? 33 Moss Street, Paisley, PA1 1DL, 07761 309016, visit the website.