Busaba Thai Vegetarian Kitchen

Readers' ratings:
    food: 4.0     scene: 4.0     service: 4.0

LaMelda Atwater Village, CA

Vegetarian or not, you really have to give this little gem a try. The flavors, aromas, textures and colors are treats to all the senses. I always leave satisfied and full. The name was changed because of a copyright technicality (from Europe of all places), but the same charming owners are running the ship. And I think I'm one of the first to know and announce that they're opening another restaurant in Silver Lake. That's closer to me so I'm stoked!

Derek Japha Los Angeles, CA

This food is remarkably inventive: intense flavors and textures, beautifully plated. I must mention that the restaurant recently changed its name (due to copyright reasons, I believe) - it is now called Bulan. But the food, and the delightful staff, and the location are exactly the same.

Linda Los Angeles, CA,

Delectable, irresistable, habit-forming. To go once is to realize that you'll become a regular. Not the kind of food-as-medicine, sanctimonious vegetarian restaurant. Instead, you get superbly prepared food that will win over your pickiest carnivore friends. Layers of flavor, everything prepared to order, and finally Thai food that a vegetarian can eat without the ubiquitous fish sauce of this cuisine. This is one of those rare, affordable restaurants that deserves its superlatives.

Kevin Hollywood, CA

I found Busaba by accident and have become a regular. This is truly some of the best food in LA. The fact that it's vegetarian is a bonus. Service is refreshingly sweet. Try the faux chicken sate, summer rolls, faux fish with apple sauce, crispy rice salad, Busaba pumpkin, and the brown or pumpkin rice. Phenomenal. For dessert, you must have the fried banana with coconut ice cream! The atmosphere is clean and cozy. Plus, all the coolness of Melrose. Healthy AND delicious? YES!