The colourful figurines and childhood card games of yore scattered around Lat Tali Lat Café certainly help lend character to its name – lat tali lat is a traditional childhood game played by three or more players to decide how to split into two teams. Founded by Joanne and Li May, Lat Tali Lat serves up a porky Thai-inspired menu with dishes like pad gaprow (stir-fried Thai minced pork with basil leaves, white rice and a fried egg), nam ngeu (Northern Thai pork laksa), The GNS (glass noodles tossed in homemade Thai dressing, onions, tomatoes, shredded chicken and prawns) and more.
Once you’re seated (snag the tables with fruit-shaped cushions and hamster plushies), the cheerful staff will take your order and give a small bowl of free iced gem biscuits. Get the deep-fried mozzarella sticks with homemade salsa for a cheesy starter, before tucking into the large serving of Papa Yong's spaghetti bolognese (Li May's attempt at replicating the dish her father loved during a 1975 trip to Switzerland). If you have space for more, the Mootato Pie with its baked gooey cheese, beef sauce and mashed potato base should leave you in a food coma. Shrug off any sleepiness with iced lemongrass tea or cha yen. Pork also makes an appearance in the desserts – the deep-fried minced pork toast, vanilla ice cream and honey drizzle is good, but the tangy lemon tart is a worthy dessert option too.
While most café interiors usually have a single focal point (usually an Instagrammable corner with artfully placed plants and magazines on slow living), Lat Tali Lat is bursting with trinkets and personal touches. The counter has tiny Pokémon toys, personalised Nutella jars with the café’s name, and an Imperial Walker from ‘Star Wars’. Near the entrance, spot a plush Rilakkuma or Pikachu; there’s even a plush iced gem biscuit!
There’s just enough space for you to dine comfortably, but chup a table early before the lunch crowd arrives or you have to sit at a table near the entrance.