Flavours of salt, heat, sugar, and acid. Whether it’s a seafood meal from the south or a herb and root dish from the north, these fundamental flavours are present in virtually every Thai dish.
Thai cooks don’t typically value simplicity. When they could season tomatoes with chilli, salt, lime juice, lemongrass, and galangal instead of olive oil, they would never use olive oil. The goal is to achieve the highest possible level of flavour while maintaining harmony.
Thai restaurants in Melbourne, Australia, appear to take a similar visual and culinary approach. A couple of them are more sedate, but in general, you can expect loud music, bright lights, and colourful drinks.
Even though we can’t enjoy our pad thai while gazing out at the water, these lively alternatives (with serious food) will have to do. More on the best thai melbourne below.
Best Thai Restaurants In Melbourne
Here is a list of some highly-rated Thai restaurants in Melbourne.
1. Chin Chin
Chin Chin is a highly acclaimed Thai restaurant located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. It is known for its modern take on Thai cuisine and its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Chin Chin has been a favourite among locals and visitors alike, and it often gets busy due to its popularity.
Their menu features a diverse selection of dishes that showcase the flavours of Thailand with a contemporary twist. From traditional Thai curries and stir-fries to creative fusion dishes, Chin Chin aims to offer a memorable dining experience for its patrons.
As with any popular restaurant, it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak times, to secure a table.
2. Longrain
Longrain is a well-known and highly regarded restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, famous for its stylish setting and delectable fusion of Thai and Southeast Asian flavours. Located in the heart of the city, Longrain has been a popular dining destination since its establishment.
The restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Thai and Southeast Asian dishes, blending bold flavours and high-quality ingredients to create a memorable dining experience. Longrain’s menu features a wide range of dishes, including mouthwatering curries, stir-fries, salads, and innovative small plates, all designed to tantalize your taste buds.
Not only does Longrain focus on its culinary delights, but its interior also contributes to the dining experience. The restaurant’s stylish and trendy setting adds to the overall ambience, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion or a memorable night out.
3. Jinda Thai
Jinda Thai is a well-loved Thai restaurant located in Abbotsford, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. As of September 2021, Jinda Thai had gained significant popularity for its authentic and delicious Thai dishes, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking an authentic Thai dining experience.
The restaurant is known for its extensive menu, which features a wide range of classic Thai dishes prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients. From traditional curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries to specialty dishes, Jinda Thai aims to deliver the true flavours of Thailand to its customers.
Besides the mouthwatering cuisine, Jinda Thai is also admired for its warm and welcoming ambience, providing guests with a cozy and enjoyable setting to savour their meals.
As the restaurant scene can change over time, it’s a good idea to check recent reviews and ratings to ensure that Jinda Thai continues to maintain its reputation for excellent Thai cuisine
4. Dainty Sichuan
Dainty Sichuan is a renowned restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, primarily known for serving Sichuan cuisine, which originates from the Sichuan province in China. However, in addition to its Sichuan offerings, Dainty Sichuan also offers a selection of Thai dishes that have received high praise from diners.
The Thai offerings at Dainty Sichuan are often well-regarded for their authenticity and flavorful taste. This fusion of Thai and Sichuan cuisine provides customers with a diverse range of culinary experiences, making it a unique dining destination.
As with any restaurant, the menu and offerings can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check for current reviews and recommendations before planning your visit.
5. Cookie
Cookie is a popular multi-level restaurant and bar located in Melbourne, Australia. It is known for offering Thai-inspired dishes, as well as an extensive selection of drinks, in a trendy and vibrant setting.
The restaurant’s menu features a fusion of Thai flavours, showcasing a variety of dishes that blend traditional Thai cuisine with modern twists. From delicious Thai curries and stir-fries to unique small plates and snacks, Cookie aims to provide a delightful culinary experience for its patrons.
Apart from its impressive food offerings, Cookie is equally renowned for its well-curated drink menu. The bar offers an extensive selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and other beverages, making it an ideal place to enjoy a complete dining and drinking experience.
With its stylish ambience, Cookie has become a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike who seek a combination of excellent food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
As with any restaurant, it’s advisable to check current reviews and offerings to ensure that Cookie continues to maintain its reputation as a top Thai-inspired restaurant and bar in Melbourne.
6. BangPop
BangPop is a popular Thai restaurant situated in South Wharf, Melbourne, Australia. The restaurant is known for serving traditional Thai street food, offering a culinary experience reminiscent of the vibrant and flavorful dishes found in the streets of Thailand.
BangPop’s menu typically features a diverse selection of authentic Thai dishes that reflect the flavours and spirit of Thai street food culture. From delicious noodle dishes and aromatic curries to flavorful stir-fries and refreshing salads, BangPop aims to provide a taste of Thailand’s bustling food scene.
The restaurant’s dedication to maintaining the authenticity and quality of its dishes has earned it a loyal following among locals and tourists alike. Its location in South Wharf, a popular waterfront precinct in Melbourne, makes it a convenient and attractive dining option for those exploring the area.
7. Gingerboy
Gingerboy is a well-regarded restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, known for its innovative approach to Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. The restaurant combines traditional flavours from the region with modern cooking techniques, resulting in a unique and exciting dining experience.
Gingerboy’s menu features a creative fusion of Thai and Southeast Asian dishes that showcase a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours, characteristic of the region’s cuisine. The dishes are thoughtfully crafted, using high-quality ingredients to create an exceptional dining experience for guests.
The restaurant’s stylish and contemporary ambience further enhances the overall dining experience, making Gingerboy a popular destination for those seeking a modern and upscale take on Southeast Asian cuisine.
As with any restaurant, it’s a good idea to check for the latest menu offerings and reviews to ensure that Gingerboy’s unique dining experience continues to impress.
8. Suda
Suda is a charming and cozy Thai restaurant located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Melbourne, Australia. As of my last update in September 2021, Suda had gained a reputation for its friendly service and delicious Thai dishes, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Despite being a small establishment, Suda focuses on delivering an authentic Thai dining experience with a menu that features a variety of classic Thai dishes, including flavorful curries, aromatic stir-fries, and mouthwatering noodle dishes.
In addition to its tasty cuisine, Suda is known for its welcoming and warm atmosphere, providing guests with a comfortable setting to enjoy their meals. The combination of friendly service and delectable food has contributed to Suda’s popularity and earned it a loyal following over the years.
9. Lanna Thai Cuisine
Lanna Thai Cuisine is a well-regarded Thai restaurant situated in Brunswick, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. The restaurant specializes in offering authentic Northern Thai cuisine, providing a unique and distinct culinary experience compared to the more common Central and Southern Thai dishes found in many other Thai restaurants.
Northern Thai cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic flavours, which often include a wide variety of herbs and spices. Lanna Thai Cuisine focuses on delivering these authentic flavours in a relaxed and inviting setting.
The restaurant’s menu typically features traditional Northern Thai dishes, such as Khao Soi (a popular curry noodle soup), Sai Ua (a Northern Thai sausage), and various grilled meats and salads that showcase the region’s unique culinary heritage.
Lanna Thai Cuisine’s commitment to preserving the authenticity of Northern Thai cuisine has earned it a reputation among food enthusiasts seeking an alternative and genuine Thai dining experience in Melbourne.
10. Soi 38
Soi 38 is a well-known Thai restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, specializing in Bangkok-style street food. The restaurant’s name, “Soi 38,” refers to a famous street food area in Bangkok, Thailand, known for its vibrant and diverse range of delicious Thai delicacies.
Soi 38 aims to recreate the lively and flavorful experience of Thai street food right in the heart of Melbourne. The menu typically offers a wide variety of dishes, including popular Thai street food favourites such as Pad Thai, Som Tum (green papaya salad), Thai-style grilled skewers, crispy pork belly, and much more.
The restaurant’s focus on providing authentic Bangkok-style street food has made it a favourite spot for diners seeking an unpretentious yet delightful Thai dining experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Melbourne is a city with a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and its Thai restaurants have gained significant popularity for their authentic and delicious offerings. From modern Thai cuisine at Chin Chin to traditional Thai street food at Soi 38, each restaurant mentioned offers a unique and memorable dining experience.
Longrain impresses with its stylish setting and fusion of Thai and Southeast Asian flavours, while Jinda Thai in Abbotsford has won hearts with its authentic Thai dishes. Dainty Sichuan, though primarily serving Sichuan cuisine, is praised for its noteworthy Thai offerings, and Cookie delights patrons with its Thai-inspired dishes and extensive drink selection in a trendy atmosphere.
Gingerboy stands out for its innovative approach to Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine, combining traditional flavours with modern techniques. Suda, a small and cozy Thai restaurant in the CBD, is known for its friendly service and tasty dishes. Meanwhile, Lanna Thai Cuisine in Brunswick provides an authentic taste of Northern Thai cuisine in a relaxed setting.
For those seeking Bangkok-style street food, Soi 38 offers an array of Thai delicacies reminiscent of the bustling food scene in Thailand’s capital city.
While this conclusion captures the essence of these restaurants up to September 2021, it’s essential to stay updated with recent reviews and recommendations to discover the latest gems in Melbourne’s ever-evolving food landscape.