Running a restaurant has got to be one of the most Buddhist things that you can do.
Buddhism doesn’t tell you to go out and open a restaurant, of course. But a foundation of being Buddhist is compassion and care for others. When done right, that’s the very nature of hospitality.
Restaurants provide a space for reunions, anniversaries, celebrations. We’re open when you’re off – the evenings, the weekends, the holidays. Easter – when was that? We’re on a different rhythm to the rest of you. We’re here to bring you joy when you seek it.
The good news is that your happiness and our happiness are not in conflict. What helps you helps us, and vice versa. So when we get things right at the restaurant, when you leave satisfied and full in all the ways, that fuels us, encourages us, motivates us to do even better.
Here’s the tricky part: we can’t hold on to these moments – they’re fleeting, like everything else. Buddhism teaches that clinging – to people, ideas, things – is the root of all suffering. And it’s true that the warm fuzzy feels tend not to last. The stranger who became a much-loved regular doesn’t come by any more. The chef we cherished for so many years has landed another job. Society shifts. Rules change. Everything has its time.
If the desire to open our restaurant was borne out of some altruistic notion of sharing Tibetan food and culture with the wider community, running it has taught us much more besides. About letting go and about acceptance – Buddhist ideas that become more meaningful in real-life context.
Hospitality is in the doldrums right now. What’s the key to survival? To use a Buddhist term, we think it’s right intention.
Right intention isn’t about setting goals or achieving outcomes. It’s about integrity and consistency. In our case, it’s about showing up even when most of the neighbourhood is away. It’s about preparing and cooking food with purpose and care, and giving full attention to every customer who walks in through the door.
Why do you keep coming back to Taste Tibet? Is is the Feast For One that calls you, or is it something that’s harder to articulate?
We’re open all the usual hours this week, as follows:
Weds – Fri: 5-9.30pm (dinner only)
Saturday: 12-3/ 5-9.30pm
Sunday: 12-3 / 5-9pm
This week’s menu is up on the website – check it. Come for dine in, take away and a restock of your freezer. We also have plenty of chilli oil and cookbooks.
And if you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, you might be interested in weekly discounts and freebies alongside. Click here to sign up to Postcards From Tibet.
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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