Tien Tsin
“Your proper Chinese restaurant.”
Chinese cuisine is an extremely diverse one, thanks to the enourmous size of the country and regions with their own history and resources. Obviously, many dishes are quite vegan friendly, but finding an authentic Chinese restaurant that also focuses on some of the vegan dishes is a rare sight. Tien Tsin is a family restaurant right at the edge of Avenyn with an extra vegan section on the menu. Promising? Let’s see!
With it’s location at Engelbrektsgatan, Tien Tsin is both very central, but also very invisible. One needs to know it exists to really see it, despite the beautiful modern Chinese facade decorations. And it seems to work nevertheless, as the place seems buzzing even on an early dinner time.
The inside is full of modern decoration with style, but also clearly Chinese with some cute elements. It’s cosy and modern, how you would like a fancier dinner to look like.
The menu is divided into different types of food and regions, as well as a fully vegan section with a nice green distinction. It feels welcoming to see so many outright vegan options and clear notes.
We decided for a little feast of Mapo Tofu, Yu Shan Eggplant and Chop Suey. Rice is ordered on the side by bowl. While the price point is a bit higher with roughly 229 SEK per dish, it’s not in the real of expensive I’d say. And in best Chinese fashion, share the dishes at the table. Extra props to the attentive staff being very knowledgeable about allergenes and double-checking if needed. Always appreciated!
Didn’t take too long and then the feast was served. And Oh my, what a beautiful arrangement. The Mapo Tofu has a beautiful balance of chili and flavour, while the silken tofu works great in the sauce. The Ya Shan Eggplant was an absolute delight, super soft and full of taste. And getting Chop Suey Greens on the side helped to balance the strong flavours of the other two dishes. Crunchy, fresh vegetables in a simplistic sauce.
The bowls of rice could be bigger, but I just ordered some more. What can I say? I’m a rice guy. We also got a Yuzu sorbet as dessert and that was quite the flavour explosion. Not a big fan of sorbet as dessert, but the yuzu flavour was very strong and just unlike what you usually get. I’m sold.
All in all, it has been a rather delightful experience. Not only because the food is great, but especially because the people are great. You can sense hospitality and a pride for what they do in every step. It makes you feel welcome, appreciated and you want to take part in their vision of a good Chinese food experience. Stunning!
Price:
Vegan Mapo Tofu: 229 SEK
Ya Shan Eggplant: 229 SEK
Chop Suey: 219 SEK
Rice: 19 SEK/bowl
The Verdict
When looking for a genuine authentic Chinese experiences, your options tend to be limited. Restaurants tend to offer too much and not focus on what they are good at. Tien Tsin is different. A clear focus on the menu with specific dishes from regions they are familiar with. An extensive vegan menu and pride in what they do. The price point is a bit higher than your usual, let’s call it, Asian restaurant, but it’s well deserved. Starting from the modern and charming Chinese ambience, to the attentive and proud staff and lastly to the fantastic food. It’s unlike other places and having a little feast with your significant other or friends along the vegan menu is going to be something you won’t regret.
Absolutely recommended!
5/5 Leaves
Pro
Beautiful atmosphere
Dedicated vegan menu
Attentive and knowledgeable staff
Simply really good food
Con
Rice bowls could be bigger, but you can just order more.
Location
Engelbrektsgatan 34B
Opening Hours
Mo: closed
Tu-Th: 13:00 - 22:00
Fr-Sa: 13:00 - 23:00
Su: 13:00 - 22:00
