Bangkok-style street food arrives in Melbourne, served daily until midnight at this new Thai-Chinese spot.
Late-Night Thai Dining in Melbourne’s Chinatown
Melbourne’s food scene welcomes a bold new chapter with Yaowarat, a Thai-Chinese street food restaurant that serves until midnight, seven days a week. It is located on Waratah Place in Chinatown. It takes its name and spirit from Bangkok’s famed Yaowarat Road—known for its lively night markets and sizzling street eats.
Behind the concept is chef-restaurateur Surachai Kunchairattana, known for Aunglo and Lang Baan. At Yaowarat, he’s recreating the intimacy of Thailand’s midnight food stalls. Expect dishes like khao tom (a light rice congee), wok-fried pippies, spicy fish sausage salad, and deep-fried tofu skin rolls filled with prawn paste.
Each dish is paired with traditional sauces, like fermented garlic dips and tangy chili plum. This echoes authentic night flavors from Bangkok—now plated in Melbourne.
Yaowarat Melbourne: Comfort Food with Cultural Depth
What sets Yaowarat apart is its dedication to a distinct, lesser-known Thai food experience—late-night Thai dining that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. Meals here are designed to be shared, savored, and remembered. The focus is on congee and accompaniments, enjoyed across Southeast Asia.
While the lunch menu offers stir-fries and Hainanese chicken rice under $16, it’s after dark that the menu truly shines. Every element—from wok-cooked soups to seafood tossed in hot basil—is a love letter to the flavors of Thai-Chinese heritage.
“The food is meant to feel like home,” says manager Pimnada Lertpratinwong. “We wanted to bring something comforting, familiar, but still full of excitement.”
Explore other food
Visit Victoria’s list of must-try Chinatown eateries
What Late-Night Thai Dining Brings to Melbourne
More than just a new place to eat, Yaowarat represents a cultural moment — a celebration of Thailand’s late-night food culture transplanted into Melbourne’s diverse dining scene. It’s also a budget-friendly option for students, solo diners, and night owls looking for hearty meals under $16. As Melbourne’s after-hours food map evolves, Yaowarat brings both energy and authenticity to the table. Learn more
Yaowarat
7–9 Waratah Place, Melbourne
🕛 Daily 12 PM – 12 AM
📸 @yaowarat.melbourne
