Alternative Eats: Tinys Best
Tiny’s Best is another great example of the entrepreneurial ventures that sprout up in Shanghai, and we are pleased to welcome the new American style jerky brand to the mix. Clay Roup was tired of eating tea-eggs as part of his workout regime that required a snack inline with his lower carbs and high protein diet. After experimenting for six months with his jerky making machine, brought over the from the USA along with various recipes, Eliza, aka ‘Tiny’, suggested a hometown Hunan recipe to spice things up. After searching the city for western style jerky, Clay and Eliza decided there was a gap in the market. They partnered up, and began bagging and selling Tiny’s Best jerky.
A lot of patience goes into producing the jerky made from natural ingredients; it takes one day to marinate, one day to cook and one day to dry. The packaging reflects the homemade quality of the brand as all the brown paper bags are individually stamped. No two bags are alike, and this adds to the authenticity of the Tiny’s Best brand.
The classic beef jerky is homage to what you might find at a Texas road-side store, and the Hunan chicken is a new addition to the jerky market but is proving to be popular. Tiny’s Best will begin to introduce a new flavour each month and test the market with their creative flavours; favourites will stay on as full time options. Clay has learnt his technique through trial and error. He understands the cost implicated when mistakes are made, however, he is a perfectionist, and no jerky will be released until it is perfect.
The future looks bright for Tiny’s Best, with Thai Chili Lime, described as ‘a party in the mouth’, as well as Biltong, a South African take on jerky, on their way to the market. People are quick to fall in love with the chewy meat and demand is currently exceeding supply. Clay’s plan for the future is simple - to create the best jerky in China. For now, that plan looks as if it is coming to fruition.
If you have heard enough and your mouth is watering, you can get your hands on Tiny’s Best jerky at Avocado Lady (274 Wulumuqi Lu, near Wuyuan Lu), The Rooster (51 Yongkang Lu, near Xiangyang Lu), Pantry (205 Wulumuqi Nan Lu, near Jianguo Xi Lu), Chapin House (2,622 Jinqiao Lu, near Jinxiu Lu) and Bubba’s Texas BBQ (The Cool Docks 2, Wharf 1846, Section 4, 653 Waima Lu, near Wangjiamatou Lu and 2,262 Hongqiao Lu, near Jianhe Lu). Tiny’s Best Beef Jerky retails at RMB 30 for a 50g bag and RMB 100 for a 200g bag where as Tiny’s Best Chicken Jerky retails at RMB 35 for a 50g bag and RMB 100 for a 250g bag. You can also keep up-to-date with Tiny’s Best’s latest stockists and events on their website at www.tinysbest.com.
