Taste Tibet
109 Magdalen Rd, Oxford OX4 1RQ
Rating: 4.7 ★ (236 ratings)
Details
Taste Tibet, an acclaimed establishment in East Oxford, offers a distinctly informal dining experience that reflects its origins as a popular street food stall. Opening its doors in November 2020 during the UK's second lockdown, the restaurant at 109 Magdalen Road has quickly garnered national recognition, having been a finalist in the BBC Food and Farming Awards and a runner-up in the Observer Food Awards. This family-run venture embraces a relaxed, canteen-style service, operating on a no-bookings policy, which mirrors traditional Tibetan hospitality where spontaneous visits are customary. Diners can enjoy their meals within the welcoming atmosphere or opt for hot takeaway, with frozen dishes also available to enjoy at home.
The menu is a celebration of authentic Tibetan cuisine, deeply rooted in co-owner Yeshi Jampa's nomadic heritage and global culinary experiences. Unsurprisingly, momos, the legendary Tibetan dumplings, are a standout feature, with both beef and vegan options highly praised. Beyond these delicious parcels, patrons can savour a variety of curries, including the Famous Chicken Curry and the warming Spinach & Chickpea Curry, alongside stir-fries and hearty stews. Completing the offering are delectable sides such as Sesame Cabbage and Chocolate Tsampa Truffles, as well as Tibetan Chai Tea for a truly immersive taste of the Himalayas.
Taste Tibet is perfectly suited for anyone seeking an unpretentious and flavourful culinary journey, particularly those keen to explore unique Himalayan dishes at an accessible price. It is an excellent choice for casual meals with friends or family, welcoming walk-ins given its no-reservation approach. Moreover, its commitment to community, offering free food to vulnerable individuals weekly, makes it an appealing option for visitors who appreciate supporting businesses with a strong social conscience.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed | Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM | Thursday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM | Friday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM | Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM | Sunday: Closed
Contact
+44 1865 499318 | https://www.tastetibet.com/
Comments
The momos were the biggest letdown. At £18 for only 8 pieces, they’re already expensive, but what arrived was essentially half-cooked. There were still uncooked bits of dough on the plate – clearly undercooked and not safe to eat. We had to leave most of them untouched.
The biryani (£17) was actually okay taste-wise, but that one decent dish doesn’t make up for the rest of the experience. For £35, I expected much better quality and certainly nothing that was visibly undercooked.
Overall, this place is severely overpriced for what you get. The food quality doesn’t justify the cost, and the momos were frankly unacceptable. There are much better Nepalese restaurants in the area where you’ll get proper food at a fair price. Save your money and skip this one.
Taste Tibet stands out because it genuinely feels like you’re going to a friend’s house for heart-warming, home-cooked food.
However, there were a few things I felt were lacking. I ordered the meat “feast” for one for just under £20 (£19.29). I was promised two curries, momo, rice, and dhal. I was shocked when the food arrived in a small paper bag, only to be handed ONE container by the driver.
For home delivery, everything is shoved into one container. This means the rice soaks up all the sauce, the two curries merge, and the flavours are no longer distinct or easily distinguishable.
The dhal then blends into everything else as it’s poured over the rice, and the momo, which is quite large takes up a decent amount of space in the container.
It ended up feeling like I’d reheated a doggy bag from a cook-up rather than receiving something thoughtfully put together as a takeaway meal which is made worse by it being crammed into one small container.
£20 for one container that isn’t even large just a standard takeaway container—feels like poor value. £20 is around the same price as some local buffets in Oxford. It could get you two similar meals at Oxford markets with change left over, or a decent meal at a curry house with properly packed individual dishes and bread.
I’m just not happy with that aspect. I feel like it’s very poor value for money.
Although the food tasted homely and authentic, it didn’t blow me away—but again, that could be because everything was blended together. It looks like it could be a family run business which makes me want to rate them higher
I would still recommend giving it a try ♥️ as it stands out for its home-style cooking. However, for the price they’re charging, I’m frustrated.
In my opinion, this should be priced lower, and based on the current price, I’m not impressed but that doesn’t take away from the fact they are unique and homely which is hard to find in Oxford