Fluorescent lights, fiery woks and unapologetic Bangkok flavour in the heart of Melbourne.

Nana Thai: Bangkok Heat, Melbourne Pulse

Nana Thai is the kind of place that smells like chilli and garlic before you even walk in. It’s loud, fast, and alive — just like the streets of Bangkok that inspired it. Inside, the fit-out is functional rather than fancy, but that’s part of its charm. Metal tables, bright lights and the constant sound of sizzling woks create the perfect backdrop for food that hits hard and doesn’t apologise for it.

For anyone craving true Thai heat, this is where authenticity trumps polish every time.

The Food: Chaos, Controlled

From tom yum with its sharp citrus punch to pad krapow that arrives piled high with holy basil and chilli, every dish delivers pure intensity. The moo grob — crispy pork belly — is legendary, while the papaya salad walks a perfect line between sweet, sour and searingly hot. There’s nothing tempered for Western tastes here, and that’s exactly why it’s packed until late every night.

Pair it with a cold Singha or Thai milk tea, and you’re as close to Sukhumvit as you’ll get without a boarding pass.

The Vibe: Late-Night, No-Nonsense

Service is quick, direct and full of personality. The staff shout over the clatter of woks, orders come flying out of the kitchen in minutes, and every table feels part of the energy. It’s not about presentation or pretense — it’s about pure flavour, community, and a little chaos done right.

Nana Thai captures what Melbourne does best: turning a simple idea into a cult classic. No white tablecloths, no filters, just real food made with fire and heart.