Soak up one of Thailand’s most-loved street foods at this laid-back, family-run restaurant.

Khao Man Gai: Melbourne’s Slice of Bangkok

What started as a humble CBD eatery has become one of Melbourne’s most faithful tributes to Thailand’s national comfort food. Here, chicken rice isn’t just another lunch special — it’s a daily ritual. The owners, a Thai-Australian family, built this place around the same flavours they grew up with: poached chicken served warm over rice that’s been cooked in the very broth it created, seasoned with a gingery, garlicky chilli sauce that wakes you up before the caffeine does.

The Dish That Defines It

Every bowl is a balance of texture and temperature: silky skin-on chicken sliced to order, rice slicked with chicken fat and aromatic stock, and cucumber for crunch. A cup of clear broth rounds it out — a quiet nod to the stalls of Bangkok where khao man gai is served from sunrise till close. It’s deceptively simple, completely addictive, and tastes like it’s been perfected over generations.

Beyond the Classic Plate

Regulars know to try the fried-chicken version for extra crunch or the spicy rendition that comes with a bright red chilli glaze. Pair it with a cold Singha or a tamarind-based cocktail and you’ve basically booked yourself a ticket to Thailand, minus the jet lag.

The Room and the Rhythm

The fit-out keeps things stripped-back: neon signage, quick-fire service and the comforting buzz of lunchtime chatter. You’re here for flavour and flow, not ceremony. It’s equal parts street-side diner and family dining room — exactly what makes it special.

Good to Know

It’s walk-in only, and turnover is quick. Come early or late to dodge the midday rush. Most orders hit the table within minutes, so you can get a taste of Bangkok and still make your next meeting on time.