Jinda Thai has been a Richmond-Abbotsford institution since 2013, serving hawker-inspired Thai food in a cavernous converted warehouse on Ferguson Street. Run by the Tanapat family — who also operate Krua Thai in Richmond and St Kilda — Jinda is beloved for its punchy curries, fresh salads, authentic boat noodles, and sweet Thai teas served in jars. It is BYO (wine and beer welcome, $3 corkage per head) and seats 150 across exposed-brick dining rooms.
Signature items
Frequently cited in reviews as the must-order
Deep-fried with lime-laden dipping sauce
Served in jars — reviewers call it a must
Jinda Thai is a mid-range BYO Thai restaurant. Here's how it stacks up against comparable Melbourne Thai venues on key factors.
| Category | Jinda Thai | Chin Chin | Long Chim |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYO policy | Yes, $3/head | No | No |
| Setting | Warehouse / casual | Modern bar dining | Fine dining |
| Price range | $$ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Hawker-style dishes | Yes (boat noodles, larb) | Some | Yes |
| Reservations | Recommended | Walk-in queue | Recommended |
Jinda Thai opened in 2013 under the stewardship of the Tanapat family, who bring decades of Thai culinary heritage to Melbourne's inner north. The restaurant occupies a converted warehouse on Ferguson Street in Abbotsford — an area just west of Richmond — where exposed brick walls, framed portraits, and long communal tables create a warmly atmospheric setting for up to 150 diners. The family's parallel operation of the Krua Thai venues in Richmond and St Kilda speaks to their deep roots in Melbourne's Thai dining scene.
The menu draws on hawker and home-style Thai cooking traditions, putting dishes like boat noodles, larb, and jungle curry at the centre of the experience. Jinda's soft-shell crab green papaya salad and duck larb have become signatures recognised in multiple Melbourne food publications, while the Cha Yen — milky Thai iced tea served in jars — is widely described as a must-order. The BYO policy (wine and beer welcome, $3 corkage per person) and relaxed pricing philosophy have made the restaurant a perennial favourite for groups and families.
Jinda Thai operates daily from 11 am and enforces a cash-only policy at lunch, with a $35 EFTPOS minimum at dinner. Its combination of authentic flavours, a welcoming family atmosphere, and genuine value has earned it a loyal following and consistent praise from Melbourne's food media over more than a decade of operation.
Book a table or check current hours at 7 Ferguson Street, Abbotsford. Bookings recommended, especially on weekends.
Visit Jinda Thai's websiteJinda Thai is at 7 Ferguson Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 — a short walk from Richmond and Collingwood. You can reach them by phone on 03 9419 5899.
Yes. Jinda Thai is a BYO restaurant welcoming wine and beer. A corkage fee of $3 per person applies. There is no spirits BYO.
Jinda Thai operates a cash-only policy at lunch. For dinner service, EFTPOS is accepted with a $35 minimum transaction. It is always worth bringing cash to be safe.
Jinda Thai is open daily from 11 am through to 11 pm, though hours can vary — confirm by calling 03 9419 5899 before visiting.
Reviewers consistently highlight the massaman beef curry, duck larb, soft-shell crab green papaya salad, crispy barramundi with green apple, hawker boat noodles, and the Cha Yen (Thai iced milk tea in jars) as essential orders.
Bookings are recommended, particularly for groups and weekend dinners. Contact the restaurant directly on 03 9419 5899 or check their official website at jindathai.com.au.
Jinda Thai is a family-run restaurant operated by the Tanapat family, who also run the Krua Thai restaurants in Richmond and St Kilda. The restaurant has been in operation since 2013.
Jinda Thai serves traditional Thai cuisine with a strong hawker and home-style influence — think boat noodles, larb, jungle curry, pad gra pow, and classic pad thai alongside fresh salads and crispy starters.
Jinda Thai is considered a mid-range, good-value Thai restaurant. Beer is $6, and the BYO corkage is $3 per head. Specific dish prices were not available online at time of writing — contact the restaurant or visit in person for a current menu with pricing.