Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Soi 38 Melbourne

38 Royal Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 32 people

Updated

Find Soi 38 Melbourne

38 Royal Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Soi 38 Melbourne

Down a Melbourne laneway into a sprawling garage hall, Soi 38 serves Bangkok street food with uncompromised heat. By day, city workers drop in for quick, twelve-dollar bowls of beef boat noodles and rich khao soi. Come sundown, the energy cranks up. Loud tables pack the room alongside parked tuk-tuk decor, sharing communal mookata grills, fiery som tum with fermented fish sauce, and smoky grilled pork neck. Singha runs on tap, and you can cut through the chili burn with an icy longan slushie.

  • Authentic Bangkok Flavors: Diners note the genuine heat and traditional seasoning across dishes like fiery som tum, namtok beef salad, and herbal boat noodle broths.
  • Street-Market Energy: The expansive basement hall buzzes with tuk-tuks, bright plastic seating, and loud chatter reminiscent of night markets.
  • Speedy Lunch Bowls: Midday diners stop by for rapid counter ordering and wallet-friendly twelve-dollar noodle bowls.
  • Mookata Feasts: Groups gather around evening Thai BBQ dome grills loaded with sliced meats and seafood alongside bubbling broth.
RestaurantThaiRestaurant

What's On at Soi 38 Melbourne

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Soi 38 Melbourne

Why diners flock to Soi 38 for authentic Bangkok street fare, quick CBD lunches, and energetic communal feasts.

  • Uncompromising Bangkok Street Flavours

    Soi 38 serves unapologetically bold Thai flavours, featuring authentic street delicacies like boat noodles and richly spiced khao soi.

    One bite of the khao soi and I was straight back in Bangkok — rich, fragrant, perfectly balanced, and just the right amount of indulgent.

    Madam Cranky Pants

  • Authentic Regional Recipes That Hit the Mark

    From fiery som tum dressed with fermented fish sauce to authentic Esan specialties, the dishes retain real heat and traditional recipes.

    As a Thai person, this is my favorite spot so far! The flavors are authentic.

    Nann Kann

  • Fast, Affordable Midday Dining

    A dedicated daytime service dishes out speedy, hearty bowls of noodle soups and stir-fries tailored for busy workdays.

    One of the best, cheapest lunches you will find in the CBD. $12 for a healthy serving of the most delicious laksa you will eat all week.

    Ben C

  • Dual Menus Tailored for Day and Night

    Separate operating hours allow diners to grab quick noodle bowls by day or transition to an expansive evening menu.

    The restaurant offers plenty of seating and has separate menus for lunch and dinner.

    Anson Wing

  • Bustling Shared Group Feasts

    The expansive laneway hall easily accommodates gatherings eager to share grilled skewers, som tum, and Thai BBQ.

    The vibe is casual and perfect for groups

    M C

  • Lively, High-Energy Communal Atmosphere

    With rapid table turnover and drinks on pour, evening crowds come alive over generous platters and hot pots.

    Spicy means spicy! Not for a romantic evening, but great fun with a group.

    Paul Cullen

Signature street-style dishes bringing the vibrant tastes of Thailand to Melbourne

  • Som Tum

    Perfectly shredded papaya pounded with peanuts and dried shrimp, packing that iconic fiery, sweet, and sour punch.

    Korn Wirun

  • Ultimate Bowl Tom Yum

    The Ultimate Bowl Tom Yum was so good — it genuinely felt like being transported straight to Thailand.

    Imelda Kang

  • Grilled Pork Neck (Kor Moo Yang)

    The pork neck was an easy standout—juicy, smoky and packed with flavour.

    Medium Still

  • Khao Soi

    One bite of the khao soi and I was straight back in Bangkok — rich, fragrant, perfectly balanced, and just the right amount of indulgent.

    Madam Cranky Pants

Other favorites

Authentic Thai beverages and small bites to complete your meal

  • Thai Milk Tea

    We strongly recommend getting a cup of Thai milk tea to accompany the dishes.

    Louise A- Hospitality Insider

  • Fried Wontons

    We also had side of fried Wontons.

    Shristi Dahal

  • Fresh Oysters

    Super fresh, topped with crunchy fried shallots, chili paste, and a squeeze of lime — an amazing bite of flavor and texture.

    Korn Wirun

  • Singha Beer on Tap

    Singha beer on tap, loud boisterous atmosphere in a barn-like space.

    Paul Cullen

Before you head over

Practical advice on timing, ordering, and spice levels for your visit

  • Beat the Dinner Rush by Arriving Early

    The dining hall fills rapidly in the evening—especially after 6:30 PM. Arrive around 6:00 PM on weekdays or come early to avoid dinner queues, though table turnover remains fast.

  • Heed the Real Spice Levels

    The menu features genuinely spicy Bangkok and Esan street-style cooking, alongside dishes with raw seafood elements. Be prepared for uncompromised heat across most plates.

  • Order at the Counter if Phone Signal Drops

    Orders are placed via phone QR codes, but mobile reception in the laneway space can be patchy. If the digital menu fails to load, order straight at the counter or stall.

Explore more places in Melbourne

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

Discover more in Melbourne

Explore another side of the city's food and drink.

Browse all Melbourne venues