Where Chefs Eat: Nat Thaipun’s “Punchy AF” Thai Food Go-Tos

Nat Thaipun hit the ground running after winning last year’s season of Masterchef. The Melbourne-based cook did a stint working under Jamie Oliver in London, and has held multiple pop-ups at venues such as Hot-Listed Baba’s Place in Sydney and two-Michelin-starred Evett in Seoul. Somehow, Thaipun also found time to write her debut cookbook, Thai: Anywhere and Everywhere, which hits shelves this October.

We caught up with Thaipun to find out where (and what) she’s been eating in Melbourne lately.

What’s your favourite bakery?
Loafer Bread – hands down. It’s partly nostalgic because I lived in Fitzroy North during uni, but also because it existed before this new wave of clean-cut, plywood-decked, soulless concrete bakeries with algorithm-perfect social media campaigns and wait times longer than a Centrelink queue. Loafer started out as a humble market stall and hasn’t changed a thing. I love that it has stuck to its guns, especially the no-single-use cup policy. As someone who’s managed cafes and helped set up a reusable cup system in New Zealand, I know how hard that is. It’s just got soul.

What’s your go-to breakfast spot?
I don’t really eat breakfast until 2pm. But if I’m up and out, it’s either A1 Bakery or Half Moon Cafe in Coburg. If I need to be more central, then Udom House always feels like a warm hug.

What’s the best place for a drink and snacks?
Henry Sugar. Especially on waste-free Mondays. There are happy hour oysters, Negroni specials and a surprise bottle they crack open for fun. The wine list’s also bang-on.

Where do you recommend for date night?
If it’s early days of dating, Bar Liberty. If it’s casual, I’d probably start with Mesob Ethiopian in Northcote or even Los Hermanos in Brunswick because it’s fun eating with your hands and getting a little messy. Then hit The Keys for bowling. Finish the night at Franklin’s Bar or Cafe Gummo. Or maybe catch a gig at Cactus Room.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato spot?
Fluffy Torpedo. I’m weird – I only eat ice-cream in winter. I usually go for a sorbet or something not too sweet. My dream line-up: blue cheese, roasted fig, brown sugar jam, or the real orange juice and Mount Zero EVOO one.

Where can you find your favourite dessert in Melbourne?
I’m not much of a dessert person, so I like simple stuff. Hareruya Pantry ’s mochi-wrapped ice-cream hits the spot.

What’s the best place to eat as a solo diner?
QQQ St Kitchen for an onigiri, or a banh mi from Viet Rose Cafe. Pho at Hung Vuong Two never fails either.

What’s the best place for a late-night feed?
Bar Bellamy. Oysters that you can order late at night in my ’hood? Yes, please.

Where do you go for Thai food?
Tom Toon in Richmond; Zabb Nua or Thai Town in the city. I like my Thai food punchy AF, none of that watered-down “Western palate” stuff.

Who would you like to collaborate with?
A bunch of chefs. Hugh (yes, that Hugh), but I haven’t worked up the nerve to ask. Nornie Bero, to learn from her and just have a proper yarn. And Dan Hunter [of Brae ]. After reading his book, I’ve got so many questions.

Nat Thaipun is a guest chef on Masterchef Australia: Back to Win on Sunday July 27. Watch and stream for free at 7pm on 10.