Thai Social at Chadstone – what happened to D’Elephant?

Thai Social is one of the latest additions to Chadstone’s Market Pavilion, having opened its doors in late March 2025. The restaurant replaces D’Elephant Thai, a familiar name that still operates in other Melbourne locations such as Glen Waverley. With its prime location in Chadstone’s newly developed dining precinct, Thai Social has quickly gained attention, leading to long queues and a bustling atmosphere.

Highlights	Thai Social at Chadstone, newly opened in March 2025, offers decent Thai dishes but at premium prices. Expect queues, digital ordering, and a 10% weekend surcharge.
Cost	$18 to $25 for main dishes
Location	Chadstone Shopping Centre, Shop EX015, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC 3148
Website	https://www.thaisocial.com.au/thai-social-chadstone

First Impressions and Atmosphere

Given its new status, Thai Social was packed with eager diners during our visit, and a noticeable queue stretched outside the entrance. However, this was not exclusive to Thai Social—many of the new eateries in the Market Pavilion had similar wait times, reflecting the excitement surrounding the grand opening of the area. We waited approximately 25 minutes before securing a table, during which time we observed the restaurant’s lively, modern interior.

The decor is sleek and contemporary, with an open kitchen concept that allows diners to glimpse the chefs preparing meals. While the wait felt long, the staff managed the queue efficiently and cleaned up tables quickly to accommodate the next guests. Once we were seated, we were directed to order using a QR code, as no physical menus were provided. While digital ordering is convenient, it would have been nice to have a physical menu option, especially for those less tech-savvy. Additionally, it took some time before we received water for the table, which slightly impacted our initial impression of the service.

Dining Experience and Food

Thai Social’s table settings featured plastic-like plates paired with elegant gilded gold cutlery. The spoon, in particular, had a unique shovel-like design rather than a traditional rounded shape, which was an interesting touch.

For our meal, we ordered the Boat Noodles with Beef ($18), adding extra noodles for an additional $4. The dish was a more refined take on traditional Thai boat noodles, omitting the usual pig’s blood and offal in favor of a cleaner broth. It came with slices of beef and beef balls, but the extra noodles we ordered were not particularly noticeable. Given the small portion size, we were left questioning whether our request had actually been fulfilled.

The Basil Green Beans and Crispy Pork with Omelet over Rice ($25) was noted as one of Thai Social’s signature dishes, so we were keen to try it. The stir-fried crispy pork, green beans, soy sauce, and garlic paired well together, creating a flavorful and enjoyable meal. However, while the taste was pleasant, the price felt steep for a dish of this nature. The cost of dining here was further heightened by a 10% weekend surcharge, which was a disappointing addition to an already pricey bill.

Final Thoughts

Overall, our experience at Thai Social was a mixed bag. The restaurant boasts a prime location and an appealing modern setup, but the high prices, long wait times, and weekend surcharge dampened the experience. While the food was decent, it lacked the special touch that would justify the premium pricing.

If you’re at Chadstone and craving Thai food, Thai Social is an option worth considering—just be prepared to pay a little extra for the convenience and atmosphere. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a more traditional and value-for-money Thai meal, there may be better options elsewhere in Melbourne.

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