In the week that our cookbook publishes, we’d like to thank all the amazing TT customers who have given us so much over the years. This book is for you, because it wouldn’t exist without you.
In the beginning, we never thought of ourselves as writers – that wasn’t the plan. Yeshi’s dreams for Taste Tibet started as a momo-making project from our home kitchen. Sometimes we took his delicious dumplings out to Oxford’s central market. Sometimes it was easier to invite people into our house to collect them.
In those days, Yeshi didn’t yet have a driving license, so this latter idea was definitely more convenient. We leafleted the streets near our home, and willing neighbours signed up to receive weekly emails that contained a menu and a small piece of news from Tibet or recollection of life on the Plateau. Some of our earliest “at home” customers encouraged us to work these stories into something more substantial. They were the first to mention the word “book”.
Our customers have led the way every time. Without Vanessa Lacey we would never have found our Magdalen Road premises. Katherine Corr and Anne-Marie Ratcliffe hooked us up with Oxford Mutual Aid, who have been delivering TT meals to vulnerable people in Oxford for almost two years now. Rachel Fox asked enough times that after seven years we finally got our chilli oil in jars.
When we first released news of our cookbook, some of you asked why we would give away all our secrets. But our aim has always been to have more of you get to know and enjoy Tibetan food, and this is definitely the way. Many of you have family and friends who will never visit our festival stall, or who can only make it to Oxford every once in a while. People, gift that book! In doing so you are supporting a dream, and we are getting Yeshi’s delicious dishes out further than we could ever have hoped.
This book is for you and for everyone you know who wants to eat better and fresher. It’s for the food lover in your life. It’s for culture vultures. It’s for anyone with an interest in ethical eating. It’s for dumpling enthusiasts, curry connoisseurs and noodle lovers. It’s for everyone who’s looking for a fresh perspective on food.
A reminder that anyone who orders the book before midnight on 23rd March is in with a chance to win a momo-making masterclass with Chef! We are offering this opportunity to three lucky winners and their guests. Just fill out this very quick Google form to enter.
We are business as usual this week (no Wednesday 23rd opening next week – just a quick heads up in case you are better planners than we are), as follows.
Wednesday: 5-9.30pm (dinner only) / Thursday – Saturday: 12-3pm (lunch) & 5-9.30pm (dinner)
Our menu is live on the website now.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Julie and Yeshi
