Taste Tibet nominated in BBC Food and Farming Awards

Magdalen Road eatery Taste Tibet opened last year after spending almost a decade serving festivalgoers across the country.

In July, Yeshi Jampa and Julie Kleeman found out the restaurant had been nominated as one of three finalists in this year’s BBC Food and Farming Awards, in the Best Street Food or Takeaway category.

The nomination is a high point following a rollercoaster year which saw a £10,000 food trailer stolen shortly before the festival season kicked in.

Taste Tibet opened its restaurant in Magdalen Road last November. Picture: David Fleming

Ms Kleeman said: “People had to write a minimum of between 200 and 300 words with their nominations so it wasn’t a case of filling in a form.

“That in itself was overwhelming that our customers did that – it was an amazing show of support.

“To get into the final three of the category is gobsmacking, we never thought we’d make the final three.

“I’m having sleepless nights about it but we’re winners anyway whatever the case.

“It’s the Oscars of the food awards and to be on the shortlist itself is a thrill.”

The couple opened the east Oxford restaurant on November 13, 2020 – exactly 11 years after they first met.

They had served Tibetan food from their market stall at Gloucester Green, as well as festivals including Glastonbury, since 2014.

Julie Kleeman at the former Gloucester Green market stall in October 2016. Picture: Mhari Hackett

Yeshi Jampa at the former Gloucester Green market stall in October 2016. Picture: Mhari Hackett

In August, just as they prepared to join the delayed festival circuit, a refrigerated trailer used to store food was stolen.

Ms Kleeman said it was just another event in what has been a difficult year, however they remained strong throughout, providing incredible help to the community.

She said: “We couldn’t just stop when Covid happened, we had to keep going. The support we got was incredible.

“I think the BBC was looking for people who had gone the extra mile and that’s something I think we’ve done by doing deliveries to hospitals and for the NHS at the beginning of the pandemic.

“We’re still delivering between 50 and 150 meals a week for Oxford Mutual Aid.

“It’s been a really difficult time but we never sat back, we didn’t put anyone on furlough, we kept busy.

“The work we did supporting the NHS and Oxford Mutual Aid has touched people and that’s part of the reason which has got us here in the awards.”

Taste Tibet is up against Griedy’s Wings & Strips, based in Manchester, and Juma Kitchen, which serves Iraqi food in London.

The winner will be announced tonight during an in-person event at Broadcasting House.