Soi 38

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