BKK Is the Smoky Thai Barbecue Canteen Headlining HER's Food Offering

When the Arbory crew's much-anticipated, multi-level HER opened its doors last week, Melbourne scored four distinct new venues in one. And, to the excitement of food-obsessed locals with a soft spot for smoky Bangkok-style street food, that lineup includes a Thai barbecue canteen by the name of BKK.

Sitting on level three of the Lonsdale Street building, BKK is celebrating punchy flavours cooked over flame and coal, driven by the group's Executive Chef Nick Bennett, along with Head Chef Sungeun Mo.

By Parker Blain

Courtesy of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, the fitout brings a youthful energy to the lofty heritage space, with a roomy, open-concept kitchen taking centre stage. Exposed brick is played against warm orange neon, terracotta floors and shiny swaths of copper sheeting.

Pull up a seat anywhere here and enjoy the kitchen theatrics as you tuck into fire-driven fare centred around BKK's custom-built five-metre Zesti charcoal grill and oven. From barbecued meats to authentic curries, the menu pulls inspiration from all across Thailand, with a few modern reinterpretations in the mix.

A strong snacking lineup kicks things off with the likes of a nam-jim-dressed spicy ocean trout salad, mushroom and glass noodle spring rolls, chicken curry puffs paired with a cucumber ajat (relish), and oysters finished with coconut cream and nam prik pao (a roasted chilli sauce).

By Parker Blain

There are grilled skewers both adventurous and familiar, a sweet and crispy stir-fried beef dish, and multiple iterations of the classic laab salad — including one done with barbecued pork jowl chilli and khao khua (ground toasted rice). Meanwhile, a green curry stars jackfruit and green banana, a T-bone is matched with nam jim jaew chilli sauce, and the tiramisu is reborn using rum, white chocolate and shaved ice.

The drinks offering's been carefully designed to complement the gutsy flavours and heat of the menu, via a concise crop of fresh, interesting wines and cocktails that lean to the tropical. Continue your Bangkok adventure with sips like the tequila-infused Lychee Spritz or a charred pineapple margarita.

And if you'd prefer to match your Thai feast with some sweeping city views, you'll find an adaptation of the BKK menu also available to order and enjoy two levels up on the HER Rooftop.

Find BKK on Level 3 of HER, 270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD. It's open daily from 11.30am until late.

Images: Parker Blain