"A CBD parking lot is home to one of Melbourne’s most-lauded Thai noodle shops. Soi 38 is always busy, but you’ll eventually score a seat at one of the colorful tables. Grab a form, fill out your order, then bring it to the “counter,” which is actually an old cart the owner used to sell soup from. There are a few different noodles and soups to try, including tom yum, but Soi 38 is mainly known for its boat noodles with beef (braised, sliced, and meatballs), water spinach, bean sprouts, and pork crackling. The sweet, aromatic broth can and should be customized with chile, fish sauce, and sugar. At night, the restaurant offers a more extensive Thai street food menu." - Audrey Bourget, Sharlee Gibb