Colonel Tan's Thai Kitchen — Restaurant in Melbourne

One would be hard pressed to find a better example of a hospitality space the welcomes all. A master class in creating a space where music, art, food, and drink blend together where each compliments the other.

Firstly, the reason we went was for the food. Colonel Tans is excellent both in taste, quality, portion size, and price. We opted for the 'two course' set menu which was $45 per head. There were 5 of us, none left hungry and all plates were as delightful as the last. Chicken wings, popcorn chicken, spicy duck rice noodles, prawn dumplings, eggplant curry, and roti with satay sauce. Fragrant delicious rice to accompany all. Unsure if this value can be matched anywhere in Melbourne.

Service was excellent, the bar team handled drink orders with class and understanding. Even when one of the members of the group ordered the wrong drink the bar tender met the challenge with humility, quickly correcting any misstep with grace. Drinks were well made and the range of whisky was decent.

Music at the venue was curated by a DJ. This artists volume and track selection perfectly accompanied the meal and provided a soundtrack that never overpowered the conversation. Where there was a a lull in conversation, the music filled the moment. The art in the venue also has tremendous value including the design and furniture.

On the night we visited there was a gig in the front room, and so we were welcomed by the door team who were polite, inviting, and understanding that we had come for food and not a gig. Although we were in the thorough fair, the crowd were always respectful and friendly without ever encroaching on the space we had been allocated for our meal.

One of the best meals I have had, anywhere at anytime. Looking forward to an opportunity to go back sooner rather than later. Come for meal, stay for a drink, maybe even...

Such a surprise to find out that there is a Thai restaurant adjunct to Revs, and what a great discovery too! There was a very strong range of classic Thai dishes, with dietary options covered amongst the noodles, wok dishes, curries and salads. Share plates also looked great however the mains were enough - definitely a good portion per person. Plenty of cocktail options with a Thai twist as well as the usuals. The spice level was very manageable and everything was complemented well with a side of rice.

Staff were fun and helpful, and the bar tenders were happy to modify cocktails to our preference. Service was on the slower side despite not being a particularly busy night, so would recommend giving yourself time for dinner if you have plans before/after and are looking for a quick Thai meal (this is more of a sit down).

Dim red lighting and a very funky layout with the choice to dine at tables or couches. DJ and a photo booth are within the restaurant, and volume inside was decent. Might not be everyone’s choice of ambiance and requires stair access next to Revs, however we thought it was a very fun, quirky and unique setup, targeting adult groups.

Ordered: green chicken curry, fat duck noodles, flight...

Colonel Tan’s has the best Thai food on Chapel St. It’d be hard to pick the best entrees - all are good - but the betel bombs and the rice pancakes are different. Original flavors and fresh ingredients with the right level of spiciness. Try their signature fried chicken - tender and crunchy, moist but not oily, truly cooked to perfection. Or any of their curries, with their perfectly balanced textures - I find the red duck curry particularly delicious. Another big hit is the crispy snapper salad, tasty and flavorful mouth-sized chunks of fish with a tangy dressing. The portions are extremely generous (you’ll be taking some home). Huge bonus: half priced dinners for Prahran locals on Thursdays. I wish more businesses had these kind of offers! Colonel Tan’s always delivers, I’ve been there many times and the quality of all the dishes remains consistent. You won’t regret...