Malvern East has a thai food scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs affordable, diverse, developing — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every thai food spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $18-32 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you wok-charred, the higher end gets you pad thai done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. The Happy Union — 146 Johnston Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $23-36 per person
The Happy Union is the benchmark for thai food in Malvern East. The green curry is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The larb is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.
Order this: The nam tok ($23) as a main, plus massaman to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Max’s — 205 King Terrace
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $20-38 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than The Happy Union but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The pad thai here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The wok-charred ($20). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Old Store — 306 King Terrace
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $18-33 per person
Old Store opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The larb ($26) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the massaman ($25) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Luna’s — 175 South Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $14-33 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Luna’s doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Malvern East. The green curry ($14) is the standout.
5. Sol’s — 304 Bell Parade
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $19-33 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The pad thai ($24) and the wok-charred ($23) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a thai food place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Happy Union | Overall best | $23-36 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| Max’s | Locals’ favourite | $20-38 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Old Store | New opening | $18-33 | Yes, via website |
| Luna’s | Best takeaway | $14-33 | Counter service |
| Sol’s | All-rounder | $19-33 | Recommended weekends |
Thai Food Price Guide — Malvern East
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-14 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $18-32 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
Before You Go
Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along King Terrace is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Malvern East.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Luna’s and The Happy Union are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- Melbourne CBD Thai Food
- Melbourne CBD Thai Food
- Malvern East Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Malvern East Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Malvern East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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