Thai Asia Unique Cafe & Tavern

12/20Critics' PickUpdated September 24, 2026,first published October 27, 2025Thai Asia Unique Cafe is found inside The Paramount shopping centre on Bourke Street.Chege MbuthiThai Asia Unique Cafe & TavernThai$A food-court find dishing up a huge swathe of Thailand’s cuisine.Paramount Food Court has weathered many changes. But within its mirrored and stone-trimmed perimeter, this canteen stands strong, still attracting some of the longest queues. Each dish is numbered, photographed and displayed on lightboxes above the counter where you’ll order and take a buzzer. Its manic beeping means showtime.Som tum (#20) arrives fiery and tangy: raw cabbage, papaya and guava tumbled with fermented crab legs and dense pork loaf. Glossy egg gravy cloaks crisp-fried egg noodles and generous portions of calamari and prawns in lard na (#38). Sambal fried rice (#51) is a slam-dunk of smoky grains, tender eggplant omelette and expertly fried tilapia, paired with restorative chicken broth.Icy ruam mit (T2) is a party of mango, chunky water chestnut and jelly in coconut milk. You’re not here for five-star surrounds or service; remember that and you’ll soon be in the queue.Best for: A speedy, informal dinner with a group where variety is king.Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: 2025Continue this seriesMelbourne CBDUp nextReviewThong ThaiThe eye-catching gateway to the city’s unofficial Thai Town.ReviewTipo 00Serious pasta and wine sparked up by an electric atmosphere.PreviouslyReviewTemaki SushiIntimate chef’s bar where direct-from-farm ingredients meet a self-assembly sushi platter.See all storiesMore:MelbourneThai Asia Unique Cafe & TavernThaiWalk-ins onlyTakeawayLicensedBYOVegetarian-friendlyGluten-free optionsWheelchair accessFamily-friendlyGood for groupsFood courtReviewsGood Food GuideCritics’ PickFrom our partners