Paradai Thai Highett: Authentic Thai Flavours in the Heart of Highett Village

Sawasdee-kha. On Railway Parade in Highett Village, the aromas of lemongrass, coconut, toasted chilli and lime leave little doubt that you have arrived at Paradai Thai. This neighbourhood restaurant has become a reliable Bayside destination for people who want proper Thai cooking — balanced, fragrant and cooked with care — without leaving the local strip.

Paradai Thai sits at 2 Railway Parade, Highett VIC 3190, in the walkable cluster of shops, cafés and evening venues that make up Highett Village. It is part of a small family of venues that also includes Carnegie and Elsternwick, but the Highett dining room has its own following: regulars who come for Penang curry and coconut rice, families after a midweek dinner, and takeaway customers who know the kitchen can turn orders around quickly even when the pass is busy.

The restaurant’s own welcome sets the tone: every dish is treated as something made with love and passion, and diners are invited to let their taste buds do the talking. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are clearly available, and the kitchen is used to adapting for vegan guests (including tofu-rich plates made without fish sauce).

 

The menu: classics done properly

The Highett kitchen serves the Thai dishes people actually order again. Reviews and delivery listings consistently point to the same favourites.

Noodles from the wok Pad Thai (thin rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, peanuts and spring onion) is frequently called one of the best in the area — well balanced rather than overly sweet. Pad See Ew (fat rice noodles with egg and vegetables) and Pad Kee Mao are equally popular. Both can be made gluten-free on request.

Curries This is where many regulars stay loyal. Penang curry and Massaman curry appear again and again in diner comments. Green and red curries come with pumpkin and basil; a red curry duck with roast Peking duck, coconut milk, vegetables and basil is a standout specialty. Massaman beef is milder, with pineapple, potato, cashew and crispy shallots. Vegetable and tofu versions are available, and spice can be adjusted.

Small tastes and soups Start with prawn crackers and peanut sauce, chicken or vegetable spring rolls, chicken curry puffs, or gluten-free satay chicken skewers. Tom Yum (hot and sour) and Tom Kha (coconut and lime) come in small or main sizes with vegetables, chicken or seafood.

Rice, fish and sweets Coconut rice is the usual partner for curry. Crispy barramundi can be finished with three-flavour sauce, maple fish sauce with toasted chilli, or a lemon-chilli herb dressing. For dessert, banana roti topped with condensed milk is the house recommendation — the fried-banana style sweet that regulars tell first-timers not to skip.

Current specials on the official site have included fried rice with roasted pork. The kitchen also offers beer, wine and soft drinks; the venue is fully licensed and has historically allowed BYO wine.

 

Who it suits

Paradai Thai Highett works for a casual dine-in evening, a solo bowl of noodles, a family table or a large takeaway order. It is described as good for children (high chairs available), wheelchair-accessible, and practical for dietary needs. Street parking is free nearby. Reservations are accepted; walk-ins are common on quieter nights and the room can fill quickly on Friday and Saturday.

Service is repeatedly praised as friendly and prompt, even when takeaway tickets are stacking up. Regulars mention staff who remember vegan or gluten-free requests and who keep the meal moving without fuss.

What diners say

On the restaurant’s own site and across review platforms, the comments are consistent:

• “Top Thai in Highett… Green vege curry, greens and pork, Pad Thai, coconut rice… A+.”
• “The tofu todd is yummy and favourite dishes are the penang and massaman curries. They understand vegan…”
• “Best Thai food by a mile. I’ve been eating here for over 10 years… Penang curry and coconut rice is the best.”
• “Banana roti with condensed milk if you’re after an Asian fried banana type of dessert.”
• “Warm ambiance and friendly staff… The pad Thai was hands down the best I’ve ever had.”

Uber Eats lists the Highett store at a high rating with thousands of orders, which matches the local reputation for reliable evening cooking.

 

Practical details

Address: 2 Railway Parade, Highett VIC 3190
Phone: 0406 048 788
Hours: Dinner seven days, 4:30pm–9:00pm (16:30–21:00)
Website: paradaithai.com.au
Book a table: SevenRooms reservations (linked from the website)
Pick-up: Online via the restaurant’s ordering partner (Abacus, linked from the site)
Delivery: Uber Eats
Social: Instagram · Facebook

Sister venues: Paradai Thai Carnegie (58 Koornang Road, open 11am–10pm daily) and Paradai Thai Elsternwick (Shop 2, 28 Riddell Parade, dinner hours).

A local night out

Highett Village has grown into one of Bayside’s more interesting evening strips. Paradai Thai fits that scene: not a formal special-occasion room, but a neighbourhood Thai kitchen that takes flavour seriously. Come for the Penang or Massaman, add coconut rice, finish with banana roti, and you will understand why people keep coming back.

Khob-Khun-Khaa.