From arriving in Scotland at eighteen to becoming one of the most celebrated figures in Glasgow’s dining scene, Modou’s story is one of quiet resilience, generosity, and faith; both in himself and in the city that gave him a home.
At the helm of 111 by Modou and his new restaurant, Trust, he’s redefined what it means to cook with heart. We sat down with him to talk about his journey, his inspiration, and the magic of Glasgow.
A New Beginning
“I was born in Senegal and moved to Glasgow when I was 18,” Modou begins. “It was a big change, and like many people arriving in a new country, I didn’t know exactly what the future would hold. I started off with very little, working in kitchens as a kitchen porter. But I was curious. I loved the energy of the kitchen, and I wanted to learn. That curiosity is what started the journey.”
That early curiosity would become the foundation of a remarkable career, one that began with washing dishes and led to running one of the city’s most beloved restaurants.
“what struck me early on was the warmth of the people.
Glaswegians are direct, funny, and real”
First Impressions of a City
“At first, I found Glasgow cold – both the weather and the experience of being somewhere new and unfamiliar. But what struck me early on was the warmth of the people. Glaswegians are direct, funny, and real. I started to find my place through work, through people who gave me chances, and through the community that slowly started to feel like home.”
There’s a rhythm to the way Modou talks about the city; as though it’s a character in his story, full of heart, humour, and second chances.
Learning and Leading
His path through Glasgow’s kitchens began humbly, but it didn’t stay that way for long.
“I started at Simply Fish as a kitchen porter under Chef Nico Simeone. He saw potential in me and gave me the opportunity to train and grow in the kitchen. A year later, when he offered me the restaurant to run as my own, it was overwhelming. I took it as a responsibility – not just to cook, but to lead, to inspire, and to represent where I come from. It taught me resilience, creativity, and how important it is to stay grounded.”
It’s a story that has since become part of Glasgow’s culinary folklore. The young chef who turned opportunity into inspiration, and built a restaurant that feels as much about people as it is about food.
The Power of Trust
Today, Modou’s focus is on his new venture: Trust. As its name suggests, it’s a concept built on faith; in the chef, the process, and the experience itself.
“Trust is built around a simple but powerful idea: you don’t choose the menu, I do,” he explains. “It’s about creating a relationship between the chef and the diner, where you let go and allow yourself to be surprised.
That requires trust. For me, it’s about honesty, creativity, and a deeper connection. It reflects how I cook and how I live: with heart, and with purpose.”
Coming Full Circle
“Absolutely,” he says when asked whether opening Trust in Glasgow feels like a full-circle moment. “Glasgow has watched me grow up – from a teenager with no experience to someone running his own restaurants. Opening Trust here feels like giving something back. It’s a love letter to the city that raised me, challenged me, and believed in me.”
There’s no sense of distance in the way he speaks, no separation between chef and city. It’s a partnership, rooted in gratitude.
A City with Heart
When it comes to Glasgow’s dining scene, Modou is clear about what makes it unique. “It’s the people. There’s a rawness and honesty in the way Glaswegians approach food. They’re open-minded but not pretentious. The dining scene here is diverse, bold, and unafraid to try new things. And behind every great restaurant is a story, there’s a lot of heart in this city.” That heart – that mix of authenticity and boldness – feels mirrored in his own cooking.
“behind every great restaurant is a story,
there’s a lot of heart in this city”
Connection and Community
“I think it comes from knowing what it’s like to start with nothing, to work your way up,” he says, reflecting on the loyalty and warmth he inspires in his guests. “I don’t take anything for granted. When people come into my restaurant, they’re not just customers, they’re guests in a space I’ve poured myself into. I try to bring that personal touch to everything, because food is more than just flavour; it’s connection.”
Outside the kitchen, Modou finds calm in simplicity. “I love walking along the River Kelvin. There’s something calming about it, especially early in the morning before the city wakes up. But honestly, it’s less about a specific place and more about moments; sharing tea with friends, hearing familiar accents, just feeling like you belong. That’s home to me.”
On Finding Home
“Home is where you feel seen,” he says, after a pause. “It’s not just where you live, but where you grow, where you give back, and where people accept you for who you are. Glasgow gave me that. It’s where my dreams took shape, and it’s where I found my voice – not just as a chef, but as a person.”
Trust by Modou is now open on Agryle Street, Finnieston.
Visit: trustbymodou.co.uk