Uncle Tiger brings a rotating line-up of Asian flavours and night-time energy to Edinburgh's Bristo Place

A new restaurant opening on Edinburgh's Bristo Place this February is offering diners something a little different — a place that changes its culinary destination every six weeks, without changing its character: retro Asian canteen meets supper club afterparty. 

Uncle Tiger will run a rotating line-up of night-time sessions, inspired by some of the most exciting food cultures across Asia. Each one focuses on a single destination, bringing together chef-led dishes, inventive cocktails and a soundtrack to match. 

The opening menu, Hong Kong Nights, takes inspiration from the city’s street-food culture, with bold, flavour-driven dishes designed for sharing. Each menu will run for six weeks before moving on to the next destination, giving diners a reason to return as the restaurant continues to evolve. 

The food draws on fine-dining skill, but the inspiration comes from street food, with bold flavours and dishes designed to be fun to eat — the atmosphere is playful and immersive, with the energy of a proper night out. 

Uncle Tiger is expected to create 30 new jobs and will offer seating for around 100 customers. For smaller groups, a former shipping container at the back of the venue has been transformed into a private dining space for up to 14 people. 

During the day, the restaurant’s front window will house a bao bun station, operating seven days a week, where customers can watch bao being made and steamed by hand for eat-in or takeaway. 

John Howard owner

The kitchen will be led by Edinburgh chef Cameron Laidlaw, appointed by the city’s Òir Group to launch Uncle Tiger and develop its rotating menus. Cameron is best known for winning the Scottish, British and European Street Food Awards with his former street-food venture, Junk, and brings over 20 years’ experience across fine dining and street food. 

Commenting on the opening, Cameron Laidlaw said: 

“From Hong Kong to Japan and Singapore, expect punchy dishes that bring out the best in every ingredient, with a real focus on flavour and texture — sweet, salty, sour, soft and crunchy. 

"We really believe food is about bringing people together, so the menus are designed for sharing, alongside inventive cocktails and a soundtrack that keeps the energy up.” 

John Howard, owner and director of Òir Group, added: 

“When we saw the site, we knew that we needed to look at a different format to what we have done elsewhere and treating it more like an event space gives us enormous creative flexibility. It allows us to keep things fresh and exciting, giving guests a reason to return for something new every time."

Òir Group is an independent Edinburgh-based hospitality business behind several well-known restaurants across the city, including The Captain Darling in Stockbridge, Lucky Yu on Broughton Street and Bodega on Leith Walk. 

Uncle Tiger will open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm to 10pm at 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 1EY. 

The bao bun station will operate seven days a week from 11am until late. 

For updates, visit www.uncletiger.co.uk or follow on Instagram www.instagram.com/_uncletiger

Related: check out our Asian restaurant section