Singapore's prettiest lattes? You have to reserve them a day in advance

Avolattes, iPhone lattes… What's next?

Sakura art lattes, that's what. At least in Singapore.

A trendy coffee joint here was recently in the spotlight for their lattes with pretty foam art, courtesy of the cafe's talented barista, Damien Soh.

These delicate cups with exquisite drawings are priced at $6 each, but what caught this coffee addict's eye was the lengths you have to go to in order to get your hands on them.

It used to be so easy - see something on the internet, find out where it's sold, go out and grab it straightaway.

At Carol Mel Cafe located at Irving Place however, there are a few additional steps you need to take to get your hands on these beauties.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQjeuBF-c5/?taken-by=itsbigmouth[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BUqsq7nBpfB/?taken-by=thematchasociety[/embed]

Take note of the following instructions as the cafe is serious about not entertaining anyone who ignores them.

First, you have to follow Carol Mel Cafe on Instagram.

Next, follow their barista Damien on Instagram.

Lastly, drop a DM (direct message) to Damien on Instagram to place a reservation for your drink at least one day in advance.

Don't have an Instagram account? Then that's just too bad.

According to the cafe's founder Caroline Liew, the complicated ordering process is to help customers avoid disappointment, as the Japan-sourced matcha powder which is used in the latte is limited in stock and these painstakingly handcrafted beverages take time to create.

About 25 cups of 'sakura lattes' are sold each day, said Caroline.

Spotted a design on the barista's Instagram that you want for your own?

Drop him a request and he'll be able to tell you if it can be done.

But if it's too much work, the cafe does offer other items on the menu from Western mains such as lamb shank to desserts such as buttermilk waffles.

Thankfully, you don't have to spare the extra effort if you want to order them.

ljoey@sph.com.sg