Uncle Tiger launches 'Golden Gai Time' Japanese street food menu

A few weeks ago, I went to the opening night for Uncle Tiger, a new Asian-fusion restaurant with a fun pop-up menu twist. Tempting delights floated through the crowd, and I was instantly addicted to the flavours and fancies on offer. As everyone’s “fun, favourite uncle”, keeping it fresh, fun and fascinating is what Uncle Tiger is all about. While I’m a creature of habit who frequents the same places and eats the same meals on repeat so I am intrigued by the concept of a rotating menu. And last night I was lucky enough to be invited to experience everything Uncle Tiger has to offer… this time around.

The menus rotate in a ‘series’ – well, that’s how the staff introduced the Uncle Tiger concept to us. And Series 2, ‘Golden Gai Time’, is in full swing until the end of June. Golden Gai is a famous pocket of Tokyo made up of tiny, smoke-filled bars packed side by side, where the focus is simple food, skewers and strong drinks, with a big emphasis on kushiyaki-style grilling.  

On opening night several weeks ago, I discovered the delights of their Peach and Plum tonic that they make in-house. So tonight, I know my habitual creature is going to want more and I let it indulge. On several.

After an in-depth explanation of the menu, Riley and I are lost in an abundance of choice. The current Series, Golden Gai Time, is inspired by Japanese izakaya – small bars serving bite-size, smoke-infused, delectably-grilled, punch-you-in-the-mouth-with-flavour dishes that tempt you to order more.

The staff recommend one Ippin dish, two Yakitori, and one Agemono - per person. They don’t have to tell us twice! Before we know it, our table is filled with intrigues.

The debate was on: what was our favourite of the night? Riley and I both agree that the BBQ Chicken Thigh with soy tare, spring onions and white sesame is an instant win. So much so that when I take a bite, I stop mid-sentence and gesture emphatically at the dish, and then at Riley, as she nods in agreement - as if she hasn’t just experienced the same delight.

Alongside perfectly Braised Beef and crunchy Karage Chicken, we are pleasantly surprised by and easily swooned by our Ippin choices. The fresh and zingy punch of the Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles) becomes my ideal palate cleanser, something to indulge in between bites of smoky mains. And Riley informs the lovely assistant manager that she’d easily eat an entire bowl of the Tataki Kyuri, (smashed cucmber) and I can’t disagree. I mostly leave her to eat it, concerned that if I try to take too much, she’ll bite my hand.

To end the evening, we are told about the two desserts on offer – a Thousand Layer Apple Cake with Deep-Fried Ginger Ice Cream, and a Strawberry Custard Bao; the assistant manager takes one look at our faces and says, “I’ll bring you both”. It was perhaps the wisest decision of the night.

Uncle Tiger - 3 Bristo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 1EY - 0131 287 8722

Open Wed to Sat 5pm – 10pm

Uncle Tiger’s new ‘Golden Gai Time’ menu includes okonomiyaki, hash brown, BBQ cabbage, pancake and kewpie; BBQ chicken thigh with soy tare, spring onion and white sesame; agedashi tofu, daikon, scallion and pickled ginger; crispy chicken skin with sweetcorn puree and nori sansho; watermelon tataki, blackened sishito, preserved lemon and scallions; and BBQ braised beef, yuzu kosho, semi-dried tomato and shiitake.