Thai barbecue with smoke, spice and swagger.

BKK: Fire and Flavour, Bangkok-Style

Perched above HER on Lonsdale Street, BKK brings a punch of Bangkok energy to the city. It’s loud, fragrant and fuelled by open flames. Charcoal grills line the kitchen, firing off everything from skewers of pork jowl to smoky beef short ribs glazed in tamarind. The name says it all — this is Bangkok reimagined through a Melbourne lens.

The space hums with bass-heavy beats and a haze of smoke, while the crowd of post-work diners and night-out regulars keeps the energy high. It’s the kind of place where dinner can quickly turn into drinks and hours disappear in a blur of heat and laughter.

The Food: Grill, Heat, Repeat

The menu celebrates flame cooking in all its forms. Skewers are the star — charred chicken hearts, king prawns, sticky pork belly — but bigger plates like the grilled beef rib or Isaan-style sausage pack serious flavour. The green papaya salad cuts through with acidity, the fried rice carries the right level of wok char, and the dipping sauces bring a sharp chilli hit that lingers just long enough.

BKK doesn’t chase authenticity; it channels it. This is Thai barbecue made for Melbourne — refined, but never restrained.

The Vibe: Urban Bangkok Energy

With neon lighting, tiled walls and that unmistakable buzz of heat and motion, BKK nails the feeling of a night market turned nightclub. Service is brisk but fun, cocktails lean tropical and smoky, and the crowd feels as diverse as the menu. It’s a venue that thrives on atmosphere — a little wild, a little polished and completely addictive.

BKK is proof that Thai dining in Melbourne has evolved beyond curries and stir-fries — it’s now an experience that hits every sense at once.