Tucked on the corner of Gloucester Street and Gloucester Road, opposite Valley Gardens, is Brighton’s newest gem and the city’s best spot for bao: Tiger Bites Pig Brighton.
The restaurant opened its Brighton branch this summer, expanding from Birmingham where it was first launched six years ago by Harry Roper, Neil McGougan, and Ed Shawcross. Brighton-born Harry grew up in Whitehawk and has brought the brand back home, quite literally, infusing this cosy corner restaurant with the warmth, flavour and fun of the original.
Inside, Tiger Bites Pig Brighton is inviting and full of character. Japanese-inspired murals, lush green plants, wooden tables and comfy seats create a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere. It’s the perfect lunch spot for anyone working nearby or a casual dinner date destination that doesn’t compromise on quality.
We started with house-seasoned prawn crackers (£3.50) and a selection of house pickles, both highly recommended by Harry. The prawn crackers, dusted in a moreish chilli seasoning, were so addictive we urged him to start selling them by the bag. The pickles, all made in-house, were a colourful mix of aubergine, cabbage kimchi, and mooli.
Each bite was bursting with flavour: juicy aubergine, perfectly balanced kimchi: tangy, sharp, and crisp and an impressive mooli that even won over my Mauritian partner, who’s usually not a fan.
Of course, the stars of the show are the bao. Soft, pillowy buns cradle generous fillings that are juicy, tender, and packed with flavour.
Pork bao – meltingly soft, salty, and perfectly balanced against the doughy bao.
Chicken bao – crispy, spicy, and juicy, with a satisfying crunch.
Tofu bao – crisp-edged with a tingly chilli kick.
Beef shin bowl – Beef slow-cooked overnight until succulent and rich, infused with flavour from a master stock that’s constantly regenerated, getting deeper and more complex each day. Creamy, dreamy egg yolk. Abundance of rice.
Each bao is finished with thoughtful touches: homemade mandarin sauce for the chicken, house sesame and chilli oils, and even bean curd skin as a clever alternative to chicken skin. Every element has been considered and crafted with care.
Tiger Bites Pig also serves an excellent range of kombuchas, offering a light and refreshing pairing for the rich bao flavours.
Harry’s journey is a story in itself, from running cocktail bars in Brighton and Worthing, to tiki bars and ramen pop-ups in Birmingham, to finally opening this Brighton spot after a long search for the right site. He describes Tiger Bites Pig as “a Western-friendly gateway into Asian food,” aiming for elegant yet approachable dishes that are quick, simple, and affordable, perfect for a lunch break or an easy dinner out.
Brighton’s food scene didn’t know it was missing great bao until now. With a friendly team, fresh and flavourful food, and a vibe that’s both relaxed and refined, Tiger Bites Pig delivers big on taste and atmosphere alike.
As Harry puts it, this Brighton branch is just “the first stop in world domination.” On this evidence, we believe him.
Address: 2 Gloucester Street, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 4EW
Website: Home
