A bit of Tom Phat… .

I like breakfasts at Tom Phat mainly because:

 

1. Sydney Road is still a hidden gem (relative to Brunswick St in Fitzroy) for a lazy day of lounging around and;

2. It has a fusion breakfast theme going on that is rather exciting.

 

I’ve only ever been to Tom Phat for breakfast/brunch, however, I have heard that its lunch and dinner offerings are rather special themselves. The place is hardly noticeable amongst the chaos that line both sides of Sydney Road but more than anything else, it is by word of mouth that small establishments like Tom Phat gets its non-local fans.

 

If Asian fusion is your thing, then you will LOVE this place. The menu is predominantly Thai influenced, ranging from claypot baked beans to roti omelette (roti coated with eggs and stuffed with bacon slices), and the conventional big breakfast (eggs with sourdough toast, tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon and rocket salad). On the several occasions that I was there, the place was buzzing with people from all walks of life—families on a breakfast excursion, old friends having a chat over coffee or couples lounging on the low seats on the front section of the café, sipping something wonderful on a late Sunday morning.

 

Tom Phat is definitely a spot that I would keep going, not only for its exotic fusion breakfasts and good coffee, but also for some sabbatical time (albeit not necessarily quiet). The dark wood décor sets a relaxing tone to the place and has an especially cooling effect during the warmer months of summer. Plus it reminds me of home, a little.

Tom Phat

184 Sydney Road,

Brunswick, Victoria.