Zabb Nua — Restaurant in Melbourne

"I feel compelled to share my profound appreciation for Zabb Nua, a restaurant that has become an integral part of my daily life. Each day, I find myself drawn to this establishment, not just out of routine, but because of the consistently outstanding quality of their food. The Pad Krapao and grilled pork jowl are my personal favorites, and they embody everything I love about authentic Thai cuisine.

The Pad Krapao at Zabb Nua is nothing short of extraordinary. This dish features a harmonious blend of tender meat, fresh herbs, and a well-balanced mix of spices that create a flavor profile that is both bold and nuanced. The heat level is perfectly calibrated to complement the dish's complexity, providing a satisfying kick without overwhelming the palate. Each bite is a testament to the skill and care that goes into its preparation, making it a true culinary delight that I eagerly anticipate every day.

Equally impressive is the grilled pork jowl, which stands out for its exceptional quality and preparation. The pork jowl is grilled to achieve a perfect balance between a crispy, flavorful exterior and a juicy, tender interior. The depth of flavor is enhanced by a carefully crafted seasoning that highlights the natural richness of the pork. This dish offers a savory and satisfying experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

Beyond the remarkable food, Zabb Nua excels in delivering a consistently high standard of service. The staff is always welcoming and attentive, contributing to a dining atmosphere that is both comfortable and enjoyable. The restaurant’s commitment to maintaining excellence in both food and service creates a dining experience that is consistently enjoyable.

For anyone who appreciates genuine Thai cuisine or is simply in search of a memorable meal, Zabb Nua is a must-visit. The combination of expertly crafted dishes, authentic flavors, and exceptional service makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to indulge in top-quality food. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, I wholeheartedly recommend making Zabb Nua a part of your dining journey. Each visit promises to be an unforgettable culinary adventure that will keep you coming...

📍 𝗭𝗮𝗯𝗯 𝗡𝘂𝗮 ⭑.ᐟ

❤︎ 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗱-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱: Craving Thai street food vibes ❤︎ 𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗵: Pad kaprao + Kanumpang ice cream ❤︎ 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: Thai food fans, quick lunchers, and sweet dessert seekers ❤︎ 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲: Like stepping into a hidden alley in Bangkok

ꫂ ၴႅၴ

I came here because I saw Zabb Nua being recommended on TikTok, especially for their Thai food. I was already craving something spicy and comforting, so I headed over just as they were opening. Lucky timing—the moment I arrived, the staff were setting up, and I got my seat and order quickly before the crowd started to roll in.

I ordered the minced pork pad kaprao with rice and a fried egg on top. The moment it arrived, I knew I was in for a treat. The smell of holy basil and garlic was strong and delicious, and the pork was seasoned really well—mild, savoury, and just the right amount of heat. The egg had those crispy edges and a soft yolk, which added a nice texture when mixed with the rice. It reminded me of the classic street food I used to love in Bangkok.

And of course, I had to try their dessert too—kanumpang ice cream. It’s basically a Thai ice cream sandwich: a soft bun filled with scoops of coconut ice cream, topped with thick Thai tea syrup and sprinkled with crushed peanuts. It was so cold, sweet, and creamy—it honestly surprised me how much I enjoyed it. I didn’t expect it to be such a perfect ending to a spicy meal, but it really balanced everything out.

ⴵ 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲: around 10-15 mins, since I arrived at opening time 𐀪 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗱: Empty when I came, but got busy not long after ☼ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱: Thursday lunch ‎𐂐 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿: Pad kaprao, kanumpang ice cream

𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻? 🐘 Absolutely yes! I’d love to come back to try more dishes and definitely get that ice cream again and their Thai Milk Tea, too! It’s one of those little spots that surprises you in...

ORDERED: 🥗 Som Tum Sua Pork Rinds ($17.90) 🐟 Yum Salmon: Raw salmon, red onion, chinese celery, palm sugar, lime, fish sauce, chilli and fermented fish sauce($18.90) 🐷 Grilled Pork Jowl: Marinated pork jowl with nam jim jeaw ($15.90) 🦑 Grilled Squid ($18.90) 🐄 Crying Tiger ($19.90) 🍜 Mama Tom Yum Hotpot: instant noodles, pork broth, lime, chilli paste, egg yolk, coriander, spring onion, prawn, mussel and squid (we chose: spicy) ($23.90) 🍜 Padmee Chompuu ($13.90)

🥭 Mango Sticky Rice: Fresh mango, sticky rice, coconut milk ice cream, crushed peanut ($25.80)

Between 4 people, this was $40.86pp

REVIEW: I am in the act of persuasion, so I've only detailed dishes that I'll order again! 😊 ❤️ You can't go wrong with the Mama Tom Yum Hotpot. Zabb Nua give a generous serving of noodles that we were satisfied and surprised by. We got spicy but barely felt it because it got all absorbed by the delicious broth. 💛 The table also liked the salmon for its refreshing taste and the grilled pork jowl for its tenderness, fattiness and the iconic smoky taste. All such great dishes!

➖ The most disappointing dish was the crying tiger. Generously seasoned with pepper, the grilled porterhouse steak still wasn't GIVING. Had a sad presentation and taste. Even though it looked delicious on their Instagram. 😟

Service is standard where you order through the QR code and then pay at the cashier on your way out. They deliver the dishes to your table when it's ready. It's good pacing and didn't have an issue with the food speed. ⛷️ They were great at ensuring our water carafes were never empty, too!

Although we ordered 7 savoury dishes between 4 people, the boys thought we could've gone for another dish. I thought it was enough, though. The mango sticky rice wasn't enough to satiate...