This morning as we were going through the usual chores (shower & dress the kids, feed & clean up after the animals, kick the llama in the backyard, brush teeth, and make coffee), the power went out.

There is never a good time for the power to go out, but this happened right before coffee making, which was immediately a bad sign. On top of that we had all just showered and it is still blazing hot here this time of year, so staying home was not an option.

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The prerequisite for lunch wasn't much:

• serve fresh coffee
• have air-conditioning

Luckily, we found a place that had both and more!

Lali's Birdnest Cafe

We were greeted with an immediate burst of frigid air and a warm smile as the waitress opened the door and beckoned us inside.

The restaurant was crisp. Clean and inviting. It was mostly empty as well since it wasn't quite lunch time. But that didn't matter. We were pretty famished by this point and there was an even more pressing matter to do with first...

[hot caramel latte]

With that out of the way, it was time to dive into the menu and explore what was on offer.

I'm pleased to say that, while there were plenty of the usual suspects, there were also a few surprise guests! Some Thai-Korean and Thai-Japanese fusion.. I also had to resist going straight to the dessert menu, which was very attractive!

We placed our orders, and I took a look around the place.

The seating were wide backed benches with large white tables wedged in between. It reminded me of a diner layout that you might find in New Jersey.

There were also museum-like glass cases to the side and along the walls that were home to ornate boxes of preserved swiftlet nests ready for cooking.

By the time I made it around, the food started to arrive.
It was delicious and well-presented. and it was gone as soon as it hit the table!

[I ordered Japanese-style curry with fried pork and cheese served w/rice, Yum!]

[My wife went for Kimchi fried rice with pork and fried egg]

[spaghetti w/bacon, fish sticks w/tartar sauce, and french fries for the boys]

Luckily, while I was exploring, I caught a glimpse of the dessert cabinet, so I made sure to save room.

[mango-lime cheese cake!!]

[perfect with a hot cappuccino..]

Unfortunately, we didn't get to try their namesake since 100% authentic bird's nest was not in our budget this time.

But overall, I rate Lali's highly, with a pleasant atmosphere, affordable assortments, and delectable dishes (especially dessert).

I do wish they offered a little more of the international fusion food in lieu offering the same tired thai and western dishes seen in most restaurants around here. But rather than that, I can highly recommend a meal here!

Oh, bar the food, my favorite thing about the place was the awesome glass mugs they used for their hot beverages!
[How cool is that?!]
[and they sell them!]

If you are ever planning a trip to the south of Thailand and plan on passing through Krabi Town, let me know. I can make some more recommendations on food and sites.

All images unsourced as they are mine to distribute