Thai Nola — Restaurant in New Orleans

Aight y'all this is gonna be a long one so strap in. My husband and I were visiting New Orleans for my birthday/ mardi gras. We were staying about 5 minutes away and after finding the restaurant I booked my birthday dinner at was actually closed, we drove over to see if Thai Nola was open. They weren't but it was mardi gras night so understandable. We made a plan to try again before we left. Last night we got in about 20 minutes before there kitchen closed. We were greeted with warmth from the owner Gerald and immediately felt like we were at home. My husband ordered the E3 with beef and large gulf shrimp per Gerald's recommendation and i ordered the South Thailand fried chicken (wings) with crispy spring rolls. He gave us some complimentary drinks as it was our first visit and about 10 minutes after getting sat down he brought us some complimentary crab rangoons.

We went back today because my husband promised him they'd be our last stop and he had their special of the day, gumbo with crab clusters ready for us and he lit up when he saw us walk in 🥹

We just got into the gumbo, 2 and a half hours later and it was still hot and some of the best gumbo I've ever had in my life.

The food is amazing, the restaurant is incredibly chill and welcoming and you can tell Gerald and his wife truly care about the people that walk in their doors and their community around them.

I wish I could pick this place up and bring it back to Texas with me but we'll be thinking of it fondly...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A True Gem in New Orleans East – Thia Nola ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dining at Thia Nola was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed not just as customers, but as family. Owners Gerald and Benji set the tone — their warmth, excellence, and passion for what they do shine through every detail. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. A seamless fusion of authentic Thai flavors and New Orleans soul, crafted with fresh vegetables straight from the garden. Every dish was more than delicious — it was true soul food, the kind that fills you with joy and leaves you smiling. I felt genuinely happy after my meal. The mango sticky rice, given to me in celebration of my birthday, was the perfect sweet touch that showed the heart behind this restaurant — thoughtful, generous, and unforgettable. The staff? Top tier. Attentive, professional, and genuinely kind, they elevated the experience even further. This was our first visit, but without a doubt, Thia Nola has earned a permanent place on our go-to list. It’s more than a meal — it’s an experience, a celebration of culture, flavor, and hospitality at its finest. If you want award-winning food with love, happiness, and excellence on every plate, brought to you by a husband-and-wife duo blending original Thai food with NOLA flavor, look no further than Thia Nola. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s a...

Thai NOLA is a relatively new restaurant in NOLA East! It is not a large establishment, but it’s clean and comfortable. Almost like the neighborhood restaurants we use to have where you see friends, family, local politicians, or local business people, and everyone speaking/talking to everyone! That’s a plus for me!!! The waitress was extremely friendly & helpful. She made sure that we were enjoying the food; some of which she recommended. The owner and cook even came out to chat with the patrons when business slowed a bit. This is that place where you feel welcomed & your business is appreciated! The food was amazing. I enjoyed everything I ordered. My partner had the 1/2&1/2(shrimp & fish), while I had the Basil Rice & Green Bean Stir-Fry with shrimp. We also shared Rangoons. Of course, I was being big-eyed because there was no way to eat everything. I did attempt to though; lol! The portions are big, and the price is perfect! The food is cooked as you order, but it wasn’t a long wait between appetizers & entrees.(Don’t go when you are hangry, go when you can truly enjoy the full experience of the meal). Did I say everything was delicious? It was very tasty and doesn’t leave you lacking. I look forward to my next visit! Definitely a must try! Unfortunately, I didn’t take pictures, but next time I’ll try to remember to do so...