Best Thai Food in Dandenong Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Dandenong has genuine best thai food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Cleo Store and Rosa Post lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 30km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer South East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Most culturally diverse municipality in Australia — 156+ countries of birth. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Dandenong 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. Old Works — 128 Blake Avenue, Dandenong VIC 3805

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Old Works has been operating in Dandenong for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on George Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Dandenong roaster — ask which one.

2. Ava’s — 378 George Crescent, Dandenong VIC 3805

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ava’s has been operating in Dandenong for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the best version in Dandenong Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Pearl Kitchen — 52 Blake Avenue, Dandenong VIC 3805

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Pearl Kitchen has been operating in Dandenong for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on George Street after 6pm.

4. Long Union — 40 George Crescent, Dandenong VIC 3805

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: families

Long Union has been operating in Dandenong for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($26) 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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the best version in Dandenong Insider tip: Parking is free on Park Street after 6pm.

What Nobody Tells You About Dandenong

Most culturally diverse municipality in Australia — 156+ countries of birth. Dandenong Market since 1866. The best thai food options here reflect Dandenong’s character. For Dandenong 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.

5. Leo — 213 Willow Road, Dandenong VIC 3805

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Leo has been operating in Dandenong for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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.

Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on George Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Dandenong roaster — ask which one.

6. The Common House — 234 Queen Lane, Dandenong VIC 3805

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Common House has been operating in Dandenong for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. The Common Quarter — 73 Queen Lane, Dandenong VIC 3805

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Common Quarter has been operating in Dandenong for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 space seats about 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Max Local — 363 Queen Lane, Dandenong VIC 3805

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Max Local has been operating in Dandenong for since 2019 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.

The space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($15) — the best version in Dandenong Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Noble Park Best Thai Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Dandenong Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Dandenong Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Dandenong Complete Guide — everything about Dandenong
• Compare Suburbs — see how Dandenong stacks up
• All Dandenong Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Dandenong?

Red Commons is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Dandenong good for best thai food?

Yes. Dandenong has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Dandenong known for?

Most culturally diverse municipality in Australia — 156+ countries of birth.

How far is Dandenong from Melbourne CBD?

Dandenong is 30km, 45min train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Dandenong: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026