Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Spitalfields Market sits the area’s newest opening. An idyllic Latin
American paradise, perched perfectly on the fine line between modern reinvention and authenticity.
Tigermilk has just opened its newest culinary addition, and we were some of the first to enjoy. What a treat.
Having sites all over France, spilling over into Belgium and opening its first London spot last summer, Tigermilk has made a name for itself for bringing the colourful, lively South American warmth to Europe and the newest Spitalfields venture is no exception.
Think flame-kissed, punchy, slow-cooked tacos contrasted by delicate ceviches layered with heat and acidity.
Indulgent, energetic, and unapologetically vibrant. It really is a reimagining of the stodgy, heavy Mexican food we usually encounter here in the UK, and what a breath of fresh air rolling over the Oaxacan mountain it is.
Nina and Alexis Melikov, the power couple behind the restaurant’s conception, created Tigermilk to be the “Latin American answer to the European brasserie”, describing the new opening as “bigger, louder, and more alive”. And it absolutely delivers.
The gorgeous interiors, inspired by the over-the-top estates of Mexico’s Cuernavaca, are spectacular, transporting you through shaded courtyards, lively taquerias and mezcalerias, to somewhere else entirely.
Though the restaurant and bar may usually cater to seated guests, the soft opening was anything but restrained. The whole building was on its feet, treated to a beautifully loud mariachi band, with queues of foodies waiting to indulge.
When greeted with perfectly balanced, refreshing hibiscus margaritas and made-to-order guacamole and tortilla chips, you can’t help but enjoy.
And honestly, I have tried hundreds of bowls of guacamole, from homemade to Michelin-starred, and this was by far the best. Vibrant, spicy and intensely fresh, with a zingy citrus lift that kept every bite feeling bright and addictive.
I don’t know what the team at Tigermilk put into this recipe, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t go back for one more. Or maybe two.
When visiting Mexico earlier this year, the smell of freshly rolled, floured, and baked tortillas every morning was second to none and the standout filling for me was Cochinita Pibil; slow- cooked pork originating in Mexico’s Yucatán region.
I thought this could not be recreatedanywhere but on that family-run street corner that I fell in love with. However, Tigermilk has donethe impossible and transported me right back. What a triumph their cochinita pibil is: rich, smoky,and unapologetically messy. A true taste of Mexico.
A special mention has to go out to the dish Tigermilk is known for: Coco Loco. It’s a dish that completely catches you off guard. Creamy coconut, juicy mango, and zippy pomegranate sound almost too indulgent on paper, yet when met with the melt-in-the-mouth delicacy of the pollock, the flavours tango together beautifully. It’s no surprise that this dish has remained a signature on every Tigermilk menu.
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and what is better than freshly fried, caramel-filled churros? This was the most in-demand dish of the night and after my first bite, I am not surprised in any way. Crispy yet soft. Molten yet moreish. The perfect end to the night.
Tigermilk’s newest venture is a masterclass in culinary creation. The restaurant celebrates its South American roots, whilst excitedly welcoming the flavours into the modern European dining scene. Expect it to become a Spitalfields staple in no time.
The London, Fruit & Wool Exchange, Crispin St, London E1 6AG