Good Food n Polite Service !!! I'd go back here. It's been a while - but my ' one brief visit ' was a positive experience ' !!! Live closeby - s..o. o must remember to ' pop in again ' .... Too bad most in this area close @ 9 - 9.30. As an S.F. transplant ....find dat a bit dull, but then again ; atleast we got " Durant Street " Food Court by the Campus w/Late Night Thai .... Cheers ... read more

I had curry chicken with jumbo shrimp and fried bananas as a dessert. Everything was good. Service and atmosphere was also pleasant and inviting. The server was pleasant and fast read more

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Love this place! I've been eating there for the last five years and they are consistently good. Their pumpkin curry and Khao soi gai are my favorites but everything is fresh and delicious! read more

Best mango salad and mango sticky rice EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE THIS PLACE I always get their lunch special which is usually chicken satay and their red curry. The portion is great for about $15 and you also get a salad. I am also a huge fan of their Thai iced tea. Not too sweet and very flavorful. Their service is good and one of the servers was very nice and willing to explain how to make curry at home! Atmosphere is very clean and we always go here at least once a week! read more

It has been years since we've been here, although I can't remember how many. Alan had dinner here Tuesday w/ his friend Haig and had a dish so enthralling he wanted to share it w/ me before he forgot about it. It was called Avocado Jumbo Prawns. They had also had shared the corn fritters appetizer and liked it. We came here tonight for dinner tonight a little after 7:00 and the place was virtually full. We were seated at the last remaining table, a table for four, and given menus. We knew we wanted the corn fritters and the avocado prawns. When I saw the meang kum on the menu I wanted that. I had forgotten they made it. They also have the stuffed chicken wings I love, but we decided to have the meang kum. The crab fried rice sounded good, so we ordered that, figuring whatever food was uneaten could come home w/ us. We ordered hot tea to drink. It was refilled as needed. Service throughout dinner was excellent. The food was coursed nicely. First the corn fritters were served. They were different from my mom's corn fritters, which I had loved as a child, but still delicious. There were six of them w/ sauce in a little bowl w/ a small spoon. As soon as we were finished w/ the corn fritters the meang kum was served in a divided wooden serving plate, each one of the six in its own space w/ a large serving spoon to lift them out. They were already put together, rather than being served as separate ingredients w/ the spinach leaves for us to compose our own. I loved it this way, although the sauce on it was a concern for Alan and we'd request the sauce on the side for his next time. It has been too long since I've had meang kum. The last time, a few years ago, it was made at my request by another restaurant and was disappointing, served on lettuce leaves and somehow lacking the balance of ingredients that I find so flavorful. The prawns were served after we finished the meang kum and they were fabulous, large, meaty and sweet, each prawn atop a thick slice of avocado, peanut sauce covering them. On the side were lightly steamed vegetables, broccoli florets, green beans and carrots. Only the crab fried rice was disappointing and we wouldn't order it again. The rice didn't look or taste fried and the crab flavor dominated in an unpleasant way. It was clearly not fresh Dungeness. A little too early for that. But the dinner overall was stellar and we savored the memory all the way home. read more

I got SAUTEED MIXED VEGETABLES and in a word BORING! So bland. No spices at all. I love garlic but taste no garlic at all. Disappointing. I have been here before and like other dishes, but will never get this again. Go, but don't order this unless you want very bland food. read more

So sad to give a bad review especially on Thai food but this place hit a nerve. I put in an order on ubereats and when I received order, my curry had pretty much spilled into the bag. Usually I would blame the delivery guy but nope. They curry came in a plastic carry out plate/container. So no matter what it would have spilled out. I mean who puts curry into a plastic container that doesn't seal close?! Also they gave me chicken instead of pork. The chicken was very tough, it's why I didn't want chicken. Flavor was just OK. Probably be better if I didn't receive it the way I did. Conclusion if you're ordering from ubereats- don't order from here. read more

Worst food ! Worst customer service ! The waitress was so rude. It's just not Thai food here. Very disappointed read more

I order to-go regularly, but more for the convenience than quality of their dishes. Thom Kha with shrimp, yellow/green/panang curries wth tofu or pork are my go-tos. Kind service and a nice rotating assortment of specials help me like the place. But! The flavors are not so strong and prices are much. Half a pint of curry without rice is $15. Thom Kha with 3 once-frozen shrimp, $18. Seems too much for what you get: Mild flavors that are more sweet than complicated and not-so-exciting proteins. I ache for spice to my curries, or at least the option to add some. I also wish they provided tender meats that taste slow-cooked rather than the over-cooked, but ample, proteins they serve. I'd invite more vegetables, too, as their dishes only ever include a quarter-cup or so. So mostly you get monotonous sauce. Lots missing here. 1 year living in Thailand is under my belt. I get that this town can't hang, and I respect that. Still, I'm searching for well-prepared proteins, a nice heat to my curries, and plenty of toothy vegetables. At its best, Bua Lang provides 1 / 3 of these criteria. And for +/- $20 a person!? read more

The staff was very nice. The food was extremely delicious. We had the Basil Fried rice and Pad Kee Maow.

I ordered take-out dinner for two by phone. The woman who took my order was friendly, efficient and helpful. The food was ready in 20 minutes, pickup was easy. As usual, the food was delicious. Vegetables in the curry were fresh and perfectly cooked, and the noodle-tofu dish was well seasoned. This is a high quality, well-run restaurant serving excellent Thai food. read more

Colorless, bland "Thai" food. Good Thai iced tea, but the food could have come from anywhere. Pad Thai was so white it looked like an Italian pasta with a cream sauce. No Thai spice/seasoning noticeable at all in any of the dishes we had. Maybe the curries are better, but I'll never know. The person who took our order was very friendly and personable. The person who brought the bill was neither. read more

We found Bua Luang Thai during the pandemic because we wanted a pleasant outdoor option. We find the food all well-prepared and served and tasty, and since we rarely go out to eat these days, we appreciate having a consistent and pleasant dining option when friends or relatives visit from out of town. read more

Originally this spot was homey, decently priced, with high quality and delicious items. Now this sport is modern, decently priced, with high quality and delicious items. They took over a store next door and have expanded it and modernized it. It is a lot more spacious and has a lot more light. I also officially name this a GREAT date place. Fancy enough to impress, but wont break the bank. #1 Recommended Item: Spicy sizzling plate of scallops with egg plant, bamboo shoots, bell peppers and onions. There were ample perfectly cooked scallops. The sauce was super flavorful and pretty damn spicy, but some how did not over power the delicate flavor of the scallop. Price=$13 The service was a bit slow, but it made for nice leisurely dinner. They also deliver in the area. Good thing I don't live that close anymore or I'd be stuffed full of their food 24/7. *sniffle* My little family joint is all grown up. read more

Delicious. Our party ordered practically everything on the menu. We are all foodies. Our favorites were the pumpkin curry, the salmon curry, and the angel wings. Pad Thai was good, too. Each dish had its own unique flavor profile. Service was excellent. 3 members of our party had eaten there in the past. We were a party of eight. It was my fault for eating way too much, but dishes kept coming out and we continued to taste each dish. Mango sticky rice was very delicate. This review is months overdue. A very memorable meal and evening. read more

Whoa what a week. We splurged for Thai delivery tonight. * Fresh spring rolls 4 stars, Super tasty and very fresh. Didn't really need either of the dipping sauces. * Green papaya salad - 2 stars. Very one-note. All the produce was okay but not amazing. Also, the sauce all spilled out of the side of the to-go container into the bag. * Chicken Satay - 3 stars, fairly standard. * Mango Salad with Prawns - 4 stars, very good mix of flavors and generous with the mango. Had they used a really sweet ripe mango this dish would have been AMAZING. * Relaxing on the couch after a crazy whirlwind of a week - 5 stars. They were fast (45 minutes on a Friday evening), convenient, and you can even order online. read more

First, the one negative: They only deliver in Albany and El Cerrito. The good: They will spice your food hot enough to make you cry if you ask, and you don't have to belabor the point. They keep their oils fresh (no stink of fried fish on my tofu...thanks). They understand vegetarian needs well enough to point out ingredients that aren't listed in an item that might be a problem for you. (ie: the spring rolls are not strictly veggie depending on your definition of "Oyster Sauce") I was just picking up my order so I only saw the decor briefly, seemed clean, attractive and reasonably sound designed, much nicer than most restaurants in this class. When I'm in the area or able to pick up while coming home, they will be my new go to for Thai from now on...very happy! read more

Sorry, I just wasn't impressed with the food. For a party of 3, we had ordered two chicken dishes with vegetables and a pumpkin curry. The portions were tiny! One dish could have fed 1 person. Pumpkin curry was too watery and the pumpkin in the dish was not cooked through. The chicken dishes were not memorable at all. The brown rice was the only highlight of the meal. For $8-9 per dish, I felt jipped since there was no substance to the meal. read more

Decor: charming Service: Hit and miss Flavors: Intruiging, delicious, but ever so slightly off. One slightly too sweet. One slightly too salty. Nothing near too spicey. Free stuff: ("chips" & dip, soup & ice cream for the 4 year old): appreciated. The chance to yelp another restaurant that I can add to one of my lists...PRICELESS! :) read more

I have had so much freakin' thai food. i have been all over Thailand. Bua Luang ranks in my top five thai spots. In the WORLD! I'll go even further and say that this place has better Thai food than most places in thailand because of the quality of the ingredients. read more

We've always enjoyed Bua Luang for its food and excellent service. Last night, we went to the restaurant for the first time since it renovated its building. It now has twice as much floor space, an expanded menu *and* the same gracious wait-staff. The decor is updated, charming...and (this on good authority) designed by the younger generation of the Thai family who own the place...in serene colors, fine paintings and wonderfully ambient lighting. IMHO, it would be the perfect place to take Mom (and a visiting relative or two) for Mother's Day. The chances are *very* good that we'll be there at the table right next to you! read more

We live in Napa and were travelling to Albany for other business. Since our favorite food is Thai and this came up with an overall 5 stars, we decided to give it a try. We ordered the stuffed chicken wings which were very good. The problem came with the Tom Yum soup which had little flavor at all. Then came the bigger disappointment with the House Specialty Thai Fried Rice which again, had no flavor and only micro bits of crab. Lunch was $30 and not worth it at all. read more

One of about 6 Thai food places within 1 mile. Spacious decor with "new age" music in background. Food was good, and might have been better if hotter. Some veggies were raw. Entrance door was propped open (cold outside) allowing cold air in and easy access. Server was hurried (we were the only patrons ), and was totally disinterested in us. Food arrived quickly. Leftover was put in overly small container for its volume. Overpriced with huge tipping suggested (on tax also), on receipt. There's better out there locally. read more

I ate here on Friday with my two friends and we were pleasantly surprised. The food was AMAZING (flavors, textures, portions--just right). We ordered the Pad thai, Gang Ga Ree, and Pad See Ewe.Yum. For giggles we also tried the sticky rice, but that was kind of fun (just trying to unwrap the rice out of its little package was an experience) MUST, must, must come back to try the pumpkin curry!! read more

Located on Solano Ave in Albany, this Thai restaurant felt a bit more "Americanized". Upon sitting down I noticed there was a fork instead of chopsticks so I decided not to keep my hopes up for a bomb meal. My mom was craving pad Thai and our usual place was not open yet so we decided to give this place a try. Her pad Thai was not the deep orange color I was used to seeing but she said it was good nonetheless. I had a lunch special, chicken pumpkin curry with chicken Tom yum soup. Pretty average. Flavors were mild but I think I'll stick to my usual Thai spot. read more

::UPDATED:: I have yet since been to THAILAND, and my opinion that this is the BEST Thai place in the east bay still stands. Located on the bottom part of Solano. Characteristic of Thai people, the service is mellow, friendly and always in a sweet mood. The inside has the most beautiful, clean and unique decor, and authentic Thai specialties. Always attentive and personal, especially during busy mid-day and dinnertime hours. Great lunch specials for $8.99 that includes rice, salad, and an appetizer- but the choices are limited, and don't include any noodle dishes (boo). The best: Avocado prawns ($11), any seafood dish, and any of the pan-fried rice noodle dishes (with Chili and basil!), and the sweet and sour soup - it is TO DIE FOR. you cannot leave without the Mango Sticky rice... its heavenly. They're open pretty late and they offer FREE Delivery! Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30 am - 3pm, & 5:00pm-9:30pm Fri-Sat: 11:30am-10pm, Sunday: Noon-9:30pm. What are you waiting for? GO! read more

SOOOOOOOOOOO close to FIVE stars.......missed it by a hair! Food: 1) Papaya salad: comes with a wedge of cabbage that you can eat with the salad or on its own. I liked the sweet and tangy sauce but I felt like it could have used a bit more kick to it. Maybe if it was sweeter or more spicy...I can't put my tongue on it, but it was just missing something. Fresh ingredients, so that always helps! 2) Duck curry: Not a big fan of duck but there were also pineapples, bell peppers, basal, and a whole host of other things I did like in it. The curry was alright, kinda tasted a little too greasy to me...if that even makes sense...but I think it's the duck's fault. 3) Pad Se Ew: Had this really funny taste to it that can be most closely translated to "too salty" but I think it's more like a problem related to using a mixture of the wrong sauces. It almost tasted like two really good sauces that tasted fine on its own, but when mixed together had negative consequences. Noodles were soft and sticky (just the way I like it!) and the veggies used in this were YUMMY! The sauce really blew it for this dish :( 4) Beef with mixed veggies and peanut sauce on top: LOOOOVED this DISH!!! BEST dish of the night! The slices of beef were the most tender, juiciest, succulent slabs of beef I've ever had! I could smell it a mile away that it tasted good...so imagine actually eating it! This beef is the ultimate reason I will NEVER become a vegetarian!! Even the thought of becoming a vegetarian after a single taste of this beef seems ridiculous! The peanut sauce was the PERFECT combo to this dish! This is the sole reason why I wanted to give this place FIVE stars! THIS DISH IS FREAKEN AWESOME AND DESERVES FIVE STARS!!! Service: Very nice and friendly. Always checked up on us, refilled our water and took away finished dishes at appropriate times. Great service! Ambiance: Very new and nice looking. I really liked the decor at this place. It was modern but had this Thai kick to it. Very artistic but true to its roots. Tastefully done! Price: Our meal came out to be $54 with tax and tip. I feel like that is kinda pricey for a meal...but when I think about how the food was yummy, the ambiance was good, and the service was friendly...I guess as the whole package, it was pretty well worth your time and money. Overall: There are many Thai food places out there which offer a heck of a competition, but this place puts up a good fight. It's really nice I got to try this place, but I don't know if I would come again, but I would definitely not be opposed to the idea (and if I come again, FOR SURE ORDERING THE BEEF DISH!) read more

I've been here many times over the years; first dish I had was the pumpkin curry, which is quite nice. As Thai restaurants go, I'd say it's above average for a few reasons. I always have a good experience here; it's reliably good. It's on the small side, not a large impersonal "popular" place, and the staff is friendly. The menu has your standard Thai dishes, options for the timid, plus a few items for the more adventurous There's always at least one or two dishes that I remember and want to have again. Bua Luang is excellent for dining out with friends because there are dishes to suit everyone, multiple options, decent sized servings, pleasant ambiance, and good service, and they don't rush you out the door. Last night we took some friends from out-of-town, one of whom follows a gluten-free diet. The waiter were very patient with her questions and adapted those dishes that could be changed and warned us about those that couldn't. My friends were completely thrilled and really loved the food, especially the Masaman curry and Pad Thai noodles. (Note: all the curries are gluten-free.) We lingered and chatted after our meal (it wasn't crowded) and they continued to freshen our drinks. Usually I don't go to restaurants that have less than 4 stars average on Yelp (you can't please everyone) and noticed that Bua Luang is under-rated. I think Bua Luang deserves 4 stars but I'm giving 5 stars just to bump up the average rating. read more

I can't say this was the worst Thai food I've ever tasted however, it surely wasn't the best. Being that I have an obsession with Thai food, I pretty much know exactly what I'm looking for. Also, I know when things are lacking. Bua Luang is lacking flavor!!! The food doesn't seem authentic at all. I was completely shocked to have gotten my food and it was sooo bland. I barely had noodles in my pad see ewe. Seemed like all I had was the stem of broccoli instead of the crown and the food was oily. Great disappointment. If that wasn't bad, I hated the fact that as soon as you walk in the door, they rush to you and ask you if you're going to eat here or take your food to go. WTF!!!! Is this a Thai restaurant or is this McDonald's?!? As I looked over the menu they asked me about 3 times if I was ready to order as if they wanted to hurry me out the place. Not to mention for the food that I ordered, it was a whopping $51 bucks!!! I did think the ambiance of the place was good. The location is also super great!!! The service was also goo as well when they didn't seem to be annoying me :) I don't think I'll be back to this place! read more

I've wavered in my stars reviews, but today Bua Lang failed us. There was nobody to greet or seat us and the only waiter there was engaged in a heated conversation with a customer. He never once acknowledged us to say, "I'll be right with you". He didn't even see us come in or leave when we walked out. read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE them! I'm Gluten Intolerant and they are always very careful and accomidating and I can happily say they have never contaminated anything I have ordered there. I love spice as well and when you ask for 'Thai Spicy" you really get it so beware but if you love it then you'll be pleased. I have only ever ordered take out but they are fast and accurate Lastly do yourself a favor and order the pumpkin curry. It's insane. OK that is all. read more

I was working in the area and decided to yelp for a place to eat. Lo and be-hold, I found a Thai place in Albany. I had my doubts at first, but when I arrived, the decor was elegant and decidedly upscale. However, the food was actually a GREAT deal. I had the Pad Thai for about 8 bucks and it was great. It included a salad as well and they used some kind of whitish dressing that was absolutely wonderful. It is unique and by far one of the best I've ever had. I was there on a weekday lunch period, there weren't many people and service was quick and efficient. The Pad Thai was great, no complained and the Thai Tea I had with it was just as good. I never expected to find this gem in Albany. However, I was surprised and I would definitely come here again if I were in the area. read more

Love it! This is my all-time favorite Thai place. Full disclosure, I'm not an expert in Thai cuisine, nor have I been to a bunch of Thai restaurants in the Bay Area. However, the food here is always consistently delicious. My boyfriend and I have tried red thai curry, chicken fried rice, pad thai, pad see ewe, pad kee maow, and pumpkin curry. My current favorite is pad see ewe and my other favorites are fried rice and pad thai. He loves the red curry. Beyond the food... the atmosphere is lovely and reminiscent of a restaurant where the entrees cost much more than $8.50. Nice candles and flowers on the tables. They play French lounge-y music a lot. It's pretty romantic. I love it and we can be found in this wonderful establishment at least a few times a month, now even more so since we live down the street. How convenient! read more

We eat lunch there every few months. I don't know whether the ownership has changed, but the old under-$10 specials are gone and the menu has been totally replaced. On the plus side, the food is good. On the minus side, today I was served white rice although I had asked for brown (the bill showed brown), my entree was not spicy although I had asked for spicy (the bill did not indicate spicy), and the Thai iced tea was billed at $3.50 although the menu showed $3.25. I am always ticked off when the menu shows a lower price than is charged. I'm not even sure that is legal. Rather than deal with that kind of stuff, I'll just eat somewhere else. read more

The yellow curry is totally delicious! One of the best I've ever had. And, it comes with a lot of sauce. The cook has good energy. You can feel it in the food. And the servers are really sweet. But not in a fake way. The way they serve their rice, shaped like a heart, is indicative of the heartfulness they put into their food. Beautiful food and people. read more

This place is legit. Everything I've ever had here has been great. It is a cute little restaurant and the services is excellent. Great place fore a date, but also good for take out. Don't leave without ordering some mango sticky rice. read more

I have come here many times and it's about time I leave a review! Consistently delicious food and great service. I have also gotten takeout from Bua and it has been really tasty. This is the best Thai spot around that I've been to, I highly recommend! read more

I thought that this place was very very good. The food was delish! Especialy the curry puffs. You have to try em! My main dish was also very good and the portion size was plentiful, in fact almost enough for a second meal. They have some of the best brown rice that I have ever had at any restaurant. I must have driven past this place a hundred times and never noticed it was there. Now I won't forget it. Do yourself a "flavor" and stop by this charming little Thai place. Service is good. After several visits here I have upgraded the star count from 4 to 5. They are very consistently good. Don't forget to try the curry puffs. mmmmmm read more

I have been going to Bua Luang for over 15 years and it is definitely a Thai staple in the Albany/Berkeley area. They use fresh, organic ingredients and the service is always friendly and attentive. Some of the tasty dishes I have ordered over the years: the fried, vegetarian spring rolls, the chicken satay, the yellow curry with chicken, the pad prik khing and the paid thai with prawns. The only downside to the place is that it isn't the cheapest Thai food out there, but it is worth the hip ambiance, friendly service and organic ingredients. read more