Tom Phat

Intro: Mandalay Meatballs with tamarind infusion, unexpected refusal to share

Details: 184 Sydney Rd Brunswick, 3056 phone (03)9381 2374

Surroundings: Thankfully located at the beginning of Sydney Rd (less traffic hassles) Tom Phat which I had visited some years ago and totally forgot to review- probably due to bad photos, pulls off what others struggle to achieve: the perfect infusion of Asian/Australian cuisine with the added bonus of being a great cafe. The atmosphere? The photos below should speak for themselves.

Mains: Mandalay Lamb Meatballs (above) with tomato tamarind sauce served with pickled salad (think Vietnamese meets Thai) and rice. The combination of the tomato and tamarind was intense and further complimented the juicy melt in the mount meatballs. Lamb was a perfect alternative to beef. The salad was mouthwatering with the right amount of chilli.

This dish was literally gobbled down like it was my last meal! You should have seen me and the mess I had made. “Oh dear”…were the exact words my friends had muttered toward me.

Chicken Pad Thai- Rice noodles with toasted peanuts, chives, bean sprouts and thai basil. The noodle was silky similar to a potato noodle in texture and colour. This dish seriously assaulted my tastebuds till they were begging for mercy and was one of the most flavor packed Pad Thai’s I’ve ever had.

Dessert: so close, but opted for a coffee. Their barista makes a mean Cappuccino-  temperature was just right, caramel like velvety froth and the right amount of acidity. Too good.

Bring a date here? Hurry up.

Night out with friends here? Go for it- nearby nightspots would make a good Friday meet up.

Service: Courteous

$$$: 27.80 inc drinks

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

So my fellow foodies, what did you think of this eatery?

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