Image courtesy of Tiger Lil's website
We all love to go out for a good meal. A fresh, hearty meal with exotic flavours and aromas. A meal that tackles all the senses and offers a sensational dining experience.
Coupled with a venue that feels and looks like it has been air lifted directly from Asia and conveniently placed in the Perth CBD, and you have what I would say is one of the best bar/ restaurants Perth has seen to date.
The gem of a place I speak of is Tiger Lil's, located on Murray Street in Perth City. Be it after work drinks or a weekend dinner with friends, Tiger Lil's is 110% style at affordable prices.
Image courtesy of Tiger Lil's website
A group of close friends and I headed there for a birthday dinner on a Saturday night around 8pm. When you walk in the door, I promise you'll be immediately in awe of the place. Asian lanterns fill the ceilings, and the dark reds and dark wood make you feel as if you've just stepped in to an exotic world, far far away from Perth.
The restaurant at Tiger Lil's is situated at the front of the venue, away from the bar crowds, so you can get along and chat with friends without the crowd being an issue. We were seated at a cosy long table in the centre of the room, and drinks were taken care of immediately.
A couple of the girls and I decided to share a bottle of wine, which seemed like the right thing to do considering the extensive wine list. Wine prices range from around $28 to a $350 French Dom Pérignon, so all budgets and tastes are catered to.
The cocktail list is another tempting drinks option, especially for the ladies, with cocktails priced from $12 to $17. And they aren't your average cocktail, the list appears to be one made up by a true cocktail connoisseur. Take the Shanghai Charlie for example; Belvedere Pomarancza Vodka, Aperol, and Mandarin Napoleon shaken with fresh apple, lemon and sweetened passionfruit, one I'll be sure to try upon my next visit.
Image courtesy of Tiger Lil's website
The menu is well set out, divided into price range rather than food type. All starters are $11.95, with Asian inspired dishes to choose from such as Pork and Prawn Gyoza, Spring Onion and Black Sesame Vinegar.
Main meals are grouped in price order, ranging from the first group of mains at $18.95, to the dearest at $29.95. In my opinion, a $30 main meal is basically average these days, and in fact cheaper than what I expected after walking in to a stylish set up like Tiger Lil's.
That's one point for price Tiger Lil's.
Image courtesy of Tiger Lil's website
I decided to skip on the starters and order myself something a little more decadent than I would usually go for, settling on the slow cooked pork belly with beetroot and pinot puree, coriander, pesto and pork floss, for $23.95.
Now I have to say on first inspection, I was initially disappointed at the size of my meal. But that's because I have no concept of portion size when it comes to my meals. If I am cooking a meal, and I have a plate, I fill it to the brim.
Shame on me, I know. But I love food.
I was however, pleasantly surprised at how satisfied I was by the end of my meal, and could really learn a thing or two about how much meat a normal human being should be eating.
The plate was elegantly and deliciously displayed with three pieces of the juiciest pork I have had in some time, arranged from a small size to a large size. The crackling separated from the meat with ease, and was crunchy and moist just as crackling should be. The meat was slow cooked to perfection, with the unmistakable beetroot flavour coming through to add a touch of sweetness.
I even reluctantly shared a couple of bites with those around me, who agreed it was juicy and delicious.
The staff were on top of our every need, topping up water and collecting empty glasses when required, and everyone I was with was impressed with the size and flavour of their meals.
We paid for our dinner, then headed out to the bar area for a couple more hours as the bar slowly began to fill up. By 11pm, the atmosphere was pumping, the music was funky and cool, and we were well on our way for an awesome night out.
Image courtesy of Tiger Lil's website
I highly recommend this venue for a great night out, meal included.
Many people I have spoken to aren't even aware that Tiger Lil's is part restaurant, so what I am telling them is that the food and service is second to none, and heading there for a meal to start your weekend is really one of the best ways you can go about an unforgettable, and enjoyable evening in Perth.
