Tchai-Ovna House of Tea

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Set up 'to offer an alternative to the corporate and clinical bars and cafés found throughout the city', and said to be inspired by Czech tea houses, Tchai-Ovna offers both West Enders and Southsiders affordable vegetarian meals and more than 80 speciality teas and infusions. The Otago Lane branch's proximity to Glasgow University means it attracts a large student clientele. It overlooks the River Kelvin, with slightly rickety outdoor tables in the tea garden, and a bohemian interior full of everything from ethnic rugs to tribal masks and fruit-scented water pipes. Starters include dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), which are filled with plump rice and served with salad, or baba ghanoush – a satisfyingly chunky and subtly salty aubergine dip. A main course of lentil dhal is quietly fiery, complemented by snow-bud tea (a lighter take on green tea and served in a vast teapot). A warm, aromatic triangle of honeyed, flaky baklava is impeccable, as is a slice of chewy, dense chocolate brownie. Both branches host events including music nights, knitting and shiatsu, while the Shawlands branch (with wi-fi) has a more Arabic feel, selling hand-made Persian rugs.

• High point: Antidote to identikit style bars
• Low point: Erratic service