Buddha Belly Thai Leigh

Experience the best Thai street food at Buddha Belly Thai Leigh! Located at 75 Leigh Rd, Southend-on-Sea, enjoy a casual atmosphere with delicious dishes, quick bites, and great desserts. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or special occasions, with dine-in and kerbside pickup options. Check us out today!

4.7 - EWN Awards
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Welcome to Buddha Belly Thai Leigh

Buddha Belly Thai Leigh serves the best authentic Thai street food on Leigh Road. The restaurant, a second branch of Buddha Belly Thai, is known for its warm atmosphere and delicious flavors. With a menu featuring over 30 dishes, it caters to all tastes, whether dining solo or with a group. The lush garden seating outside offers a lovely escape during your meal, making it a cozy spot for everyone. Expect a meal that hits all five core Thai flavors: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and bitter. This place guarantees a memorable dining experience, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Welcome to Buddha Belly Thai Leigh, the second branch of our beloved Buddha Belly Thai Restaurant, where we serve the finest Thai street food on Leigh Road. Nestled in a casual and cozy atmosphere, our restaurant is perfect for solo dining, group gatherings, or a special birthday celebration. Indulge in a delicious range of authentic Thai dishes, tailored to your spice preference, along with delightful desserts that will leave you craving more. Enjoy convenient service options like kerbside pickup and dine-in. Visit us for lunch or dinner, and experience a vibrant dining ambiance that guarantees a memorable outing.

Services, Amenities and More

Service options
Kerbside pickup
Dine-in
Highlights
Great dessert
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy

Photo Gallery

View Menu Photos

Reviews Overview

Most Liked

Many patrons rave about the vibrant atmosphere, calling it buzzing and fun. Regulars delight in the wide selection of dishes available, with fans of Thai cuisine appreciating the authentic flavors and the ability to customize spice levels. Impressively, staff members are remembered fondly for their attentiveness and knowledge of the menu. Desserts also receive high praise, capturing hearts with their presentation and flavor. Groups often enjoy the lively lunch or dinner experience, while solo diners appreciate the cozy nooks for quieter meals.

Most Disliked

Some diners express frustrations over parking, noting that it can be limited and occasionally requires a bit of a walk. A few patrons wish for certain dishes, like vegetables, to be served a little crisper, highlighting personal preferences rather than failing culinary execution. The dinner rush often sees the restaurant at full capacity during peak times, leading to longer waits for tables—dining early or late can help avoid this crowd. Overall, these minor inconveniences don't overshadow the restaurant's many charms.

User Reviews

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xd_hoytheboy8 -.
1 week ago

Exceptional!!! I'm a big Buddha Belly fan, love the food, always my top choice when we eat out. When they opened the leigh on sea one, I couldn't wait to try it. Exceptional food, great service and atmosphere. The garden is quite lovely as well. Often eat here now, ive shared some pics of my recent visits.

LP
Linda P.
2 months ago

Nice presentation and delicious taste. I’d prefer the veggies a little crispier, but that’s just me. Definitely worth trying!

MG
Mark G.
3 months ago

If you have been to Thailand and love real authentic Thai food then this is the place to go. Honestly the best Thai food we have had in the UK. Great atmosphere and menu - something for everyone. Also great for a birthday meal - the enthusiastic Thai version of the happy birthday song cannot be missed. See you next time Buddha belly. ขอบคุณครับ

DG
Dan G.
6 months ago

An exceptional experience! The food was fresh, packed with flavour and delivered all of the core Thai tastes (sometimes phrased as sweet, salty, sour, spicy and bitter) in abundance. But each dish had its own clear identity and range of colours and textures too. The atmosphere was buzzing and the vibe was fun. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly and the owner (who appeared to be doing a shot with every table before they left) made us feel very welcome. I want to go back tomorrow!

LR
Life R.
6 months ago

This is my favourite Thai restaurant in the area. The food is marvellous and they will tailor it to meet your taste so you can have it as spicy or mild as you like it. The service is good, the waiting times are short and I thoroughly recommend a visit. One thing to note is that it can be tricky to park, so you may end up with a bit of a walk. If you have people with mobility issues, best drop them off before parking.

BM
Ben M.
7 months ago

Absolutely love Buddha Belly! The food is consistently delicious, packed with flavour, fresh ingredients, and so beautifully presented. You can really tell how much care goes into every dish. The staff are amazing, so friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. It’s always such a nice atmosphere, whether you're popping in for a quick bite or having a full sit-down meal. The decor is stunning, with a modern yet cozy vibe that makes you feel instantly relaxed. And don’t miss the outdoor garden in the summer, it’s such a lovely hidden spot to enjoy your food and soak up some sun. One of my absolute favourite places to eat in Southend. Highly recommend!

DG
Deepa G.
12 months ago

Great authentic Thai food. Good size portions. Currently my best Thai locally having tried and tested all in the area (some which have gone down hill sadly).

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't miss the Prawn Crackers, Chicken Satay, or the Pad Kee Mao. Each dish bursts with authentic Thai flavors, and the options for customizing spiciness make it even better.

The atmosphere is casual and cozy, perfect for groups or solo dining. Expect a buzzing vibe with attentive staff ready to enhance your dining experience.

Yes, they offer kerbside pickup along with dine-in options, making it convenient for a quick bite or a delightful meal at home.

Parking can be tricky, so be prepared for a short walk if the lot is busy. It’s a good idea to drop off anyone with mobility issues before finding a spot.

The restaurant is famous for its great desserts, so definitely save room for a sweet treat after your meal. The flavors here will leave a lasting impression.

Why visit Buddha Belly Thai Leigh

Visiting Buddha Belly Thai is a culinary treat, especially for Thai food enthusiasts eager to indulge in authentic flavors. The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot to celebrate special occasions, like birthdays, as the enthusiastic staff often lead the Thai version of the happy birthday song. It's a friendly, welcoming location that fosters a sense of community, making you feel right at home.

For those short on time but craving quality food, the quick bite offerings are perfect, ensuring a satisfying meal without the wait. Aim for less busy times during lunch or early evenings to fully enjoy both the menu and the atmosphere. Don’t forget your camera for those food pics—dishes are as visually appealing as they are tasty!