Unearth The Voyage
Tucked along N Rampart Street, Budsi’s Authentic Thai is the kind of spot friends whisper about and food lovers plan trips around. With a 4.7 star glow and dishes that hit sweet, sour, salty, and spicy just right, it delivers bold flavors without pretense.
You order at the counter, grab a number, and then let the magic arrive at your table or perch at the lively bar. If you crave authentic Thai in New Orleans, this is where your cravings get answered fast.
1. Drunken Noodles Heat You Will Crave
Order the drunken noodles when you want a plate that sings with wok smoke and a chile kick that lingers. Wide rice noodles tangle with fresh basil, garlic, and crisp vegetables, carrying that unmistakable savory sweetness you hope for.
Add your protein and let the heat build, then cool off with a sip from the bar.
You will notice the texture first, bouncy noodles against tender meat and snappy broccoli or Chinese broccoli if offered. The balance leans bold, not shy, and you can ask them to dial spice up or down.
Locals rave that these noodles taste just as good on a second visit, a consistency that keeps regulars returning.
Because service runs counter order, food lands fast, still steaming, and the portion size satisfies hungry nights. Share a bite with your table, then keep your fork close, because it disappears quickly.
Pair with Thai tea or a Budsi Rita and enjoy that perfect push and pull.
2. Waterfall Pork Tangy Perfection
If you love bright, punchy flavors, the waterfall pork is your move. Thin slices arrive dressed in lime, toasted rice powder, and herbs that wake up every taste bud.
It is tangy, savory, and gently smoky, a perfect contrast to fluffy jasmine rice.
You will get bursts of mint and cilantro with a whisper of chile heat that you can nudge higher. The textures are what make it special, juicy pork with that nutty toasted rice crunch.
It is the kind of dish that makes you chase every last drop on the plate.
Locals mention this one again and again for good reason. It is lively and fresh, yet still satisfying on a weeknight.
If you are the share everything type, set this at the center and watch your table go quiet for a moment.
3. Khao Soi Golden Curry Noodles
Khao soi arrives like sunshine in a bowl, a golden coconut curry with soft egg noodles below and crispy noodles crowning the top. You break the crisp nest, stir it in, and every bite becomes creamy, crunchy, and aromatic.
The broth smells of curry paste, coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness.
Add chicken or tofu and squeeze a little lime to sharpen the edges. Pickled mustard greens bring tang that cuts the richness, and the onions provide a gentle snap.
It is comfort food with character, the kind of dish that hugs and wakes you up at the same time.
On cool evenings, this is a must. Even at lunch, it powers you through the afternoon without feeling heavy.
Order it medium if you are unsure, then level up on your next visit.
4. Pumpkin Curry Cozy And Spicy
Pumpkin curry tastes like a Louisiana fall evening wrapped in Thai spices. The pumpkin turns silky in a red curry bath, soaking up coconut milk and chiles for a sweet and spicy rhythm.
Fresh basil brings perfume while bell peppers and onions keep the bite lively.
It is a great dish for sharing because it draws everyone in with color and aroma. Spoon it over rice and admire the balance between gentle sweetness and measured fire.
If you want vegetarian comfort, choose tofu, or go richer with chicken or shrimp.
Regulars call this one a sleeper hit that surprises first timers. It is not flashy, but it delivers nuance and warmth that lingers.
Ask for medium spice and adjust with chile flakes at the table if you want a bigger swing.
5. Pad See Ew With Crispy Pork
Pad see ew at Budsi’s brings that irresistible caramelized soy flavor with wide noodles seared hot for smoky edges. Add crispy pork and you get rich, crunchy bites against tender greens that make each forkful satisfying.
It is simple on paper, yet deeply comforting when done right.
Here, the noodles keep their chew, the greens keep their snap, and the pork stays crisp enough to contrast. You will want to pace yourself because it is an easy clean plate situation.
A squeeze of lime brightens the sweet soy, and a sprinkle of chile flakes nudges the heat.
Pair it with a cold beer or Thai tea and you have a complete night. This one wins over even picky eaters, which makes it a great group order.
Get extra napkins and dig in.
6. Papaya Salad Fiery And Fresh
If you are chasing crunch and heat, the papaya salad will deliver with a serious kick. Shredded green papaya tosses with lime, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chiles for a bright, bracing bite.
Cherry tomatoes and long beans round it out, and peanuts add a friendly crunch.
Know your heat level here, because this one can bring tears in the best way. You can ask them to dial it back, but fans love the bold original.
It is a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes like curries and noodles.
Order it for the table and use it as a palate reset between bites. If you like extra funk, ask for it Lao style if offered.
Either way, it wakes up your meal and keeps the conversation going.
7. Pad Thai Classic Done Right
Pad Thai here hits the balance that many places miss. Tamarind tang, palm sugar sweetness, and savory fish sauce weave together without tilting too far.
Noodles stay bouncy, egg ribbons fold through, and fresh bean sprouts keep the texture lively.
Add shrimp for that briny pop, or go tofu if you want vegetarian comfort. Crushed peanuts and lime keep things sharp, and a sprinkle of chile flakes lets you set the heat.
It is the dependable dish friends order on round one and return to on round ten.
When you want familiar but not boring, this is the move. It travels well for takeout, though the dine in version is best for texture.
Pair with a Thai tea martini if you are at the bar and lean into the night.
8. Red Curry With Chicken Comfort
Red curry with chicken is a reliable favorite, creamy and aromatic with just enough heat to keep you leaning in. Thai eggplant and peppers soak up the sauce, turning tender without losing shape.
Basil perfumes each bite and the coconut milk smooths the edges.
Order it with jasmine rice and let the sauce do the heavy lifting. If you want more fire, ask for spicy and ride the wave.
It is the kind of bowl that makes you slow down, breathe in, and appreciate the balance.
Fans love how consistent this dish is across visits. Even when the room is buzzing, it comes out hot and vibrant.
Save a little sauce to pour over your last bite of rice and thank yourself later.
9. Pork Dumplings Bite Sized Joy
Pork dumplings make a perfect starter when you want something savory and shareable. The filling is juicy, well seasoned, and packed neatly into wrappers that steam or pan fry to a gentle crisp.
Dip them into the tangy soy and chile sauce and try not to finish the plate too fast.
These little bites bridge the gap between cocktails and mains, especially at the lively bar. You can split them with friends or keep them close and call it your appetizer.
Either way, they disappear quickly, so consider doubling up for a larger group.
They also pair well with papaya salad for a hot and cool combo. Add a side of jasmine rice if you want a fuller snack.
It is a simple pleasure that sets the tone for a great meal.
10. Thai Tea Martini Bar Favorite
The Thai tea martini sneaks up on you with creamy tea comfort and cocktail punch. It channels that familiar orange tea flavor, then layers in a silky finish that makes each sip feel special.
If you sit at the bar, watch the bartender work and you will see why regulars gush.
It is sweet but balanced, great with spicy dishes like papaya salad or drunken noodles. Happy hour deals make it even more tempting between two and six.
You can ride the evening with one or lean into a second if you plan on lingering.
For non drinkers, the classic iced Thai tea scratches the same itch without the booze. Either way, it is a signature sip that suits the room.
Order it, take a sip, and let the spices unfold slowly.
11. Counter Service And Chill Vibes
Budsi’s runs on a casual counter service model that keeps the energy loose and friendly. You line up, order, grab a number, and then settle into a table or snag a bar seat for full service.
It moves quickly during peak hours, and food arrives hot and fresh.
Staff are helpful and patient, ready to answer questions if it is your first visit. The room feels airy with high ceilings, and outdoor tables give you a breezy option.
Expect a lively crowd and a bit of buzz, a good sign that people are happy.
Street parking can test patience, but the payoff is worth it. Check hours since Monday is closed and lunch opens at 11 AM most days.
If you want a quieter moment, aim just before dinner rush.
12. Pro Tips For Your Best Visit
Come hungry and pick one noodle, one curry, and a fresh salad to balance the table. If you are spice curious, start medium and customize with chile flakes on the side.
Grab a bar seat for full service and great cocktail guidance if lines look long.
Bring friends because dishes love to be shared and you will want to try more than one. Check operating hours since Monday is closed and Friday to Saturday runs until 10 PM.
If you are sensitive to heat, let them know and ask for gentle spice levels.
For takeout, noodles and curries travel well, but dine in gives you best texture. Save room for a Thai tea or the martini version if that is your style.
Then wander the neighborhood satisfied and already plotting your return.
