MELBOURNE | The CBD has seen a wave of new Thai restaurants opening post lockdowns, and it shows no sign of abating. A common thread amongst several of this year’s openings has been a focus on regional specialities. Yaowarat, which opened last month, puts the spotlight on Thai-Chinese food, which isn’t commonly found in this city. I popped in the other day for What’s on Melbourne to check it out.
Yaowarat is located behind an unmarked entrance in what was a seafood wholesaler in Chinatown’s Warratah Place. It’s appropriate, given that the restaurant is named for the main street that runs through Bangkok’s Chinatown. Owner Surachai Kunchairattana has a reputation for quality Thai restaurant, being the brains behind Aung Lo, Pick Prik, Heng, and Lang Baan. With Yaowarat, he’s onto another winner.
Chinese traders first arrived in Thailand in the 12th century, but it wasn’t until the late 1700s that Chinese immigration to Thailand really took off. Today, around 12% of Thailand’s population has Chinese heritage, and Chinese culture has influenced several aspects of Thai culture, including its cuisine.
The wok is the main tool used in the kitchen, imparting wok hei to many a dish. Stir-frying is common, and one of the most popular Thai dishes, pad Thai, is a Thai-Chinese dish. You’ll find it on the extensive menu at Yaowarat, along with a host of Thai-Chinese classics.
Stir-fried pipies served with sweet Thai basil is a great choice, as is the succulent barbeque pork rice. For something light, the spicy fish sausage salad is a winner. On the heavier side, try one of my favourite things on the menu, the sticky, saucy, caramelised, slow cooked pork belly.
There’s also things like suki (a Thai take on Chinese-style hot pot), pla nueng manao (steamed fish with spicy lime juice dressing), and hae kuen (steamed and fried tofu skin rolls filled with prawn and fish paste). It’s all keenly priced, especially the lunch specials. If you’re thirsty, there’s an assortment of classic Thai drinks.
Open from midday to midnight, seven days a week, Yaowarat is a great option for a quick lunch, large banquet-style meal with friends, or a late night feed after a few drinks in the city.
Yaowarat
7-9 Warratah Place
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: 0466 634 888
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Sunt: 12:00pm to 12:00am