Le Tigre Cuisine - Vancouver, BC

We were here to grab some local produce but as soon as I spy this truck, I know what I'll be having for lunch.  I remember someone's twitter feed mentioning this food truck being filmed for Eat St, which is interesting because they haven't even opened yet.  I guess there's been so much buzz around Le Tigre that it doesn't matter whether it's served food yet.  It must be good so I drag Mr. Piglet across the way to give it a try!

A small crowd in front but I'm not sure if they're waiting for food or waiting in line to order...  a little bit of chaos so I just jump in front and order since no one else was ordering.  I get the stinkeye from two ladies - hey, if you're undecided, let others order first rather than backing up the line!  We move to the side and wait for our food at the little metal table on the side...

Angry Tiger Balls - 3 for $5

Crispy fried rice, lettuce, peas, chili, spicy mayo and nori

They look pretty amazing and the people next to us ask us what it is.  They also smell amazing (your balls smell good.  LOL).  Very nicely fried as the balls are super crunchy on the outside and the flavours of the spicy mayo and nori come out right away.  That's where the ball love ends.  The rice itself is not seasoned enough and there's nothing in there except white rice.  Meh.  They're not angry at all.  More like mild mannered tiger balls.  This had great potential but the rice needs more - a kimchi sauce or something because the only source of flavours come from the condiments.  Where are the peas by the way?

BBQ Pulled Pork Steamed Bun - $4

Pork, cabbage slaw, basil, cilantro and sweet chilli sauce

First off, I just love the bun on this thing - a hint of sweetness and super soft and fluffy.  The pickled cabbage was crunchy and gave a nice texture to the whole bao.  Neither Mr and I could taste any sweet chili sauce and the BBQ sauce was just too subtle. Lots of pork but Mr. Piglet likens it to the dried pork fluff that you can get in those plastic containers - yikes, that's not a good comparison.  I thought it was dry but I didn't think it was that dry.  Overall, I thought the only thing that stood out about this bao was the bao itself. 

Braised Beef Shao Bing - $6

Szechuan braised beef, pickled cabbage, scallion, cilantro and sweet chilli sauce

Again, the bun, if you can call it that, is amazing!  It reminds me of the BBQ pork pastry you can get during dim sum.  It's flaky and crunchy with a hint of sweetness and we both totally love it.  Lots of braised beef but not enough flavour - isn't Szechuan supposed to mean "punch in the gut" flavours?  The beef itself was a bit tougher and I think there was a bit too much fat.  I liked the crunchy cabbage but the meat just needed more flavours and braising.  Again, the standout here is bao itself. 

I think Le Tigre has a good thing going - they have some really great ideas and concepts but they just need to pack a little more punch.  Perhaps they mellowed their food to satisfy the masses for the lunch crowd, I don't know.  For us, the food came across as being just ok are but they're a newer food truck so hopefully they'll come to really develop those flavours and take that next leap into amazing.  Until then, Mr and I will probably take a pass on their offerings.  However, if you do have a milder palate, then Le Tigre's food may suit you very well so consider giving it a shot.  Bon appetite!

Oinks:

• Cheap to moderate prices
• Friendly service
• Great buns (on the food!)

Doinks:

• Cash only
• Food was just ok
• Slower service - some people had to wait 25 minutes for their shao bing