Lunch Hour: T Phan’s Snack Bar
This week, we venture to a Flinders Street spot for its self-proclaimed “famous” laksa during our Lunch Hour.
In the midst of an afternoon stroll, I spot the words ‘Famous LAKSA’ (sic) painted on the glass walls of a Flinders Street spot. I watch on as people scurry inside to beat the cold.
I’m instantly intrigued.
A place that claims to be famous for anything is a place that piques my interest – it’s none other than T Phan’s Snack Bar.
When I venture in days later, it’s a cold and rainy day yet again, but nearly all seats are filled with people dressed in suits and corporate attire, which is to be expected given the proximity to offices close by.
I take a seat somewhere in the middle of the cafe, and peek over to see what the couple next to me has ordered.
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None other than the famous LAKSA (sic). I must be on to something.
The menu is simple and shines on screens behind the counter and each table has a box of tissues in place of napkins, along with a box of cutlery.
When my combo laksa bowl comes with seafood and chicken – it came to $21, which is a fair price point given the sizable depth of the bowl – I opt for chopsticks, but I’m humbly demoted to a fork and spoon after a few minutes of poorly attempting to pick up some noods.
The consistency is thick, which makes it harder to grab multiple noodles at once.
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The spice gives me a bit of a kick in the guts, which isn’t unsurprising given I’m not spice-coherent at the best of times, but as I make my way through the bowl, the heat softens slightly.
I quite like the creamy combination this laksa concoction boasts, and it submerges the bits of squid, prawn and other meats.
I’m not in a position to tell you whether this is the best laksa on the market – I have dabbled in Asian Gourmet’s serving before, which I think of fondly – but I truthfully haven’t eaten laksa out enough to give you an educated opinion. Perhaps I should do my research, though, and consider it for a CityMag ‘best of’ listing?
But what I can say, for a winter warmer to hit up on your Lunch Hour, you could do far worse than the famous laksa at T Phan’s Snack Bar.
What’s your favourite CBD Lunch Hour spot? Let me know.
T Phan’s Snack Bar is located at 98 Flinders Street and is open from 10am until 3pm from Monday to Friday.
Connect with the business on Facebook for more.
