We were initially apprehensive to try Paper Tiger, having been disappointed by our experience at Two Pot Screamer. However, we attended their launch and were pleasantly surprised by the entree items on offer.
Intrigued, we tried it over the weekend for a catch-up with some friends. However, we all left pretty underwhelmed.
Some entrees such as the Coffin Bay Oysters and Grilled Scallops were a hit, the Kingfish Crudo was not served in a betel leaf, (like it was at the launch) which added texture and flavour. The Crudo was still lacking salt to enhance the subtle flavours of the dish. The Crispy Chicken Wings were juicy, tender and flavourful - entrees were a great start to the evening.
We were served the Masterstock Wagyu with rice and Peanut Gado Gado Salad for our mains. While the beef was enjoyable, it wasn't memorable. The salad wasn't either as the sourness of the salad overpowered the peanuts. Some of the prawn crackers were stale and to top it off the cubes of tofu were overcooked, rubbery and tasteless.
While we could have done with another dish or side, we were looking forward to dessert. Though, there was a decent wait between mains and dessert… lucky we had great company.
We were served sweet sticky rice - unfortunately also a disappointment. The gluggy sticky rice paired with what tasted like canned jackfruit didn't quite hit the spot.
Overall, we enjoyed the cocktails and entrees, but there is much-needed room for improvement.