This month we took a trip to Southeast Asia via Tiger Mama, Tiffani Faison’s newest restaurant that opened last December. I have to admit that I’ve been here before, but it’s easy to find new fun things to try on the menu.
I think Tiffani has broken the “curse” of this space, which was formerly Burton’s (loved their key lime pie), then Happy’s, and then a Mexican place that was so unmemorable that I cannot remember the name. This is such an awesome location, it was hard for me to understand why nothing managed to stick…I guess the Fenway area just needed some spice. And Tiger Mama, inspired by the flavors of Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, is unapologetic about its spiciness.
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| Da nang cocktail |
The menu is primarily small-ish plates and divided into seven sections: Cold & Fresh, Crispy & Spicy, Broths & Curries, Rich and Earthy, Noodles and Rice, Banquet Style, and Rice. We ordered two “rounds” of food and the dishes came out as they were ready. That was a bit challenging as I’m pretty sure I missed some of the milder flavors (i.e., red snapper crudo) because my mouth was on fire from something spicy (i.e., pork laap). I also wanted the chili crab to be the grand finale…actually we thought it was, and then the cowboy lady pork arrived.
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| Crispy chili potatoes |
There were eight of us and in general we ordered two of everything and that was enough for everyone to have a decent taste. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs and we ordered a third portion of the short rib curry and coconut rice which we really did not need, though not to worry, we did not let it go to waste. We also ordered just one portion of the chili crab, which is on the Banquet Style section of the menu. The food came out pretty quickly, but we definitely had to wait longer than expected for cocktails. What can I say, we’re a thirsty bunch.
Round 1
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| Southern-style pork laap |
From the “Cold & Fresh” section we ordered the Southern-style pork laap (fish sauce & lime-spiced hand ground pork, Thai chili, mint), the lobster fresh rolls (charred lobster, bright veggies, spicy silky peanut dipping sauce), and the red snapper crudo with charred ramp aioli, viet herbs, curried puffed rice, and coriander salt.
We also got the crispy chili potatoes with sneaky chili mayo and crispy bits from the “Crispy & Spicy” section. I’ve had these potatoes before and was definitely an advocate for ordering them again. Crispy potatoes might sound kind of boring, but these potatoes are the perfect ratio of crisp and potato, and the spicy mayo was a perfect accompaniment.
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| Short rib rendang and coconut rice |
The pork laap and potatoes arrived first and they were oh so yummy. We got an order of the Jasmine rice to soak up all the yummy juices from the pork laap. These were both favorites among the group. The pork is quite spicy so it overpowered the red snapper crudo, which arrived next with the lobster spring roll. The lobster spring roll was not a fan favorite…it was all basil.
Round 2
We ordered the short rib rendang (rich Malaysian style coconut curry, crispy peanuts, toasted coconut) from the “Broths & Curries” section and the coconut sticky rice to go with it. The coconut rice is adorably served in a coconut milk can.
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| Pad gra pow |
From the “Rich and earthy” section, we got the pad gra pow (rich and spicy ground chicken, chilis, Thai basil, purple choi, fried egg) and the cowboy hat lady pork (star anise braised pork shank, pickled mustard greens, chili vinegar, soft poached egg). Perhaps the theme for this section should be “put an egg on it.” The pad gra pow was so pretty and deliciously spicy. As I mentioned, the lady pork came out as the last dish, and we were all pretty full. I don’t know if our thoughts on this dish would have been more positive if we had it earlier in the meal, but we weren’t really into it. I really wanted it to be better, but the pork was kinda dry and the greens were a bit gritty and very vinegar-y.
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| Chili crab |
And then there was the chili crab, which was 1.25 pounds of chili sauce wok roasted Alaskan king crab with beurre blanc. I have very fond and delicious memories of having chili crab in Singapore. I knew this would be different, and it was, but it was still tasty. I think I have butter and salt to thank for that. It was also messy, as true chili crab should be, but we were also imagining it as a delicious crab bisque.
Dessert
There were two options for dessert, a mango sticky rice and a coconut bruleed Japanese milk toast. I’ve had both before and convinced the group to try the toast. I liked it, but the consensus was “eh.”
Cheers to another month, and a great pick by one of RC’s founding members, Kim!
The damage
$70 per person
The rundown
Tiger Mama
1363 Boylston Street, Boston
@tigermamabos
@tiffanifaison
Kara Cooks and Eats 