When Yeshi first arrived in the UK we bought him a bike, because that’s what people do in Oxford. I remember that he couldn’t ride it at all at first, but it wasn’t long before he was cycling off into the sunset.
In rural Tibet, where Yeshi comes from, bicycles don’t have much use. A man in the village owned one and it was much admired. But the terrain is rugged and steep, and the mountain paths are rocky: tyres easily puncture. When Yeshi was little the only motorised vehicle in the village was a tractor. Everybody just walked from A to B, even if the journey took days. Yaks and mules helped to lug the heavy stuff, and the nomads trudged alongside.
A lot has has changed since then. Today there’s a tarmac road in the village and some people have private cars. The younger members of our family now tootle about on motorbikes. These machines get them out into nomadic areas, reducing the journey time home by half. They even take the strain off the beasts of burden who once carried all the loads. Yeshi remembers how bad he used to feel about that.
Motorbikes also give the younger generation an independence that Yeshi never had. When our friend Keiko visited Yeshi’s family back in the spring, our nephew picked her up from the bus stop many hours away and ferried her into the village on the back of his. Keiko later took this snap of him and his cousin, which is at the same time a treasured view of Yeshi’s home.
You may have heard the news already, but Taste Tibet is now delivering. Motorbikes are not involved – we are pedal powered only – so apologies to those of you outside of the two-mile radius we are serving who we still cannot reach. Yeshi not be cycling the goods over on his old pushbike: we have partnered instead with Foodstuff, a new 100% emissions-free deliveries business that brings the best local independent food to your doors.
During launch month, Foodstuff is offering our customers 50% off all home deliveries the first time you order. Do not miss this trick! Just apply the code TIBET50 at the checkout to claim the deal.
This week’s full menu is live on the website now and our opening hours are as follows:
Wednesday: 5-9.30pm (dinner only)
Thursday -Saturday: 12-3pm (lunch) / 5-9.30pm (dinner)
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who has donated to our Cooking for the Community initiative, which every week supports vulnerable people in Oxford to eat better – for free. Every Sunday we box up dozens of food parcels for distribution through Oxford Mutual Aid. We really appreciate every donation we receive. Click here to contribute, or you can always do so next time you are in store.
Thank you so much and see you soon!
Julie and Yeshi
Opening hours this week:
Weds: 5-9.30pm
Thurs – Sat: 12-3pm 5-9.30pm
☏ 01865 499318
