We were craving something savory and filling on a cold, rainy day, so we decided to try Bua. We were looking for khao soi, but found something better! Bua has such a broad menu from traditional Thai (curries and salads) to staple Japanese dishes (like ramen and sushi). We ordered the Phuket noodle soup and Green curry ramen. The Phuket noodles were close to khao soi, and I enjoyed trying the green curry with ramen instead of rice. The ramen soaks up so much more of the sauce. Everything was very flavorful. The calamari was perfectly crisp and chewy too. I highly recommend a visit! The space is bigger than it seems (there's a back area) and service is good. My only surprise was that the Thai iced tea was $10 and slushy. It was good, but I'm so used to Thai iced tea being a bit cheaper elsewhere compared to other beverages!

Came to Bua Thai on a recommendation and had a fun time! The thing I loved most about this restaurant is their presentation skills. The restaurant itself was decked out with decorations (when I was there it was all roses but I heard they change it sometimes). I saw drinks at other tables that were presented beautifully (one came in a hanging sphere) and the food itself were showstoppers. It can get a bit crowded and they really maximize the space so just note that. We got the curry, moo dang, and rock shrimp lychee. The rock shrimp kind of worked with the lychee but didn't blow me away. I was worried the sweetness would be overpowering but it was subtle. The curry was the star of the night for me. The meat was tender and falling off the bone, the broth was well spiced and had a bit of heat to it (not spicy tho). The Moo Dang was solid also. I loved the sausage on it and the pork slices but wish the pork belly was crispier. I'd be happy to come back here ultimately

Food and service was fantastic, would definitely come back again. We got the Thai ramen with crispy pork belly and it was amazing. They had a big Friday rush and the servers were handling it very well

Chiang Mai curry ramen -- highly recommend!! So delicious (it was the perfect amount of spice that it was FLAVORFUL but NOT spicy). Good portions too, was able to take some home. Thai iced tea -- it was ok. It was a bit too watered down. Overall, great ambiance (the interior was pretty and decorated with flowers), and the service was good (the waitress was friendly, made sure that we liked our food, and got us extra chili oil when we wanted the extra spice). Would 1000% go back to not only try the chiang mai curry ramen again, but also to try their other foods!! & would love to bring another friend to this place yet again to put them on!!

Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill on the Upper East Side is a hidden gem that completely exceeded expectations. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is breathtaking--floral installations hang from the ceiling, giving the space a lush, botanical, and vibrant feel that sets the tone for a fun and elevated dining experience. We started with drinks: the Thai Lychee Iced Tea, Phuket Long Island Iced Tea, and a Piña Colada. While the cocktails are on the pricier side, the presentation justifies the cost. The Piña Colada came in an actual pineapple shell adorned with fresh fruit--definitely not your standard bar glass. The Phuket Long Island was beautifully arranged with decorative peonies and camellias, making it feel almost too pretty to drink (almost!). For appetizers, we ordered the rock shrimp with lychee--perfectly fried, fresh, and coated with a decadent sweet sauce. The crispy rice with spicy tuna was reminiscent of high-end sushi spots; not my personal favorite, but my father enjoyed it. Just a heads-up: the rice can stick to your teeth, so maybe skip this one if you have dentures. The Sriracha soft shell crab, lightly fried in tempura, was delicate and not greasy--super well-executed. The standout for me was the Tom Yum Koong hot pot. Served piping hot (as it should be!), it packed bold, tangy flavor. We also had the Bua Fried Rice with shrimp and blue crab--a nice, neutral dish that paired well with the richer, saucier items. The Pad Kee Mao with chicken breast and tofu is a must--those noodles really stand out here. Another winner was the Spicy Lemongrass Salmon, recommended by our waitress, and it didn't disappoint. Perfectly cooked, flavorful, and moist. We ended our meal on a sweet note: the Taro Custard Brûlée was my personal favorite--smooth, creamy, and unique. The chilled lychee dessert was light and refreshing, ideal if you're watching your sugar. My mother couldn't stop raving about the mango sticky rice, served with two generous slices of fresh mango and perfectly cooked coconut sticky rice. Overall, Bua Thai is more than just dinner--it's a whole experience. Great service, gorgeous ambiance, and beautifully presented dishes that taste as good as they look. Highly recommend!

I've been to Bua Thai a few times now, and it just keeps getting better. The food is packed with flavor, the portions are solid, and the cocktails? Easily some of the prettiest I've seen. The chicken curry puffs were perfectly flaky and buttery, with a warm, flavorful curry filling that just melts in your mouth. The rock shrimp lychee had the best crispy texture and a sweet-savory balance that made it so addictive. For mains, the Phuket noodles with jumbo shrimp were a must-try--bold flavors, a little heat, and those shrimp were HUGE. The blue crab spinach noodles were also a standout, with tender crab and perfectly chewy noodles. The cocktails here are just as impressive. The Chiangrai Lycheetini was light, refreshing, and had a great lychee flavor without being too sweet. The Phuket Long Island packed a punch but was super smooth. Finished with the taro custard brûlée, which had the perfect caramelized topping and a creamy, rich texture. Definitely the best way to end the meal. If you love Thai food and creative cocktails, this spot is a must. 5/5 - Highly recommend! What we ordered: Chiangrai Lycheetini Phuket Long Island Taro Custard Brûlée Chicken Curry Puff Rock Shrimp Lychee Phuket Noodles with Jumbo Shrimp Blue Crab Spinach Noodles - Ba Mee Gyo Moo Dang & Blue Crab

Service was so quick and amazing! I definitely recommend getting the crab Rangoons and spicy tuna crispy rice! The taro custard brûlée melts in your mouth and has just the right amount of sweetness. Highly recommend!

Beautifully decorated restaurant!! The interior and exterior is filled with flowers and tropical decorations. Not only that, but the food is also garnished with many pretty flowers and herbs. The Thai Ramen Basil was pretty good, but nothing too special. I got it with the crispy pork belly which was crunchy, but a little too hard for me. I think the noodles were a little overcooked. The taro creme brulee had a nice taro taste and sweetness, but did not have the crunchy top. I really loved the condensed milk on top. The waitress was really nice, but she felt like she was rushing us to order and then rushing us to leave. However, she was very smiley and checked in on us often.

Food and Ambience was amazing . The menu is extensive i loved my drink . Easy to reach by subway transit . The q train is directly across the street

This Thai restaurant in the upper east side was Delicious! With Beautiful decorations all around and the food was amazing! @buathai also has awesome cocktails! Very well decorated and delish! We had a looooot of Fun! Here :). The service was fast and efficient! Friendly staff def would recommend :).