With its prime Mare Street location, family-run vibe, and homey service, Hackney’s Paper Tiger is a firm favourite for Baijing-style cooking with casual east London edge. Founded by a mother and daughter duo, the restaurant draws on generations of recipes and techniques, all delivered with a deeply personal feel. Head chef Lily creates menus that reflect the dishes she grew up making and eating in Beijing, keeping things grounded and focused on comforting dishes designed for sharing.
Interiors at Paper Tiger mirror that spirit, complete with an atmosphere that feels like a much-loved neighbourhood hangout but leans into east London design. Light shades mimic lanterns, casting a rich red glow over the restaurant, while simple banquette seating guarantees comfort. Postcards, prints, and Chinese art add a creative edge, while the low lighting and hum of conversation create an easy balance between cocktail bar and casual restaurant.
Expect to see staff ferrying steaming baskets of dumplings, outdoor tables, and pints and cocktails flowing from the bar. Dumplings, in fact, sit at the core of the Paper Tiger menu, offering a select few vegan and vegetarian options alongside more classic meat and fish versions. We’re talking mushroom and tofu with glass noodle and carrot, egg and Chinese chive, chicken and courgette, and a classic pork and Chinese cabbage number.
Starters and sides, meanwhile, may include options like smashed cucumber and radish, spring rolls, and spicy and sour shredded potato stir-fried with chilli, garlic, and black vinegar. Guests at Paper Tiger can also expect specials, which have previously included Sichuan bang-bang chicken, wonton soup, and Lao Ye’s aubergine with garlic. There’s also a tempting dumpling deal, which combines a choice of classic dumplings with a pint or cocktail. Just a warning: dishes at Paper Tiger change fairly regularly, so expect to see new things cropping up fairly early.