Best Thai Food in Dandenong North Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | The Good Store |
| Zero-cost winner | Ash’s |
| Kid-approved | Nell |
| Under the radar | Gus’s |
| Wet day saviour | The Golden Kitchen |
Dandenong North has genuine best thai food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Good Social and Zara lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 35-55km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer South East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Large residential suburb in the City of Greater Dandenong. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Dandenong North resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.
1. Max — 74 William Drive, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Max has been operating in Dandenong North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Edward Crescent is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
2. The Good Commons — 8 River Road, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The Good Commons has been operating in Dandenong North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The fish special ($16) — the best version in Dandenong North Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. Hugo — 248 William Drive, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Hugo has been operating in Dandenong North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Dandenong North farmers market when it runs.
4. Hazel Corner — 163 East Place, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: families
Hazel Corner has been operating in Dandenong North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
5. Depot — 79 East Place, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Depot has been operating in Dandenong North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($15) — the best version in Dandenong North Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
6. Depot — 180 Edward Crescent, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: families
Depot has been operating in Dandenong North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
What Makes Dandenong North Different
Large residential suburb in the City of Greater Dandenong. Strong Indian and Sri Lankan communities. The best thai food options here reflect Dandenong North’s character. For Dandenong North locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.
7. Hazel’s — 194 Chapel Road, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Hazel’s has been operating in Dandenong North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Drive is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. White Press — 197 William Drive, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: solo diners
White Press has been operating in Dandenong North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The charcuterie board ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. The Blue Social — 129 Edward Crescent, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: remote workers
The Blue Social has been operating in Dandenong North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Drive is usually fine.
Come back for: The seasonal special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Dandenong North roaster — ask which one.
10. Old Mill — 378 River Road, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Old Mill has been operating in Dandenong North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The daily soup ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
11. Hugo Social — 251 River Road, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: the whole crew
Hugo Social has been operating in Dandenong North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
12. Tall Union — 231 Chapel Road, Dandenong North VIC 3809
What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Tall Union has been operating in Dandenong North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($19) — the best version in Dandenong North Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Explore More
- Dandenong Best Thai Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Dandenong North Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Dandenong North Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Dandenong North Complete Guide — everything about Dandenong North
- Compare Suburbs — see how Dandenong North stacks up
- All Dandenong North Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best thai food options in Dandenong North?
The Good Store is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Dandenong North good for best thai food?
Yes. Dandenong North has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Dandenong North known for?
Large residential suburb in the City of Greater Dandenong.
How far is Dandenong North from Melbourne CBD?
Dandenong North is 35-55km, 45-70min train, 40-55min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Dandenong North won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026

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