Pok Pok Junior — Restaurant in Melbourne

As a big fan of Thai food, I will search high and low to find a great treat no matter where it might be located. When Pok Pok opened in Docklands, it was, in my opinion the first bastion of possibility to the area. Their coffee was amazing and the food delicious. If anything, my first ever Urbanspoon/Zomato post was on them!

So when I heard that the owners were looking to expand into the city, I was a little distraught. Ethan makes my coffee just the way I like it. Now, don’t get me wrong, but when you find a good barista, (like a hairdresser, or so I’m told), you follow them along. In a way, you are guaranteed one thing – consistency. And in a world where everything is up in the air, having an anchor point is always an amazing thing. Especially as a morning coffee drinker – ah, yes. It’s the simple pleasures in life.

Alas, we are not here to discuss my unhealthy obsession with coffee. We are here to discuss my unhealthy obsession with thai food and in particular Pok Pok.

When they expanded to their new location, I was absolutely chuffed. Having recently started a new role close by, I was ecstatic especially both Ethan and Emily were now going to run this store.

In a way, I have always enjoyed their spicy drunken noodles with beef. It is almost a staple, that all the waitresses actually now know that is my order and don’t even bother asking me. Or if they do, they have a knowing smile on their face. So what is this dish that has absolutely got me captivated? It would have to be the subtle balance of soft flat noodles, cooked in the delectable fresh vegetables that still maintain that fresh crunch when you bite into it. The chilli is spicy and for the love of GOD, do not ask them to make it “THAI HOT”. As a good friend of mine said (Hat tip to you Mike Z.) it was “Like a dragon going down and a rocket coming out”. I thought I could handle their spice. I could not. But, let’s just put that aside. Their beef is tender and slow cooked and most of the time comes apart in your mouth requiring but a few mere chews to get through the meat. All of this, on a base of amazing sauce. So much so, that I don’t even know and I don’t want to know. It’s freaking amazing. I’m salivating just thinking about this. And…now I’m hungry…knowing this would happen, I even ensured I sat down and wrote this review after eating for the day and I’m still hungry. Damn you Pok Pok. DAMN YOU!

They have recently started a new thing whereby they have a set number of food servings of their specials. I was fortunate enough to try their chicken curry with soft noodles. It was delicious. Everything was just so well done and extremely succulent. The fact that the meat just melted in your mouth was priceless and worth every bite. It wasn’t too much and rather quite perfect. I felt satisfied and definitely satiated.

Having said that…. it’s no spicy drunken noodles with beef. (See, I told you I had an unhealthy obsession with that dish and Pok Pok). I am keen to try their other specials and cannot wait for their new menus whenever it comes out. (And I’ve made myself hungry, yet again. I think I’m going to go skull a couple litres of water. A couple 100 litres…)

Get there, ensure you order the spicy drunken noodles and you can ask them to temper the heat. And extra points to you if you say that Nige sent you.

Otherwise, try their speciality blend of coffee. And ask for Ethan to make it for you. Latte, no sugar. Amazing.

It’s lunchtime, somewhere in the...

Restaurant Review: Pok Pok Junior, Bourke Street

Pok Pok Junior on Bourke Street is a vibrant and exciting eatery that brings the bold and flavorful tastes of Thai street food to Melbourne. While it may be located in a bustling area, this gem offers a unique dining experience that sets it apart. Here are some key highlights of Pok Pok Junior that make it a must-visit:

Lively Ambience: As you step into Pok Pok Junior, you'll immediately feel the energetic and lively atmosphere. The vibrant colors, Thai-inspired decor, and upbeat music create an ambiance that mirrors the bustling street food scene in Thailand.

Authentic Thai Flavors: Pok Pok Junior is committed to delivering authentic Thai flavors with every dish. The menu is carefully crafted, featuring a wide range of traditional Thai street food favorites, each bursting with authentic spices and fresh ingredients.

Signature Pok Pok Chicken: One of the standout dishes at Pok Pok Junior is their signature Pok Pok Chicken. This marinated and charcoal-grilled chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with Thai flavors. Served with a side of sticky rice, it's a must-try dish that exemplifies the deliciousness of Thai street food.

Fresh and Flavorful Salads: For those looking for a lighter option, Pok Pok Junior offers an array of fresh and vibrant salads. From the zesty Som Tum (green papaya salad) to the tangy Yum Nua (beef salad), these salads showcase the perfect balance of flavors that Thai cuisine is known for.

Noodle Delights: Indulge in the aromatic and comforting noodle dishes at Pok Pok Junior. From the classic Pad Thai to the rich and spicy Boat Noodles, each dish is meticulously prepared, ensuring a satisfying and authentic experience.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Pok Pok Junior caters to vegetarians and vegans with a selection of flavorful plant-based dishes. From the fragrant Green Curry with tofu to the crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Affordable Pricing: Pok Pok Junior offers excellent value for the quality and portion sizes of their dishes. The prices are affordable, with most main dishes ranging from $12 to $18, allowing you to savor the flavors of Thailand without breaking the bank.

Quick and Friendly Service: The staff at Pok Pok Junior are known for their quick and friendly service. They are attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and always ready to assist you in finding the perfect dish to suit your taste preferences.

Thai-inspired Refreshments: Quench your thirst with Pok Pok Junior's selection of Thai-inspired refreshments. From refreshing Thai iced tea to fruity Thai basil lemonade, these beverages perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of the cuisine.

Convenient Location: Situated on Bourke Street, Pok Pok Junior is conveniently located, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner after exploring the city. Its central location allows easy access for both locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Pok Pok Junior offers a delightful and authentic Thai street food experience in the heart of Melbourne. With its lively ambience, bold flavors, and affordable prices, this eatery promises a memorable culinary journey that transports you to the streets of Thailand. Whether you're a fan of spicy curries, savory noodles, or vibrant salads, Pok Pok Junior is a must-visit destination that will leave you...

If I could give zero stars, I would. Unfortunately, one star is the lowest option available, and even that feels generous for the service I experienced at Pok Pok Junior today.

I went there for lunch and was greeted—or rather, barely acknowledged—by a server named Nancy. From the moment she interacted with me, her attitude was shockingly rude and dismissive. After seating me at a table, she abruptly told me the table was reserved for someone else and moved me to a cramped, single-person table. She claimed new customers would arrive within ten minutes, but guess what? No one ever came to sit at the “reserved” table during my entire time there.

That was just the start. I waited for over an hour without anyone checking in on me—not even a simple acknowledgment of my order or an update on its status. When I finally reached out to Nancy to inquire about the delay, her response was shockingly unprofessional. She snapped at me with a dismissive “just wait five more minutes,” without the slightest hint of an apology or accountability. Her tone was outright hostile, as if I was the one inconveniencing her.

Nancy’s complete lack of basic service etiquette was appalling. She showed no willingness to admit her mistakes or take responsibility for the poor experience. Honestly, I cannot understand how someone with such a dismissive and unprofessional attitude is allowed to work in a customer-facing role. The lack of service awareness and accountability was unlike anything I’ve ever encountered.

Out of curiosity, I checked the other reviews for Pok Pok Junior and found that I am not alone in my experience. Multiple reviews highlight Nancy’s horrible attitude and poor service. It’s clear this is a recurring issue, yet it seems nothing has been done to address it.

Pok Pok Junior, if you’re reading this, I suggest seriously re-evaluating your staff training and taking these complaints about Nancy seriously. A great dining experience isn’t just about food—it’s also about the service, and this level of disregard for customers will only continue to tarnish your reputation.

I truly wish I didn’t have to leave such a negative review, but my experience left me no choice. If you’re looking for a place with good service, I’d suggest...