Restaurant

Kao Thai

347 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

Recommended by 78 people

Updated

Find Kao Thai

347 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

Directions ↗
HoursMonday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Kao Thai

Kao Thai delivers punchy, market-style street food on Sydney Road with zero pretension and rare consistency. Regulars drop in for wok-charred pad see ew, fiery grapow gai crowned with a crisp-edged kai dow, or sizzling hot plates of beef black bean. The dining room stays warm and accommodating even if you slip through the door a half-hour before closing. Head past the front counter to the quieter, airy rear seating area, or grab the street-facing window perch with a cold Thai milk tea. Pay cash at the register for an effortless discount.

  • Speedy, adaptable kitchen: Wok dishes arrive in minutes with generous portions and easy modifications for vegetarian, allergy, or low-FODMAP diets.
  • Late-night hospitality: Warm front-of-house care welcomes late walk-ins right up to closing time without a rushed service.
  • Back dining and cash perks: Features a well-ventilated back area away from the front buzz, plus a dedicated cash discount on your bill.

What's On at Kao Thai

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Kao Thai

Why diners make Kao Thai their regular Sydney Road Thai staple

  • Hearty Thai Classics with Cash Savings

    Diners receive authentic, generous Thai dishes quickly at reasonable prices, with cash payment discounts available.

    If you plan on coming, bring some cash for a discount :))

    Grace Alexander
  • Accommodating Dietary Adjustments

    The kitchen handles low FODMAP requirements, vegetarian requests, and allergy restrictions with care and efficiency.

    The staff are very friendly and were more than happy to cater to low FODMAP and allergy diets.

    Shamim Abdul Razak
  • Welcoming, Family-Style Hospitality

    Guests are greeted with genuine hospitality and warmth that creates a long-term sense of belonging.

    You are welcomed as a member of the family.

    Craig Nettlefold
  • Scratching the Authentic Flavor Itch

    Diners returning from Southeast Asia satisfy intense cravings with pungent, authentic market flavors.

    Just got back from Thailand and was craving some food and this definitely scratched the itch.

    Bill Kalominidis
  • Unrushed Late-Night Walk-Ins

    Guests arriving near closing time receive full, hospitable service without being turned away or rushed.

    My partner and I came in late, about a half hour before they closed and John was very accommodating and invited us in.

    Jasper Evans
  • Ventilated Rear Seating Area

    A separate, well-ventilated back dining space offers a comfortable and quieter alternative to the front room.

    There is plenty of seating out the back which is well ventilated, which is good to keep in mind at the moment.

    Gregory Ducayne

Other favorites

Sides, drinks, and desserts to complete your meal

  • Thai Milk Tea

    Thai milk tea was fresh and cold.

    D A
  • Coconut Rice

    coconut rice

    Grace Alexander
  • Chicken Satay

    chicken satay

    Grace Alexander
  • Roti with Chocolate Sauce and Coconut Ice Cream

    roti with chocolate sauce and coconut ice cream

    Shaun D'Monte

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality details and operational accommodations experienced at Kao Thai.

  • Cash Payment Discount

    Diners paying with physical cash receive a direct discount on their bill, offering tangible savings over standard card surcharge policies.

  • Dedicated Rear Seating Area

    Guests have access to a distinct, well-ventilated rear dining area, providing a quieter alternative to the bustling main dining room.

  • Frictionless Dietary Adaptations

    Kitchen staff readily tailor dishes without hesitation or compromise, accommodating specific requirements including low FODMAP, allergies, and vegetarian diets.

  • Late-Night Walk-in Welcome

    Guests arriving late or shortly before closing time are warmly invited in and served full, freshly prepared meals rather than turned away.

Before you head over

Practical advice on payments, seating areas, and dietary flexibility to plan your visit smoothly.

  • Bring Cash for a Discount

    Bring physical cash to pay for your meal to take advantage of an on-the-spot bill discount.

  • Seek Out the Back Seating Area

    Head to the back dining section if you want a quieter, well-ventilated space away from the busier main floor.

  • Easy Dietary Customisation and Late Walk-Ins

    The kitchen accommodates vegetarian, low FODMAP, and food allergy requirements without issue, and walk-ins are welcomed late even close to closing.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Similar places

More places for the flavours and food you enjoy.

Browse all Melbourne venues