Founded by Scott De Lima and Lacey Miles in 2017, the extra-large bao concept’s dishes are now available through Deliveroo’s delivery-only Editions kitchens after receiving support from Deliveroo CEO and co-founder Will Shu on the show, which aired last night (12 February). Shu has given backing to the company as part of his delivery company’s commitment to supporting young talent and restaurant startups.
The Asian-fusion street food concept has taken up residency at Deliveroo’s Editions kitchen in Whitechapel, east London, and has been given a bespoke kitchen, marketing support from Deliveroo and a fleet of riders to deliver its dishes.
Dishes on the menu include those seen on the TV series, such as its Kung Fu Panda chicken bao; chicken kastu bao; and its Vegan Buff Chick - crispy-fried ‘chick’n’ with buffalo sauce. Its Peanut Butter and Jelly bao - made with fried chicken, coconut satay sauce and sweet chilli jam (also available as a vegan option) is also on the menu, as well as its loaded fries and popcorn chicken.
“I’m really excited that we are helping some of the UK’s best up-and-coming chefs take the next step in their journeys,” says Shu. “Food is my number one passion and it’s our mission at Deliveroo to bring people amazing meals from the best local restaurants.”
“That’s why Tiger Bites are so exciting, and I’m really pleased to give them the space to grow their business and bring great food to more people, helping them on their journey to opening a bricks and mortar restaurant.”
Tiger Bites launched at the Old Nun’s Head pub in Peckham and has since traded out of a street food van, but the owners now intend to open their first restaurant following their TV appearance.
“Opening a Tiger Bites restaurant is our dream so we were really excited to take part in Million Pound Menu,” says De Lima. “By moving into our own kitchen in Deliveroo Editions we will be able to grow our business and take the next step towards making that dream a reality. It can be tough taking the next step in this industry, especially with the huge up-front costs of fitting and opening a restaurant, but delivery means more people can try our baos letting the food speak for itself.
“This is only the start for Tiger Bites and we can’t wait until every home in the UK is craving our Peanut Butter Jelly Chicken Bao.”
Other success stories from My Million Pound Menu include Nepalese food concept XXVI, now renamed as KityCow, which secured investment from Hush restaurant owner Jamie Barber and Atul Kochhar following its appearance, and BBQ Dreamz, which received a £350,000 investment from Draft House founder Charlie McVeigh.
Last year Deliveroo launched its ‘pop-ups’ initiative, giving street food startups trials at Editions sites with the chance of becoming a permanent Deliveroo partner. Vendors are given a 12-week slot at an Editions kitchen with the most popular brands - as decided by Deliveroo customers - given the chance to become a full-time partner.
