Jacqui Felgate reviews: A Melbourne carpark restaurant that’s been reviewed by the New York Times

When it comes to unique restaurants, Melbourne has a few, but nothing beats Soi 38.

It’s a taste of Bangkok… in a carpark. Yep, you read that right.

Press PLAY below to hear Jacqui’s full review

Crammed into the carpark between Bourke and Little Collins streets, Soi 38 has been reviewed in no less than the New York Times.

And with good reason.

The NYT author described this most unusual of venues as “delightful” — and I agree. There’s something so uniquely Melbourne about this Thai gem.

We arrived right on 5pm for the evening sitting and by the time we left at 7pm the queue was out the door and around the corner.

It’s traditional street food. And you eat it in the middle of a carpark.

Think boat noodles, hot pots and plenty of spice. I haven’t eaten Thai food quite like this in Melbourne. It’s utterly authentic. It’s crammed and loud and very basic. In a good way. Staff steam the rice on a bench next to diners, and the restaurant has undergone a recent expansion, with another dining room off to the side.

But aim for the original part of the venue to see the bustling kitchen in action. Metal tables, melamine plates, a caddy for cutlery, you can get a tiger beer and even a “bucket”… harking back to alcohol fuelled nights in Koi Samui.  You order off a paper list and tick the box.

Wine was a bottle of “Das Juice” (rose, red or white).

We started with the kingfish – full of spice and lime — mouthwatering!

The famous boat noodles are a very popular choice. Noodle dishes – laksa and tom yum – are $10 dollars.

We loved the pork skewers (my kids ate three servings of these), chewy and chargrilled, with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

The duck larb packs a punch… I love spicy food and this is at the upper end of hot, but well balanced with plenty of kafir lime and Thai basil.

The deep fried chicken was crispy and topped with fried shallot. The chargrilled calamari is another winner. Chewy and caramelised with the same dipping sauce on the side.

You can’t fault Soi 38 – if you can’t quite make it to Thailand this year give it a go. And it’s only a short walk back to the car.

Pro tip: go early, otherwise it’s a very long wait. No bookings.

Soi 38
38 Mcilwraith Pl, Melbourne
soi38.com