Tucked neatly under the railway arches of Bethnal Green, Tempo brings a vibrant, refreshing rhythm to East London’s dining scene.
Led by acclaimed Chef Eric Wan, whose impressive resume includes time in the kitchen at the two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston, this culinary hotspot delivers innovative, new-wave Asian dishes paired with a meticulously curated wine list.
The Plum Edit team stopped by the restaurant after catching glimpses of their striking, flavour-forward dishes on social media. Tempo serves as a creative bridge between Wan’s rich Chinese-Vietnamese heritage and his rigorous fine-dining background. This harmony is evident in every course, where traditional Asian ingredients are reimagined through modern culinary techniques and precise execution.
Tempo represents the natural evolution of Wan’s culinary journey, following an 18-month international run with his acclaimed pop-up project, Lá Lốt. Having hosted successful residency events across culinary capitals including Paris and Shanghai, Wan officially launched Tempo in late 2025 as a permanent home for his signature cooking style.
To elevate the dining experience further, Tempo partnered with Dan’s, the beloved Dalston neighbourhood wine bar known for its low-intervention bottles and intuitive pairing philosophy. Together, they have created a warm, approachable dining destination where food and drink receive equal reverence.
The physical space plays a crucial role in Tempo’s charm: The kitchen sits at the centre of the room, adding an energetic, immersive element to the atmosphere as guests watch the chefs work with speed and precision. The raw, exposed brickwork of the Bethnal Green arch is softened with ambient warm lighting, rich timber tables, and comfortable seating.
The restaurant perfectly curates an intimate vibe, the combination of soft lighting, aromatic kitchen scents, and background soundscapes makes Tempo an ideal setting for romantic date nights and intimate group gatherings alike.
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The menu at Tempo is structured around bold, balanced flavour profiles that draw inspiration from street food classics and refined banquet dishes across Southeast Asia and East Asia.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to speak with the kitchen team about the stories behind their standout creations. Every plate reflects a specific milestone or childhood memory from Eric Wan’s life, elevated through fine-dining technique.
Far from a standard takeaway staple, Tempo’s version has quickly earned a cult following across London. Crisp, golden-fried toast is topped with succulent, seasoned prawn paste, then layered with herby, zingy notes of fresh lime and green chilli. The rich, savoury bite is perfectly balanced by the sharp, tangy crunch of house-pickled daikon radish.
The savoury journey continues through seasonal dishes that showcase contrast, pairing smoky, wok-charred elements with aromatic broths, lacto-fermented condiments, and slow-braised proteins that celebrate the depth of traditional Vietnamese and Chinese cooking.
The sweet conclusion to Tempo’s menu is an absolute highlight. Freshly baked to order, these warm French-style sponge cakes are glazed with a rich honey-butter coating, offering a delicate, comforting finish that ties together the sweet, salty, and umami themes of the evening.
Working alongside the team from Dan’s, Tempo offers a wine program specifically tailored to complement the complex, spice-laden notes of new-wave Asian cuisine.
Rather than sticking strictly to conventional pairings, the beverage list offers an exciting balance, featuring mineral-driven Rieslings, crisp Chablis, and aromatic Grüner Veltliners that slice through rich, fried dishes like the prawn toast.
They also showcase skin-contact orange wines, chilled light reds, and biodynamic vintages that match the herbal complexity of Vietnamese dipping sauces and aromatics. Paired with a variety of non-alcoholic alternatives, there's something for everyone with house-made botanical infusions and fermented teas designed to provide thoughtful pairings for non-drinking guests.
Tempo successfully combines the relaxed, authentic charm of an East London neighbourhood bistro with the precision, creativity, and ambition of a top-tier dining establishment. Chef Eric Wan’s ability to weave personal heritage, global pop-up experience, and classical technique into a cohesive menu makes this Bethnal Green archway an essential visit for any food enthusiast.
Whether you are looking to explore novel flavour combinations, enjoy a expertly paired glass of natural wine, or simply indulge in one of the city's finest prawn toasts, Tempo delivers a truly memorable meal.
Image Credits: Tempo
