Back when I was studying Chinese in the early 1990s, people would often question why I’d chosen such a mad subject for my degree. China’s rise wasn’t yet a thing and Japanese was the language that everyone was learning, even though Japan’s heyday had all but passed. “Do you want to work in a Chinese restaurant?” they’d ask. I had no idea what I planned to do with my life, but a career in hospitality definitely wasn’t on the cards.
And yet, working in a Chinese restaurant is more or less what I’ve ended up doing – except we’re Tibetan, of course 😜. I never saw it coming because I was shy when I was younger and a bit fearful of people. When I left university, I gravitated towards desk-based jobs where I could spend as much time as possible hidden behind the computer. This is how we ended up in Oxford: I used to be the chief editor of the Oxford Chinese Dictionary.
So when Yeshi started the Taste Tibet stall in Oxford’s Gloucester Green market exactly ten years ago this autumn, I kept my distance. I was outside of my comfort zone.
But everybody loved Yeshi’s momos, and before I knew it he’d roped me in and we were a bit of a duo: me with the baby strapped to my back behind the till, Yeshi whipping up culinary magic before the crowds.
The greatest gift that Taste Tibet has given to me has been the revelation that people are in fact wonderful. Everybody is struggling with their stuff, but most of the time they’re striving to be their best. I’m not scared of people any more: I realise that if anything they’re more scared of me. So I take every opportunity to give the best hospitality that I can, and I love to see something light up in our guests over on the other side of the counter. When human beings connect, it’s a beautiful thing!
Maybe the key is to do something that you believe in and then all the good vibes follow. Whatever the secret truly is, Taste Tibet was filled with the best of the best last weekend for our anniversary party. Thank you to everyone who pitched up and gave us a piece of your hearts. I never thought I’d work in a restaurant but you make it hard for me to turn back now!
(Pictured: a less than happy day of “work experience” behind the cosmetics counter when I was studying in China in 1997. Hospitality definitely wasn’t my bag back then).
The restaurant is open for all the good stuff as usual this week, opening times as follows:
Weds – Fri: 5-9.30pm (dinner only)
Saturday: 12-3 (lunch) / 5-9.30pm (dinner)
Sunday: 12-3 (lunch) / 5-9pm (dinner)
This week’s menu is up on the website – check it! Come by for take away, dine in or you can order home delivery through Deliveroo.
Our freezers are also packed with all the nutritious meals you don’t have time to make yourselves, and we have good stocks of chilli oil and cookbooks as well – pop in for yours or head to the website for online orders.
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We look forward to seeing you!
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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