Out of all the benefits that come with running Dundee Culture, one stands out as my absolute favourite—one that resonates with me on a deep, personal level.
Meeting people.
People are the backbone of Dundee. They shape its identity, infuse it with energy, and make it the incredible city that it is. Behind every local business, event, and creative endeavour, there are passionate individuals who pour their heart into what they do.
One such person is Gill Young.
Gill runs the Shack Street Food, a beloved spot tucked away on Isla Street which has run since 2016. Her journey is one of resilience, passion, and community spirit, making her an inspiring figure in Dundee’s food scene.
I’ve been following Gill and the Shack’s social media for quite some time now. Her posts are filled with personality, delicious food, and an infectious enthusiasm that makes you want to visit immediately. Despite this, our paths hadn’t quite crossed in person—until now.
So, this past Friday, I decided to change that.
Along with Kacey, who recently joined Dundee Culture for work experience as part of her journalism course, we set off to the Shack for a visit. It was a spontaneous decision, but one that turned out to be absolutely worth it.
The moment we arrived, the air was filled with the sizzling sounds of the grill and the mouth-watering aroma of freshly cooked food. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and conversation—exactly the kind of warm, welcoming place you hope for when searching for good food.
Then, over the lively background noise, I heard my name being called.
Gill, mid-service, greeted us with a huge smile, her voice carrying warmth even as she juggled orders. That first interaction said it all—she is exactly as kind, down-to-earth, and full of life as she appears online.
It’s no surprise Gill is so well-loved in the Dundee community. She has an incredible way of making everyone feel welcome, and from the moment you meet her, you just know you’re going to get along. There’s an authenticity about her that draws people in—a rare and special quality.
Now, let’s talk about the food.
The Shack’s menu is packed with proper Dundee comfort food, from towering burgers to pehs, loaded nachos, and their iconic filthy fries. One of the most talked-about dishes is their creamy chicken peh, but by the time we got there, they were all sold out—a testament to just how popular it is!
Gill told us it had been an especially busy week, so she’d been flat out keeping up with demand. But luckily for us, she still had cheeseburgers and filthy fries on offer, and let me tell you—they did not disappoint.
We grabbed a seat, tucked in, and had a brilliant conversation with Gill. We talked about the Shack’s journey, her love for Dundee, and the challenges and joys of running a food stall.
Kacey, who has a real passion for storytelling, was in her element—asking great questions and getting to know more about Gill’s experience.
What makes the Shack so special isn’t just the food (although that alone is worth the visit). It’s the sense of community that Gill has created.
When you visit, you’re not just another customer. You’re welcomed like an old friend. The conversations flow as easily as the food, and you can feel the passion Gill pours into every part of her work—not just in what’s served on the plate, but in the relationships she builds with those around her.
It’s places like this, and people like Gill, that make Dundee what it is. She’s a shining example of how one person’s passion can have a ripple effect—bringing people together, creating joy, and making an impact on the community.
I feel lucky to have finally met Gill in person, and even luckier to have shared the experience with Kacey, who is already proving to be a talented writer and storyteller.
If you haven’t visited the Shack yet, do yourself a favour and go. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a smile on your face, and the feeling that you’ve just been part of something truly special.
The Shack Street Food is located at 5 Isla Street and is open Monday to Friday from 11am - 3pm.
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