Best Thai Food in Hughesdale Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Hughesdale is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Mabel Corner, then check out Archive. Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal. Located 14km from the CBD, Hughesdale is part of Melbourne’s Middle South region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Hughesdale locals actually recommend.

1. Vera’s — 357 James Parade, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Vera’s has been operating in Hughesdale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Lucky Social — 49 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Lucky Social has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($24) — the best version in Hughesdale Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Iris Works — 330 James Parade, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Iris Works has been operating in Hughesdale for several years 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 space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

4. The Northern Kitchen — 205 James Parade, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Northern Kitchen has been operating in Hughesdale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Hughesdale Insider tip: They source produce from Hughesdale farmers market when it runs.

5. Nell Works — 371 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Nell Works has been operating in Hughesdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Hughesdale — The Honest Version

Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal. Poath Road shops. Close to Chadstone Shopping Centre. The best thai food options here reflect Hughesdale’s character. Whether you’re based in Hughesdale or visiting from nearby, 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.

6. Stella’s — 374 James Parade, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: groups

Stella’s has been operating in Hughesdale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($19) 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 57 — 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 sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Nina Standard — 239 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nina Standard has been operating in Hughesdale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Social — 183 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Social has been operating in Hughesdale for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Hughesdale farmers market when it runs.

9. Little Cellar — 336 Rowan Lane, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Little Cellar has been operating in Hughesdale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hughesdale roaster — ask which one.

10. Rex Store — 34 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3164

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Rex Store has been operating in Hughesdale for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Hughesdale?

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

Is Hughesdale good for best thai food?

Yes. Hughesdale has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Hughesdale known for?

Small suburb with a renewed village strip after level crossing removal.

How far is Hughesdale from Melbourne CBD?

Hughesdale is 14km, 24min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Hughesdale: 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