When Will Wong moved to Walthamstow, he realised that whilst the residents came from around the world, this was not reflected in the cuisine. Restaurants were mainly variations of Indian or Chinese or fried chicken outlets.

So, in October 2012, Will decided to bring world flavours to E17 by opening a pop-up restaurant at the Rose and Crown in Hoe Street. 

The first cuisine was his native Cantonese which saw Will, who learned his trade at the family restaurant in Barking, in the kitchen. Since then, there’s been tastes on offer from countries as diverse as Eritrea and Mallorca. 

The chefs are usually passionate home cooks who produce dishes they’d eat at home with family and friends.

A Tibetan family produced beef curry with bean thread noodles, whilst Burmese sisters Emily and Amy have been so popular they’ve cooked twice. 

Everyone is proud of their country’s food. Whilst some are simply keen to showcase their food, others see the opportunity as a stepping stone to opening a restaurant or a career in catering.

Will is always on the lookout for new cooks, particularly from the Middle East or Afghanistan, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan. 

Chefs are well supported by Will, who shows them around the kitchen beforehand and helps them source local suppliers. He’s also been known to literally roll up his sleeves on the night and help with the cooking.

The four sittings attract up to 60 diners.  The 6pm sitting is family friendly, especially as the pub’s toy box helps entertain bored children. 

The 7pm and 8pm sittings are the most popular, whilst the 9pm slot is ideal for late workers or couples who want to ensure the kids are tucked up in bed before heading out.

Meals are reasonably priced at £16 for three courses.

You can chose from either an intimate table for two or make new friends by joining the communal table. Most are locals and many return time and time again.

The restaurant pops up regularly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.

A Thai meal on Monday 27 January is virtually sold out, but as I booked early I’ll be reporting back very soon. The following event will be Japanese, on 10 February.

As the most popular evenings have being South East Asian, Will recently opened a weekly Friday and Saturday pop up in the Warrant Officer pub in Higham Hill Road, serving food from a variety of Asian countries.

Not only can you eat in, but food can be collected in bio degradable containers.

I am sure that with his passion and experience, this venture will be just as successful.

www.e17popup.co.uk - Rose and Crown, 53 Hoe Street, E17 4SA.

www.veku.co.uk - Warrant Officer Pub, 318 High Hill Road, E17 5RG.