It’s hard to believe, but there are only about 700 Tibetan people in all of the UK. Unlike the governments of Switzerland, Germany, Holland and other close neighbours, the British do not grant Tibetans refugee status. This means that very few manage to secure indefinite leave to remain.
Hence the tiny number of Tibetan restaurants. Elsewhere in Europe, where Tibetan people are numerous, Tibetan food is becoming a bit of a thing (who can forget a perfectly-steamed momo, after all), but here in the UK you can count the number of Tibetan restaurants on one hand. We all know and support one another. If you ever happen to be in Manchester, Congleton, Heben Bridge or London you now know where to head.
Yeshi spent many years in India, where there is a thriving Tibetan food scene. There are more Tibetans living in India than anywhere else in the world outside of Tibet, and Tibetan restaurants are a common sight (pictured: the Yak Restaurant in Dharamsala, where Yeshi and I first met). As this Times of India article so neatly puts it, “There should be a Tibetan restaurant on every street corner. The food, with its simple ingredients and clean flavours pleases most palates, the décor is always understated and the staff always gentle.”
Oxford – we are round your corner, and from this week we are offering you more opportunities to get out and enjoy simple Tibetan food. This week’s menu is up ,on our website now. We are opening on WEDNESDAY from 5.30-9.30pm this week in addition to our normal Thursday-Saturday hours – pease tell your friends. Here’s a run-down of when you can find us:
Wednesday: 5.30-9.30pm (dinner only)
Thursday: 12-3pm (lunch) / 5.30-9.30pm (dinner)
Friday: 12-3pm (lunch) / 5.30-9.30pm (dinner)
Saturday: 12-3pm (lunch) / 5.30-9.30pm (dinner)
Newsletter subscribers! Yeshi learned all his dal tricks in India, and this week, in homage, we are offering a free freezer box of Taste Tibet dal to anyone who spends over £15 with us. Our dal loves the freezer and comes out just like new if you add a little boiling water to the pot (reheat from frozen if you like). Simply quote the passcode GYA-GAR (“India”) at the checkout If you’d like to take advantage of this offer.
This week, instead of reaching out for donations to our Cooking for the Community initiative, we are asking anyone who’s read this far – and who can afford it – to donate to this JustGiving campaign. Due to the COVID-19 situation in India, Tibetan communities throughout the country are facing great hardship, increased illness and death. Support is urgently needed to address a shortage of oxygen, medical staff and supplies. Thanks so much.
See you soon!
Julie and Yeshi
Opening hours this week:
Weds: 5.30-9.30pm
Thurs – Sat: 12-3pm 5.30-9.30pm
☏ 01865 499318
