What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Busaba Thai Cafe
Review
About
Welcome to Busaba Thai cafe. Family owned and operated, we take pride in the authenticity of our dishes. Our menu is made from scratch, using traditional Thai recipes and ingredients. There are a variety of dishes to choose from for everyone, including meat, vegetarian and gluten-free meals. We want to share our love for this wonderful food with you.
Features
CUISINES
Asian, Thai
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Non-smoking restaurants
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Is this restaurant good for brunch?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 8:30 PM
Sunday
11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Monday
11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday
11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday
11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday
11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Contribute
4.3
140 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
37
Average
7
Poor
8
Terrible
7
jbradley01
Okanagan Valley1756 contributions
Sep 2024 • couples
Welcome to the Kingdom of Thailand!
Sisters Nid and Bell Padermchok along with their husbands Paul and Boom bring authentic culinary wonders from the tropical south east Asian gem to the heart of the Kootenays. Featuring famous street food favs to elegant flavourful delights- it will impress foodies and critics!
Honestly, Busaba Thai Cafe is one of the BEST experiences we’ve had in BC! Bell was a lovely and passionate host, Paul and Boom’s menu was sensational and the atmosphere was relaxing!
Reminds me of best memories in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, NYC and San Francisco!
☀️🏆 🇹🇭 🥂
Written September 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John L
Nanaimo146 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Our family knew we were just arriving in Nelson and asked if supper was a suitable option.
We agreed and they took us to this little gem.
The service was good and it’s a busy restaurant so be patient.
The best thing about the food is it is fresh and tasty. We asked for mild and it was so.
We had two types of curry, a pad Thai, a tofu vegetable stir fry and a pineapple fried rice, with two extra Jasmine rice.
They have Asian beer as well as local beers.
Reasonable prices for a tourist town.
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardiner W
Vancouver537 contributions
May 2023 • friends
Very cute little restaurant on Baker Street with an outdoor terrace for the summer months. All the Thai favourites on the menu and including a range of luncheon specials (at $18...fairly reasonable these days). Open 7 days a week and specials available every day.A family affair..chef and his wife and his sister in law. Food good although if you want it authentically Thai ask for extra chili etc.
Written June 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick G
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
My wife and I went to this restaurant on Friday September 15th 2023. The server did not place my order, but did place my wife's order. Her meal was delivered without a word and the server disappeared. We shared her meal expecting my meal to arrive. Still, no server. I finally went inside after about 15 to 20 minutes and found another server who looked and told my meal order wasn't placed. I was over this place at that moment. I received my check and had to go back inside to pay because the server would not come to our outside table so we could pay and leave. No apologies were offered. Worst experience that I've had .
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • couples
My wife (Thai National) and I had the pleasure of eating here. The restaurant is run by a lovely Thai family and is very authentic. It has new management and owners and is highly recommended. I have lived in Thailand for 18 years and I can tell you that the food here is the most authentic I have had outside Thailand. Make sure you tell them to make it Thai style - but ensure you tell them your desired spicy level! The larb chicken wings were beautifully prepared with lovely rare herbs and the tom yum goong was divine. Try the Thai iced tea as well - a refreshing treat. The service was lovely. They took great care and definitely are passionate about sharing their food and culture.Give it a go - you won’t be disappointed.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Busaba Thai Cafe
Thank you so much, it was very nice meeting you both. You guys are such a lovely couple. We will keep doing ours best and hope to see you guys again!!!! <3
Written August 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dennis B
St. Albert4 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Extremely disappointed in the size of the portions, prices and value. We were in Nelson on vacation for 5 days and ate at 10 different restaurants. Sadly this was the only restaurant that we will never go back to. I had the Panaeng with pawns and rice. My partner had the Drunken Noodle stir Fry. The Panaeng consisted of 5 shrimp in a broth and the Drunken Noodle had 4 Shrimp with Noodles. Both dishes had very little in the way of vegetables.
Written May 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardiner W
Vancouver537 contributions
Apr 2024 • friends
I think Nelson's only Thai restaurant. Beautiful setting in Heritage building. All your Thai favourites perhaps toned down a bit in response to western palates but still very tasty. Owner/chef Paul relocated from Vancouver so has the experience of competing in busy Thai food scene. Lots of lunch specials. Pricing quite reasonable for portion size. Service friendly and quick. Partially open kitchen so you can sneak a peak at what they are doing. Quite busy so reserve if you want to be sure of your table.
Written April 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
921adriank
664 contributions
Oct 2022 • solo
This restaurants is highly rated but my experience was not good. First, I noticed lipstick or something on the glass for water that they brought to my table. I ordered fried rice. It was too spicy for my liking. You could search for chicken with a magnifying glass. There was not much of vegetables either. The food was not fresh. It looked like it was prepared long time ago and now it was just warmed up. I love Thai food but I can’t recommend this place.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patches07
294 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
We came for dinner tonight. First off, Busaba is one of the loveliest small restaurants ivdd Ed seen anywhere. Everywhere you looked there was something beautiful and uniquely so. Soft jazz playing in the background. Wow.
Now the food we ordered red curry with prawns and Tom Kha soup. Both were excellent. Wide variety of vegetables NOT overcooked , the right amount of heAt, beautifully presented. Reasonable price, too. Service was friendly and efficient
We definitely recommend Busaba. You’ll love it!
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sally
1 contribution
May 2022 • none
Busabas used to be super delicious and something I would crave. After the menu changed it has went down hill. the food left me feeling sick. their are no veggies in the dished, the pad thai is way too saucy and bland, the pad see ew noodles are horrible. 2/10 ... Change back!
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophia
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
I really enjoy the food here, I often order a stir fry and I'm always in a hurry and that is totally my fault , but they are always super kind and give amazing service. For Nelson Thai food this is very tasty and always good. The servers are just lovely and attentive, treat you kindly and I feel welcome. I would recommend.
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allison B
5 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Everything I’ve had here has always been very flavourful and large portions. You definitely won’t go home hungry! The pad Thai and spicy green curry are my favourites. Their new location is stylish, spacious and inviting and their staff is very friendly.
Written February 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arshpreet K
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • none
They have a wide variety of cuisines to satisfy your craving
We tried Veg spring roll - which was amazing.
Even the Non-veg platter was quite good - my friend's opinion.
Overall a perfect place to spend some quality with a bunch of friends with some good food & drinks. The staff is excellent and quite friendly. I loved the vibe and the crowd, and this shall go way too ahead; food is delicious. The DJ has been great. Mostly fulfilling what they promise.
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diveguy70
Edmonton765 contributions
Sep 2022 • couples
Ate here last year for the first time and it was excellent. Found out that there are new owners now and have to say the food is still just as fantastic. Enjoyed Roti with Curry Sauce and spring rolls as an appy. Both were so good and fresh!! Had the drunken noodles and Khao Soi as our main dishes and will definitely be repeating both of these dishes again. Two thumbs up from us!!
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • friends
I went on Halloween day.. The ambience was good.. But the service was really terrible.. They took a lot of time to serve food.. The food I ordered was waste of money. I never recommend anyone to go there.
Written November 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-15 of 138
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing