Imagine your favourite restaurant.
You know the staff, you know the menu and, if you’re lucky, you even have a favourite table.
You know exactly how your go-to dish will taste – familiar, comforting and reliably good.
But what if there was somewhere that could take that sense of familiarity and turn it completely on its head?
Tucked away on Parliament Street in Ramsey, White Tiger Cafe is a small, characterful dining destination with a big ambition – and everyone on the island seems to be raving about it.
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After hearing recommendations from friends and colleagues, I decided to make the pilgrimage to Ramsey and fulfil my White Tiger desires.
When it comes to food, I might not hold all the knowledge, but there is one dish I consider myself something of a connoisseur of, and when I saw it on the menu, it made the hour-long bus journey totally worth it.
But first, let’s talk about the house-made date chutney.
The chutney tray alongside the Kerela dry-fired prawns (n/a)
Honestly, nearly a month later, I’m still finding myself bringing this chutney up in conversation.
‘How was your day?’ someone will ask.
‘Yeah, good – do you know I tried this date chutney and I never really liked chutney…’
It arrived as part of a trio alongside the classic mango chutney and a pineapple version, which was an interesting addition.
Next came the Kerala dry-fried prawns.
Crunchy, flavourful and leaving me wanting more, if it wasn’t for the two curries, rice, Peshwari naan and chips still to come, I would 100% have asked for seconds.
I knew I wanted to write a food review of White Tiger as soon as I walked through the door. The interior immediately caught my attention.
It was bright, cosy and welcoming, while my seat scratched my people-watching itch perfectly. I had a clear view of the high street through the window, as well as the chefs working their magic in the kitchen.
Eagerly awaiting our mains, I took a sip of my £9 bottle of Kylie Minogue Prosecco.
Looking back, I really did have it pretty good that night. Delightful Indian food and a few drinks that were making me merrier by the second.
Sharing with my boyfriend, we split two curries: a butter chicken – my favourite – and a Kerala prawn curry.
If you like butter chicken, be prepared to feel let down by each and every one you try after tasting White Tiger’s.
Of course, it stole the show for me. It was rich and intense, with layer upon layer of flavour, and left me wanting more.
The Peshwari naan complemented both curries perfectly, bringing a subtle sweetness to the meal, while the Kerala prawn curry was fragrant, smooth and packed with flavour.
I can honestly say it was the best Indian food I have ever had on the Isle of Man.
Quick service, mouth-watering food and happy memories of date chutney – what more could you want?
If you’ve been thinking about trying White Tiger Cafe, don’t waste any more time.
Just make sure you order the date chutney.
Dining and Cooking