Soi 38

THE VERDICT

Rising to institution status after garnering attention for its unorthodox location in a parking garage, Soi 38 has moved to yet another inconspicuous spot—but now accommodating five times the capacity of its former 60-seat venue. 

Now housed at 235 Bourke Street, Soi 38 remains easy to miss with its illusive entrance marked by a green ‘emergency exit’ sign. You wouldn't know where to enter if it wasn't for the tell-tale lunch-time queue of corporate lunch-goers snaking around the block.

It's a no-frills kind of place with industrial exposed beams overhead, mismatched coloured metal tables and chairs, traditional murals wrapping the walls, and a couple tuk tuks cemented amidst the tables. You know the drill, just like Thailand.

With unpretentious prices starting from $10 boat noodles and most dishes ranging from $10-$18, the best way to go about ordering is to explore the full spread. From crab wontons and crispy pork noodles to fried pork jowl and the crowd-favourite moo-ping (grilled pork skewers). Each dish—along with the Thai-ingredient centred cocktails—is reminiscent of Bangkok’s fiery flavours and authentic street food. 

Image: Instagram / @soi38
Words: Claudia Goundar

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