Latha Phoenix Review: Trying Pan-African Food for the First Time

Latha in Phoenix: tamarind BBQ wings that might be the best restaurant chicken I've had, oxtail mac and cheese, and a $130 bill paid with Chase credits.

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We stepped completely outside our usual dining routine to try Pan-African food for the first time at Latha in central Phoenix. "Latha" means "taste" in Swahili, and the experience delivered on that name completely.

The Vibe

Latha is tucked into Heritage Square, inside the historic 1900s Silva House bungalow. It does not feel like a formal restaurant. It feels like walking into a friend's home for an elegant dinner party. Warm, inviting, genuinely comfortable.

They have live music on weekends, and a "Shop Talk" area near the entrance where you can browse Pan-African merchandise and pantry items while you wait for a table.

Drinks

Sorrel tea (mocktail): A warm tea made with hibiscus, pineapple, ginger, lemon, lime zest, and warm spices. Heavy on the hibiscus, incredibly soothing.

Pandan Caipirinha: Vincent ordered this. It is a twist on Brazil's national cocktail using cachaça, elderflower, lime, sugar, and pandan liquor. Vincent grew up in Malaysia, so pandan is a familiar flavor for him. The drink had a strong, citrusy, mojito-like kick that hit immediately on the nose.

Appetizer: Tamarind Barbacoa Grilled Wings

The wings are coated in a Suya spice dry rub. Our server recommended squeezing fresh lemon zest over the top before eating, which transformed the flavor layering entirely. Perfectly seasoned inside, a serious spicy kick on the outside. The meat was soft and dripping with juice.

Excluding my love for Jollibee, this might be the best restaurant chicken I have ever had.

Main Courses

Oxtail Barbacoa: One of their most popular dishes, and it deserves to be. Instead of rice or tortillas, Latha serves it over their own version of mac and cheese. The oxtail is massive, fatty, and so rich in collagen that it melts in your mouth. The combination with the mac and cheese was unexpected and completely worked.

Adobo Rub Pork Chop: Vincent's order, served over sweet potato puree. Pork chops are easy to overcook and dry out. This one was cooked perfectly: soft, juicy, holding all its moisture. A standout dish.

Dessert

We were completely full, but the staff sent us home with a complimentary dessert: a Chocolate Brigadeiro made with avocado mousse, sorrel, and date jam. Rich, smooth, and perfectly semi-sweet. A great ending.

How We Saved $130

Our total before tip was $130.92. We paid almost nothing out of pocket. Latha is a Chase Sapphire partner restaurant, so we used our Chase Sapphire Reserve annual dining statement credit to cover the meal. We only paid the tip.

If you are looking to get into travel and dining rewards, check the referral link in the video description.

If you are looking to expand your palate and try something genuinely new in Arizona, Latha is one of the best recommendations I can make. Let me know in the comments what other cultural cuisines we should try next.

Find It

Google Maps | Yelp

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