Jinda Thai Restaurant
This high-energy, widely loved Thai spot has been serving locals and those from further afield for over a decade.
Overview
Bypass Victoria Street's seemingly endless spots for cheap eats and duck down one of the nearby alleyways to find Jinda Thai Restaurant. Since opening in 2013, Jinda has gained a strong following. Sure, there are spots on the strip that cost less money, but the authentic, high-quality food on offer here makes this undoubtedly one of the best-value restaurants in the area.
The space has an industrial warehouse feel, with exposed brick walls, large windows, lanterns hung throughout and a mish-mash of furniture. Despite its enormous space, Jinda is full of hubbub pretty much every night of the week, with queues flowing out the door, so get down early or book in advance.
There are all the Thai classics that'll take you back to Patong Beach, but you shouldn't look past the deep-fried barramundi fillet with tamarind sauce, fried shallots and coriander or the traditional yellow curry with grilled chicken. This particular dish showcases Grandma Jinda's recipe, crafted from many years spent serving customers along Bangkok's canals.
If it's noodles that get you salivating, then it offers classics like pad thai and pad see ew with your choice of pork, chicken, beef or tofu as well as pad see mao. There are a number of fun drinks here to help soothe the spice, including a crushed lychee concoction, iced lemon, and iced milk tea.
To celebrate its 13th anniversary and mark the incredible achievement of continuing to serve Grandma Jinda's traditional recipes, the team is putting on a month-long series of specials this July. Each table will have a chance to receive surprise gifts, and guests will be invited to contribute a photo to Jinda's Anniversary Memory Album.
Over four weeks, find four rotating specials, giving you an extra reason to get down to the restaurant, in case the vibrant vibes and excellent food weren't enough. On Mondays, score 13 per cent off the total bill. On Tuesdays, find a select menu of items for $13. On Wednesdays, grab cocktails for $13 with free BYO; on Thursdays, there will be $26 Thai steak nights.
Images: Supplied.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Information
- The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne
- Where to Find the Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Melbourne
- The 23 Best Sunday Roasts in Melbourne
- The Best Set Menus in Melbourne for Under $100 in 2026
- Dark Arts, Hedonism and Exploration: A Weekender's Guide to Visiting Hobart for Dark Mofo
- The Best Australian Fashion Labels to Know Right Now