Buddha Belly Thai in Southend-on-Sea

Great restaurant excellent food and drink

Amazing food and it was full of flavour. Would definitely go back.

Little restaurant but the decorations are so cute! The food are amazing, had Thai tea after the meal oh my god soooo nice. All the dishes reminds me of the old days staying at khaosan road Bangkok, definitely my favourite place in Southend! Highly recommend!!!

I had a great experience at this restaurant for a Thai expat like me. The food is very delicious. The staffs are friendly. Everything is very good. Five stars for me. Will definitely come back.

After travelling for over an hour to visit Buddha Belly with our family of 6, to dine at 1pm, at a table I had booked over the phone 2 weeks prior. We arrived and no table was available for us. No apology and a long wait, which when pressed, the staff said would be probably over an hour! Not impressed. Will not return. Instead we went to the Italian restaurant 4 doors down and had an amazing lunch.

Food was fresh, hot, perfectly cooked and delicious. Will definitely be ordering again regularly

Had a great meal, their was 3 of us. Food was great and very tasty. Green curry was lovely, loads of flavour. Would definitely recommend. Owners were great made sure we was happy. Loved it

Fantastic authentic Thai street food, had Thai BBQ Moo Kata and was delicious, staff polite and attentive and great selection of Thai beer and stocked my favourite LEO! Highly recommend!

Got a takeaway and everything arrived hot and the food was unreal. Tastes just like you’re in Thailand 🇹🇭

Chill restaurant, good food ,friendly owner

I lived in Thailand for 10 years and this is the most authentic and delicious food I have tasted since I have been back. The staff are are amazing and very helpful and I would 100% recommend it to any one whether they have experienced authentic thai street food or are interested in the classics. They will be happy to give you recommendations and beers are great.

I always at Buddha belly Thai restaurant I love the service, company and great food 10/10 no doubt 🥰🥰

I’ve had to put 1 star just so I can leave a review, I have never experienced Anything like this in my life, £28 pounds for a pot of oil & mushy soggy prawn toast

Excellent food and great service, I eat here every week

Possibly the worst 'Thai' food I've ever had. For context, I've now tried this place four times... twice eat in, twice takeaway. I must be a glutton for punishment as today, my 59th birthday, it was the only Thai/Chinese place delivering at lunchtime and so, stupidly, I spent 40 quid for four dishes of frankly, garbage. 1. Moo Ping, or as they describe it, 'Thai Pork Skewers' . I'm still chewing... 10 hours later. Joke. 2. Pad nam-mun Hoi Gai (or chicken, as it says on the JE receipt). Well, the three tiny pieces of chicken I received for 10.95 were ok. Hmm. 3. Grilled Spare Ribs. You should be effin ashamed of yourselves. Ribs by definition have bones; there was one in the plastic garbage box you sent me for 7.50, along with a lot of, what my colleagues described as, 'mush'. 4. Pad see Aew Prawn. Wrong noodles, and by the way, it would have been maybe better, if you'd sent me prawn rather than chicken. All in all, your food is really very bad, and I could cook and have cooked any dish you serve infinitely better than you can obviously conceive. Isan food? Really?

Lovely food and chilled atmosphere. Definitely will return here!

starters are small for the price thai green i i did not enjoy the food didn't taste like a thai green from my experience to spicy needs to be more sweet and needed more ginger.

5 star all round from a genuinely lovely family serving authentic food cooked with love. Thank you!

Ordered on Uber Eats - order was left preparing for 40 minutes then cancelled with no reason given.

Food was so delicious. Had pad thai noodles and a green curry with sticky rice. Chefs kiss! So good, can't wait to go back!

Best papaya salad I have ever eaten !!!!

Amazing place, you have to go! The food is great, service is perfect. Delicious. Pad Kra Pao is perfect

Loved everything about this place, the service was great but the food was fantastic. Will definitely be back very soon

Amazing the ribs fell of the bone ! Curry was so yummy

Was really looking forward to trying this place but sadly the food was very poor. I had chicken panang which looked and tasted like nothing I've had before and I have been in Thailand many times and stayed for months. The krapow moo Kob was dry tasteless pork belly. I would not bother sorry to say...waste of money

By far the best Thai food I have ever had and I’m one fussy eater. I definitely will not be going anywhere else from now on !!! 🔥🔥🔥

A bit disappointing, the article in the Evening Echo was very good , but the rice was very sticky and lumpy and they kept bringing meals to the wrong tables. So not a good experience.

The food wasn't amazing, the meat was very chewy even the mince meat, also I paid £3.5 for a latte that was instant made so super overy, but the staff was super friendly and nice.

Great food, relaxed vibe & friendly staff - will definitely be back.

Food was amazing! Fast delivery

I truly love this space. If the journey was shorter it would definitely become a regular spot. Buddha belly is a small boxy compact space. With the feel of a small business who have effectively made the space work for them, no thrills or ornate Thai deco- simple and no pretence. There is a small bar on entrance, which with some bar seating and then a few steps to the next level where the main seating is for about 16 covers. There is also a small garden you can eat or drink in, tucked away through the slim staircase enroute to the bathroom of the building. What Fat buddha lacks in size it makes for in food quality. Happily for me it has some of my favourite ISAN style dishes from the North east region of Thailand, which are not always easy to find . The grilled chicken, fermented pork sausage , pork laab, Soom Tum with fermented fish sauce were definite winners , if you enjoy pungent, strong and spicy flavours. The Pad krap pow pork had a great flavour with, a aniseed and salty balance from the basil and fish sauce; all rounded of with a background of mild sweetness and chilly heat and the best part the crispy fried egg , one is never enough! Also enjoyed the seafood Yum Woon sen (glass noodles ) and Seafood Tom Yum. Both had a good amount of seafood and nice balance of hot, sour and salty sweet. Portion sizes are not huge, but don't need to be when the flavours are right. Didn't try the curries as these are available everywhere else. I would say the prices are competitive compared to other Thai restaurants/eateries. Service was friendly , warm and straightforward and you cant argue with that. Cant really judge atmosphere as on the occasions i have been there it is mid afternoon and quiet. Although imagine it can get busy quickly especially as they do towers of Singha beer. The opinion of Good Thai food can be difficult to agree upon, but the food flavours and textures at the Buddha belly are reminiscent of eating in Thailand just without the weather !

A small restaurant with a nice covered patio out the back, playing pleasant Thai pop music and beer Singha on tap. I had the “krapow moo geop sai kai dao” - which was the closest I’ve got to authentic in England - thanks!

I was shocked when I walked out after lunch to find myself in Southend on Sea. I was convinced I was eating in Thailand. Excellent in every way. Beer is a bit pricey though.

Service and food was great and at great prices Aswell staff very friendly

Really lovely food. Great flavours. Helpful service. Definitely going back. The inside is not fancy schmancy and is a bit more punk rock, hence the 4 star if that is your thing. For me, the food is front and centre and that was great.

Amazing and authentic Thai food! Worth every penny.

Utterly terrible, expensive, small portions and no great flavour or seasoning. The soup was like dishwater, chicken bland and overcooked, the prawn toast soggy and mushy, the main courses -stingy potions, sauces like water no body or sufficient seasoning. AVOID if you like your food -straight in the bin waste of MONEY L#%8S

The food is always such good quality and warm.

2nd order in 1 year. First order was bland and simply not very nice so I decided to never order from here again. Today since it’s been around year and the positive reviews I decided to try it again. Unfortunately still bland and a waste of money. Can’t believe people call this authentic. Much better Thai places in the area for the same price. Only ordered here as it was the only one open at midday.

The food here is always great! Slightly disappointed though as the stir fried meals come with rice in the restaurant, but mine arrived with no rice. However they're the same price. Not sure if the rice was forgotten or you just get less when it's takeaway?

Great food, friendly staff. Lovely little place.

We only eat here now and again but the welcome we get is like we're family. The team, Yupin (now I know her name) speaks to us like we're regulars. Very friendly and chatty. Plenty of regulars, including the giggling Thai ladies at the bar. Such a warm atmosphere. Food is great and the addition of the garden is a great idea.

The food was good, they had vegan options too Staff were friendly and polite Would go again

Me and my husband have now been here a few times and the food never disappoints (we are huge lovers of Thai food) this food is amazing. We have also bought family members who have also throughly enjoyed. The young lady at front of house is very friendly and informative of all the dishes.

Food was hot and extremely tasty

You guys are awesome! Took my friend here tonight it was her first time trying it and she loved it! It's my 3rd time eating at Buddah Belly, & i just love the place! The food is so tastey , i love the chang beer, the staff are beautiful, friendly people. I've never been to Thailand but everytime i go here i feel like I'm there. If i could afford it I'd be there every week trying everything on the menu 🤣.

Felicity Gorgeous hot feesh food so authentic.great portion size Thank you!

Beautiful tasty food..felt like I was back in Thailand! ThankYOU x

Thank you once again for your service and hospitality, second to none

Best Thai authentic in Southend

Probably the most authentic Thai I have eaten at in the UK. Good food at a reasonable price. Very spicy

You gave me the wrong thing. I'm disappointed. It's supposed to be pork, not seafood for noodles. Pay more attention.

Food is fabulous and the staff are welcoming and helpful you should definitely try this place I haven’t eaten anywhere else all week…

Absolutely unreal thai food - super authentic, quick service and totally delicious - I would say the food is on par with Speedboat restaurant in London - amazing!

My sister and I tried this restaurant as this was recommended by a very good friend. It started off great but ended up disgusted and disappointed. I felt sick upon discovering hair in my rice. I ended up not finishing my food. The staff and management were dismissive and nobody came forward to applogize.

Food was ok but didnt live upto the reviews and personally my expectations! My beef curry was very salty, and the soup was nice but not enough flavour for me- compared to other thai restaurants in the area!

My husband and I love this place. Reminds us of our trip to Thailand so much. Delicious food, fantastic staff, and a really great atmosphere. Yupin is the best! Will be back soon for more delicious Thai food. Got to make room for the mango sticky rice!

Easily the best Thai in Southend, yupin is so friendly and welcoming. Singha on tap, and stunning street food, it was like we were back in Thailand, highly recommend coming to this place

It’s the best place for authentic Thai, Yupin is so kind and friendly. Easily the best Thai in Southend. Thank you for yet again a great night

Really cute little spot, really felt like we were back in Thailand.

I decided not to bring my family to eat today as I was greeted by 3 intoxicated people I thought where customers, ended up being the staff. I swiftly turned around and left. It was a shame, I heard the food was good!

Very popular Thai bistro, both for meals and drinks. Don't miss it if you want a drink or are in a hungry state! Their special menu is highly recommended, especially if you like seafood!

It is a very good place. Foods are good, the boss there are the best

Great authentic Thai food and lovely relaxed decide and atmosphere. Nice simple menu but accommodating on spice level you want to your taste

Nice Thai cooking in the restaurant, all tasted very good and the restaurant had a buzz to it,the ladies working there all chatting away in Thai and making me feel like I was in Thailand..only the hot weather missing.

Me and my Partner have been waiting to try this place for ages. It did not disappoint one bit. The Food was incredible. I had the Pad Kha-prow moo krob. I cannot recommend it enough. My Partner has the Tofu Massaman curry and that was just as amazing. The staff were also friendly, so welcoming and funny! Without a doubt we will be back again!

Authentic Thai food, full of flavour, potion size was spot on. Highly recommend

One of the best Thai curries I have had in a long time

Really scrumptious food absolutely recommend coming here the atmosphere is fantastic aswell

First time using buddha belly and was very impressed! fresh and authentic ✨️

Fabulous little place in Queens Street, nice little seating area where we ate. Absolutely brilliant street food I had the pork soup and my wife had the Chicken and Cashews. Super service. Lovely friendly staff,

Authentic food, a little noisy with music but can not recommend enough

Amazing service and lovely young lady that has excellent customer service thanks

Really authentic and great flavours

Its good. Hope there is sticker or anything seal to give confidence to the customer that the food was not opened on its way.

Have been there twice and had a few deliveries. Food is really good, nice friendly staff. Highly recommend

Great vegan pad Thai! Will defo order again

Cannot fault the food but took 1 hour 45 minutes to arrive

Really delicious food. Went early afternoon for lunch. Friendly staff, quick service. Didn't have the exact ingredients at the time for one dish but recommended another which was really good. A great little place. Will be back again or add to our takeaway options. 👌😋

My food was absolutely lovely but it was late due to the delivery driver not finding my address as the map took him to the wrong place, I called him to find out where he was and when I told him he was at the wrong address and I was up the road a bit more he started shouting and being rude to me. It was completely unacceptable and the time he spent on the phone to me he could have delivered the food! And then when he delivered it he shouted to me again!

I’ve been Thailand many times, and this is the best thai you’ll find in the area! Fantastic food and service always with a smile

A amazing small and cosy Thai restaurant run by a friendly family who cares about their customers. Delicious food and amazing vibes, Highly recommend it!

Lovley little place, lovley owners and tasty food

I have eaten at the restaurant. I have ordered a few takeaway's from here, and I have never been disappointed. The food is delicious. The staff are polite, and friendly.

Amazing food! Can't wait to go back

Food was tasty and fresh, but v.expensive for what we ordered

The food is just brilliant here. The best pad ka prow I’ve had in the area by miles. Delicious and very reasonably priced. It’s a bit rough and ready so don’t expect 5-star surroundings, but if you are looking for first class Thai cooking, it is thoroughly recommended.

Ordered only a pad Thai, was slightly colder than I'd like but deliveries in rush hour... you know. Zapped in the microwave for a minute and was absolutely delicious meal for one. Would definitely order again.

Food was all tasty but unfortunately my pad kee mao came with no chicken in it, which is pretty bizarre considering there isn't a no meat option, also the portion size of the beef jerky seems to be very inconsistent Other than this it was lovely

I’ll get straight to the point. The order was late by over 60 minutes from the original delivery time given and the restaurant didn’t answer their google nor the number they provided later for over 5 calls. The food arrived cold and when it did both mains unfortunately were filled with lots of veggies rather than the tasty meat they serve. The dish had 2 prawns and few bits of chicken in an £11 main, while the other one had 2 pieces of meat in it. Food was nice, just not enough and too cold…

Excellent succulent mussaman lamb, great noodles. Thanks.

A nice little restaurant with nice food and good customer service. Food was tasty. Average price.

Had a takeaway from here and cant fault it, i went to order and collect and service was friendly, quick and efficient. Inside was warm, cosy and upbeat. I had veggie massaman and coconut rice, both me, my mum and my little boy loved it so good option for everyone in the family. Will be back for sure!

Really lovely relaxed traditional Thai restaurant. The waiter was really kind and attentive

Fantastic food and super friendly service

Very very nice food! beef massaman and pork neck are personal favourites. staff are lovely, service can be a bit slow if you have a big party because there’s not a lot of staff but it’s so worth it!! delicious place been here twice and defo coming back

Great food selection and taste. Well priced and owner is really friendly. Would be back. Recommend the roasted pork neck rice dish.

Expensive for the portion size. Tasted fine.

One of the best Thai restaurants in Southend, absolutely amazing food

First time eating here and it was lovely. The food had so much flavor and felt very clean. The restaurant is very cute with a cost atmosphere. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. Will definitely be coming back 😊