Bua Thai Restaurant D.C. — Restaurant in Washington

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bua Thai, and the experience was truly memorable from start to finish. Here’s a more detailed look at what made this visit so enjoyable.

Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere From the moment we walked in, the staff at Bua Thai were exceptionally warm and attentive. Their friendly demeanor made us feel right at home. We opted to sit upstairs on the second floor, which offered a spacious and relaxed environment. The seating arrangement provided plenty of room, making it comfortable for our group without feeling crowded. The ambiance was cozy yet vibrant, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Unique and Refreshing Drinks One of the standout features of our meal was the drink selection. I tried the Melon Delight, an exotic cocktail that was both refreshing and beautifully balanced in flavor. It was a perfect complement to the spicy and savory dishes we ordered later. The presentation was appealing, and it felt like a special treat, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal.

Delicious Starters We began with the Satay Chicken, which was grilled to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning and a rich peanut sauce that my 7-year-old absolutely loved. It’s always great to find dishes that cater to younger palates without compromising on flavor. Alongside that, the veggie dumplings were a delightful surprise—crispy on the outside and packed with savory goodness inside. They were a great vegetarian option and a perfect appetizer to share.

Flavorful Main Courses For the main course, the Veggie Drunken Noodles were outstanding. The noodles were cooked just right—soft but not mushy—and the tofu was flavorful and well-seasoned, absorbing the sauce beautifully. The dish had a nice balance of heat and savory notes, making it very satisfying. We also ordered the green curry, which was on the spicier side but incredibly rich and aromatic. The curry had a depth of flavor that showed the chef’s skill in blending spices and coconut milk perfectly.

Overall Experience Bua Thai offers a fantastic dining experience with a great mix of authentic flavors, generous portions, and excellent service. The staff’s friendliness and the spacious upstairs seating made it a comfortable and enjoyable place to eat. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or prefer milder options, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes. The combination of well-crafted cocktails, delicious appetizers, and hearty main courses makes Bua Thai a standout choice for Thai cuisine in the area.

I highly recommend Bua Thai for families, groups, or anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful and authentic Thai meal in a welcoming setting. I’m already looking forward to returning and trying more from their...

I would like to review this place as a relative neophyte to Thai food.

There are a number of things I have always enjoyed. Unlike many Thai places, the chefs can let themselves go in terms of the spices and other flavors even as they can adjust for those who want somewhat mild tastes. The dishes are wonderfully balanced between modest amounts of meat and plenty of fresh crunchy vegetables to cut the richness (with lots of additional rice if needed). Salads are especially meaty and pungent. They will tantalize your taste buds and nourish you at the same time.

While the place is famous for its upstairs balcony, I prefer the calm quiet of the bar where I have always been able to chat with customers and employees alike.

A special shoutout to bar employees Prau and Ood and to the owner Jane (I recall her friendliness and her insistent pride at how the lemon juice for the salads is freshly squeezed).

All of these are reasons for an establishment that firmly stands the test of time after its opening in 1989. Staff will gladly tell you stories. Reviews from that era are prominently featured near the door and...

This restaurant is quite the disappointment. I came here because they serve Khao Soi for $9.50 during lunch time, which is much cheaper than other Thai restaurants in the area for this specific dish. It's a small restaurant with an outside patio, but the style is old as is the building.

The good: The Thai Ice Tea is good and refreshing. Servers are nice and welcoming.

The bad: The Khao Soi, which lists on their menu as a Traditional Northern Thai red curry egg noodles soup with chicken, topping with pickled cabbage, red onions, crispy noodles, and scallions, was the worst Khao Soi I've had. The egg noodle texture was the same as eating as ramen from a cup noodles, and the crispy noodles were basically fried wonton strips. There is hardly and chicken, and it is thinly sliced pieces of white meat chicken instead of chunks of dark meat chicken or a whole chicken leg.

Overall, I was highly disappointed in this restaurant, and the only highlight of the meal is the Thai Ice Tea. Perhaps their other dishes may taste better, but they should remove Khao Soi off their menu if they aren't going to...