Nestled in the heart of Tiong Bahru is Little Elephant Thai Bistro, a cosy Thai restaurant that promises authentic Thai flavours in a warm, inviting space. Having heard rave reviews about their food, we decided to drop by for a lunch visit to see if it lives up to its reputation.
Som Tum Thai - Thai Classic Papaya Salad "Spicy" 4.2/5
We started our meal with the Som Tum Thai ($8.90), a quintessential Thai papaya salad with a delightful balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavours. The freshness of the julienned green papaya paired with the crunch of peanuts made for an appetising start. What stood out was the preparation — spices were hand-pounded, and the salad was mixed a la minute, ensuring bold and vibrant flavours in every bite.
Tom Yum Kung (Clear/Creamy) 4.2/5
No Thai meal is complete without Tom Yum Kung ($16.90), the iconic hot and sour soup. Little Elephant offers two variations: clear or creamy. We opted for the creamy version, which was packed with depth and complexity. The harmonious blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours was complemented by a rich, velvety texture. It was comforting yet bold.
Kailan with Oyster Sauce 4/5
We ordered the Kailan with Oyster Sauce ($9.90) to add some greens to our meal. This simple yet well-executed dish highlighted the crisp, fresh texture of the Kailan, which was enhanced by the savoury oyster sauce. Sometimes, less is more, and this dish proved that point perfectly.
Thai Lemongrass Sweet & Sour Pork 4.2/5
A unique addition to the menu, the Thai Lemongrass Sweet & Sour Pork ($14.90) offered a refreshing twist to a classic dish. Unlike the typical Chinese version, this rendition featured chunky, generously portioned pieces of pork with a fragrant lemongrass aroma that elevated the dish. The balance of sweet and sour flavours was spot on, making this an unexpected favourite.
Steamed Seabass in Lime & Garlic Sauce 4.2/5
A staple in Thai cuisine and a personal favourite, the Steamed Seabass in Lime & Garlic Sauce ($32.90) did not disappoint. The seabass was steamed to perfection, with tender and moist flesh that absorbed the vibrant lime and garlic sauce beautifully. The zesty tang from the lime made this dish incredibly refreshing and appetising — an absolute must-try for seafood lovers.
Little Elephant delivers on its promise of authentic Thai cuisine with flavourful, thoughtfully prepared, and reasonably priced dishes. The cosy ambience and attentive service further enhanced our dining experience. Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of Tom Yum or a zesty steamed seabass, this cosy gem in Tiong Bahru is well worth a visit.
Little Elephant Thai Bistro
Blk 57 Eng Hoon Street
#01-72
Singapore 160057
Tel: +65 6224 1646
Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk straight down Zion Road. Walk to traffic junction of Zion Road and Tiong Bahru Road. Cross the road and walk to Seng Poh Road. Walk down Seng Poh Road. Turn left onto Eng Hoon Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]
