Christmas is not a traditional Tibetan holiday. Yeshi’s family have never heard of it, and Yeshi himself still needs convincing.
For most restaurants, everything kicks off at this time of year, but December has historically been a quiet month at Taste Tibet. This is not normal in the world of hospitality. I guess Tibetan food is not the natural go-to at Christmastime, or perhaps Yeshi’s ambivalence towards the season has been heard.
But there’s plenty of Santa about our chef, as well as Scrooge. He enjoys getting the Christmas lights up and has worked hard this week to get the shelves ready with his legendary chilli oil and hot mooli pickle, condiments to keep you warm this winter.
This Saturday we want to fill tables for the Magdalen Road Frost Fest, a street-wide seasonal celebration. Last year we planned loads of outdoor activities that were completely scuppered by Storm Darragh, so this time around it’s business as usual indoors with Yeshi’s dal and momos as per. What more could you desire after your Christmas shop down the Magdalen Arms flea market, or the parade up Magdalen Road in your best Christmas jumper (10am FYI!).
On the subject of the big outdoors, last week we attended the National Outdoor Events Association Awards at the Roman Baths and Pump Room in Bath, an annual event that brings together the UK’s leading industry talent. It was such a big deal to be shortlisted, along with just three others, in the Best Caterer category, especially given that for the coldest, wettest part of the year we actually hide away indoors. Browsing Bath’s beautiful Christmas Market the following day, we reflected on the ice and snow we once braved in Oxford’s Gloucester Green (pictured – zoom for snow). We didn’t win the award, but it was good to clock far we have come.
If we haven’t served you lately at the restaurant, let’s make this December a little merrier. We have all the comfort food you need for dreary days. Or just stop by for signed cookbooks and freezer food.
Apologies – we’re not posting out anything perishable this Christmas, so please come to the restaurant for chilli oil, mooli pickle, chocolate tsampa truffles and more. If you’re further afield, you can buy cookbooks and TT merch (bags/mugs) online, as well as gift vouchers – and we’ll see you in the New Year!
Taste Tibet is open all the usual hours this week, as follows:
Weds – Fri: 5-9.30pm (dinner only)
Saturday: 12-3 (Magdalen Road Frost Fest) / 5-9.30pm
Sunday: 12-3 / 5-9pm
This week’s menu is up on the website – check it. Come by for dine in, take away and a wide range of freezer food, including family-sized boxes.
Finally, a heads-up that we’ll be closed from December 22nd to January 7th. The good news is that we’re going to try clearing out the freezers before we go, so we’re running some amazing deals on freezer food starting tomorrow, Wednesday. If you’re a subscriber to our weekly Substack you’ll receive discounts and freebies every week. Click here to sign up.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Julie and Yeshi
Opening hours this week:
Weds – Fri: 5-9.30pm
Saturday: 12-3pm 🥢 5-9.30pm
Sunday: 12-3pm 🥢 5-9pm
☏ 01865 499318
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