Soi 38 Melbourne

"Melbourne’s fixation on hidden bars and restaurants has tapered off over recent years, but one mainstay is this colorful Thai spot concealed in a city car park. To order, check off items on a paper menu and hand it to staff as they dash about the tiny, rowdy space, which is decked out with blue and red tables and framed pictures of Thai royalty. Most dishes are $10, including the signature boat noodles, which come with braised beef or pork in an anise-rich pork broth. Don’t let the line put you off, it moves fast." - ellen fraser

"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

"Melbourne’s fixation on hidden bars and restaurants has tapered off over recent years, but one mainstay is this colorful Thai spot concealed in a city car park. To order, check off items on a paper menu and hand it to staff as they dash about the tiny, rowdy space, which is decked out with blue and red tables and framed pictures of Thai royalty. Most dishes are $10, including the signature boat noodles, which come with braised beef or pork in an anise-rich pork broth. Don’t let the line put you off, it moves fast. photo credit: Melanie Desa" - Ellen Fraser