Restaurant
Thai Asia Unique Cafe & Tavern
108 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Thai Asia Unique Cafe & Tavern
108 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Plan your visitAbout Thai Asia Unique Cafe & Tavern
Tucked inside Melbourne’s Paramount Food Court, this counter serves unapologetic Thai street staples with the punch of a Bangkok soi kitchen. Melbourne’s Thai diaspora points straight to the Guay Jub—labor-intensive rolled rice noodles simmered with pork offal, crispy pork, and herbs in a dark, spiced broth. Regulars crowd the register for bowls of boat noodle soup, fiery Sukiyaki, and wok-charred noodles alongside cheap Asian beers from the licensed counter. Orders arrive fast and hot at communal tables, accompanied by thick Thai milk tea.
- Labor-Intensive Specialties: Simmers labor-intensive rolled rice noodle soup with crispy pork, tender cuts, and carefully cleaned offal in a rich herbal broth.
- Unapologetic Heat: Robust boat noodles, spicy sukiyaki, and peppery broths offer uncompromised heat and seasoning.
- Licensed Food Court Counter: Pair generous, fast-moving bowls with cheap Asian beers and wine right at the food court counter.
What's On at Thai Asia Unique Cafe & Tavern
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Thai Asia Unique Cafe & Tavern
Authentic street broths, hearty portions, and licensed casual dining in the heart of Melbourne.
Rare Regional Thai Street Specialties
The kitchen prepares labor-intensive heritage street recipes like boat noodle soup and rolled rice noodle Guay Jub that standard city venues avoid.
There are several dishes that you won't find in any regular Thai restaurants: boat noodles, rice noodles with crab curry and more!
Nichakorn Pongsakornsathien Generous Everyday Portions and Value
Bowls and stir-fries are served in filling, hearty proportions at modest everyday Melbourne CBD prices.
The portion size is generous, and the flavors were perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice.
K T Nostalgic Connection to Thailand
Authentic, uncompromised spice blends and traditional broths evoke the distinct feeling of dining in Thailand.
a truly authentic street food taste that transported me to Thailand.
Paul and Bale Uncompromised Homeland Flavors
The uncompromising flavors and home-style culinary standards consistently surpass ordinary food court expectations.
having this meal in Melbourne with the same quality back home it was something quite special.
Tanya Low-Key Drinks and Casual Hangouts
The licensed tavern setup offers affordable Asian beers and wine alongside hearty Thai comfort dishes for casual get-togethers.
Always the best spot to come for cheap beers and wine, as well as a hearty and authentic meal.
Priscilla Li Bustling Food-Court Tavern Vibe
A relaxed, unpretentious food hall atmosphere pairs wallet-friendly drinks with communal Thai street dining.
The best Pad Thai anywhere hands down, and great priced beer and wine!
Kathy Barrett
Most popular items
Signature Thai street noodle soups and wok dishes crafted with authentic flavors
Boat Noodles
If you're a meat eater, you cant go past the boat noodle soup 🍜 - Ive been going there a few times a week and the standard has been too notch every single time.
Alexandre Dubois Guay Jub
I finally finished every last bite not a drop of the broth was left behind
Sandy Setthanan Tom Yum Pork Noodle Soup
The portion size is generous, and the flavors were perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice.
K T Pad Thai
The best Pad Thai anywhere hands down, and great priced beer and wine!
Kathy Barrett
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the restaurant located and what is the dining setup?
Thai Asia Unique is located inside the Paramount Shopping Centre food court on Bourke Street, operating with counter service and communal food court seating rather than traditional table service.
What dishes are recommended to order?
Signature highlights include traditional street dishes rarely found elsewhere, such as boat noodles (Guay Jub rolled noodle soup with pork and offal), Tom Yum noodle soup, and crispy pork with Chinese broccoli.
Does the venue serve alcoholic drinks?
Yes, unlike typical food court stalls, the venue is licensed as a tavern and serves cheap beers (including Beer Lao) and wine alongside meals.
What are the typical wait times during peak hours?
While service is generally prompt, the food court gets particularly crowded during weekday lunch hours with city office workers, leading to wait times of around 10 to 15 minutes.
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