Liamthong opened cafe Middle Fish on Berkeley Street in Carlton just before Christmas with her partner David Holtum. Having designed and built the large open space themselves (Holtum is a carpenter by trade), they serve southern Thai food for breakfast and lunch and offer “good Asian food and great coffee,” says Liamthon.

“We wanted a space that was modern and industrial but also had a cultural feel to it.” As such, they brought in Thai artist Torlarp Larkpjaroensook, who created two large artworks of a scooter and a tuk-tuk (Bangkok taxi) that adorn the walls and the chandeliers throughout the space.

The menu focuses on the flavours of Liamthong’s home in Chumphon, southern Thailand. “But there are dishes from other parts of Thailand too – well known dishes.” Breakfasts include dishes of omelettes on toast or rice and traditional Thai rice soup. Lunch is all about soups, curries and fiery salads with big Thai flavours and textures. Mix this with the good coffee Melbourne has come to expect and it seems like a winning combination.

And the name? Well, Middle Fish is in fact Pla’s nickname. “Pla means fish in Thai and I am the middle child, so I’m Middle Fish,” she laughs.

Middle Fish
122–128 Berkeley Street, Carlton
(03) 9348 1704

Hours
Mon to Fri 7am–5pm
Sat & Sun 10am–4pm