Thaila Thai

Thaila Thai feels like it will always be a spicy little sliver of Bangkok in Brunswick East. Upon entering, you’re offered a glimpse of the frenzied hotbox kitchen before enthusiastic staff seat you. Fresh and full-flavoured dishes zip around the room in the hands of a myriad of staff members, all well-versed in avoiding each other, customers and densely-packed tables. The service here is express-like, too.

It's a hyperactive room that's aided by the mammoth-sized, affordabe mains. Thaila Thai is one of the leading budget Thai spots in the north-end of the city. It’s licensed and wine is available by the glass, or you can BYO (wine only) for $1 corkage per person. There are countless vegetarian options available alongside the usual beef, chicken, pork and seafood mains and soups.

We recommend the Pad Woo Sen Mue (jelly noodles stir-fried with pork and egg), some vegetarian spring rolls, a Tom Kha soup and Victoria’s Butterflies (crispy pork-filled deep fried treats served with sweet chilli sauce) for a good fill. Parking spots are tough to nab around Thaila Thai so ride your bike or take a tram.