Lions and Tigers | Luxe Indian food

Roti Tacos with Pork Shoulder Laal Maas - Lions and Tigers

This central Fremantle venue has delivered us many fabulous lunch experiences under two banners, first as the excellent Stable Hands and now as Lions and Tigers.

Post Stable Hands, the renowned Alia Glorie (ex Billie H) has taken a modern bent on Indian cuisine. Think Sourdough naan with whipped ghee, Burnt butter Chana Dal. You get the idea…

We have been to Lions and Tigers many times but our last visit brought some revelations.

First of all the bods in the kitchen have changed and the food has gone from interesting to so good you don’t want to share. Step away from the naan bitch!

The other big change is the front of house team, with Woody and Christine not missing a beat from moment one … every time.

This is good. Bivouac good.

And it’s a light, bright and not overly loud room with an upper level that’s slightly more formal in layout. We sat down stairs in the mosh pit enjoying the lovely breeze. Awesome spot really.

The menu is a trove of unexplored or unheard of dishes. So if traditional Indian cuisine is your comfort zone, check your “zone” at the door - it ain’t happening at L&T.

The beverage offerings are just as innovative, including an edgy cocktail list . Go the Ripley - chest-bursting delicious!

After opening the batting with a Prosecco, I moved into cocktail country while the Blonde jealously guarded a fabulous Sicilian Grillo.

Food-wise, we kicked off with a Kashmiri Chili Tostada, Smoked Lamb Tartare Anchovy and Pickled Onion ($7). Served on a crunchy papadam-like corn meal circle, the flavours were brilliant.

We ordered the Sourdough naan, Keralan Green Bean salad and the Roti Tacos with Pork Shoulder Laal Maas, coriander chutney and salted yogurt, main picture.

Now normally the slightly sweet naan would be a standout misfit in this bunch but when you push the beans/pork from the accompanying dishes onto the naan it really compliments the whole experience.

The tacos were an absolute winner but the bean salad crossed the line first. Crunchy beans, coriander, mint, preserved lemon and desiccated coconut took my palate to another plane. Truly outstanding.

Lions and Tigers is a powerful statement about what young, inspired and fearless chefs can achieve. Just go!