This March, turbocharged Thai canteen BKK is teaming up with cult Bangkok street-food vendor Phed Mark, and two of Melbourne’s much loved Thai restaurants – Soi38 and DoDee Paidang – for one epic laneway event celebrating the Thai street food experience.
As part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s 2023 line-up, the formidable group are taking over Drewery Lane (adjacent to HER) on Friday 31 March and Saturday 1 April for a weekend of eating and drinking by the fire and clamour of woks.
Travelling all the way from the streets of Khlong Toei in Bangkok, Phed Mark will offer its famous Pad Kaprao (a Bangkok staple also known as Thai basil stir fry) in Melbourne for the first time. The celebrated one-dish restaurant is a joint venture from YouTube sensation Mark Wiens, Bangkok-based food blogger iTan, Iron Chef Gigg Kamol and Thai actor Khun Pongthep, and their Pad Kaprao is said to be the spiciest and most sought after in Bangkok.
“Ahead of opening BKK, Phed Mark was one of the most inspiring (and frequented) restaurants we visited on our many research trips to Thailand. Their team played such an integral role in showing us around Bangkok and ensuring we saw (and ate) everything Bangkok has to offer – from hole in the wall restaurants to street food vendors and carts. We can’t wait to welcome them to our city,” says BKK Culinary Director Nick Bennett.
“From the slurp of noodle soups to deep-fried snacks perfect for on-the-go sharing, Thailand’s street food culture is energising, inspiring and all encompassing. We’re looking forward to celebrating and sharing this culinary experience at our Bangkok Street Food Festival,” he adds.
“An exciting celebration of Thai street-style kitchens from near and far, we’re also looking forward to partnering with local and loved Thai restaurants Soi38 and DoDee Paidang,” says BKK Head Chef Sungeun Mo.
Alongside Phed Mark’s Pad Kaprao, the menu for the weekend promises favourite eats and signature treats from all three of the local Melbourne Thai restaurants; BKK’s mouth-watering chicken curry puffs, Soi 38’s Larb Ped with duck and DoDee Paidang’s ever popular ‘DoDee Variety’ which includes Tom Yum noodles with various meats.
To match the spice, ice-cold long necks and a short but sweet selection of cocktails will be available throughout the day including BKK’s bright and refreshing ‘Sawadee Kha’. Cleverly inspired by a traditional Thai welcome drink, it marries Four Pillars’ Rare Dry Gin with lime, Butterfly Tea and house-made Lemongrass & Fresh Ginger Tea.
The Bangkok Street Food Festival will be hosted in Drewery Lane on Friday 31 March and Saturday 1 April from 12-8PM. Walk-ins are welcome and limited bookings are available via MFWF.
