Senn Noods

Tucked away in a laneway off Lonsdale Street, Senn Noods has quickly become one of Braddon’s most talked-about dining spots. Specialising in bold, street-food-inspired Thai cuisine with a particular focus on Isaan and Lao flavours, the restaurant brings something genuinely different to Canberra’s food scene. The name itself is a playful hint at what to expect — noodles are the star, but the kitchen’s range extends far beyond, encompassing grilled meats, fragrant curries, and punchy salads that balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy with precision. Senn Noods operates under the banner “Back to the street,” a nod to the hawker stalls and open-air markets that inspire its menu. The result is food that feels immediate, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying.

Google Maps reviewers have awarded Senn Noods a 4.6-star rating from over 230 reviews, placing it firmly among the most popular eateries in the area. Diners consistently praise the generous portions, vibrant flavours, and the kind of easygoing atmosphere that works for a quick solo lunch or a drawn-out dinner with friends. The price point, reported at $20–40 per person, positions Senn Noods as an accessible option for high-quality Asian food in the inner north. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the restaurant’s combination of authentic recipes, a lively setting, and attentive service makes it well worth seeking out.

Menu Highlights at Senn Noods

The menu at Senn Noods changes with the seasons and is designed to be shared, encouraging a table full of contrasting textures and temperatures. Noodles are naturally the foundation, but the kitchen’s mastery of charcoal grilling and wok tossing means that non-noodle dishes often steal the spotlight. According to Google Maps reviews and the restaurant’s panel highlights, certain dishes have emerged as clear crowd favourites that keep regulars coming back.

Pad Thai and Pad Si Ew appear as the most-ordered staples — the former a classic balance of tamarind, fish sauce, and crushed peanuts, the latter a wok-charred flat noodle dish that arrives with a satisfying smokiness. Beyond these, beef jerky (a house-made, air-dried and fried snack) and moo ping (grilled pork skewers) are repeatedly namechecked in reviews, often ordered as starters alongside a Thai lemon iced tea. The restaurant’s Isaan and Lao influences shine in dishes like peek gai tod (crispy chicken wings) and a much-loved pad ki mao (drunken noodles) that reviewers describe as properly spicy. There’s also mention of a Khao Soi Gai — a Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup — and a “drunken pasta” that blends Italian form with Thai sensibility.

Senn Noods also offers a selection of beverages that match the food’s intensity. Thai milk tea, lemon iced tea, and other classic drinks are available, while the restaurant’s online ordering platform through Square suggests a full menu of sides, soups, and salads that rotate regularly. The focus on Isaan and Lao cuisine means you can expect plenty of grilled proteins, fresh herbs, and the funky depth of fermented fish sauce and shrimp paste in many dishes.

The Dining Experience

Walking into Senn Noods feels a little like discovering a secret. The restaurant is positioned in a bustling Braddon precinct but set slightly back from the main drag, which reviewers note can make it tricky to spot on a first visit — “hidden in a laneway” is a recurring description. Once inside, the space is compact and buzzes with energy, with an open kitchen adding a theatrical element as flames leap from woks and skewers sizzle over charcoal. The décor leans into the street-food theme, with neon accents and a playful, informal vibe that suits the food perfectly.

Senn Noods offers both dine-in and online ordering for takeaway. The dine-in experience is highlighted by prompt, friendly service and the kind of communal noise that signals a restaurant doing something right. Customer reviews on Google Maps frequently mention the upbeat atmosphere and note that it’s a great spot for groups, with sharing plates making it easy to sample widely. Online ordering is handled through the Square platform, making takeaway straightforward for those who prefer to eat at home. While reservations are not explicitly mentioned in the available data, the restaurant’s popularity — especially during peak hours on Thursday evenings — suggests that calling ahead or arriving early is wise.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

With a 4.6-star average on Google Maps and 238 reviews, Senn Noods has built a strong reputation in a short time. Reviewers consistently celebrate the food’s authenticity and flavour intensity. One local guide described the restaurant as “a pleasant surprise in Canberra,” highlighting the depth of flavour and generous portion sizes. Another reviewer specifically noted the niche appeal of the Isaan and Lao menu, expressing enthusiasm that Canberra now has a dedicated specialist in these regional cuisines — something they hadn’t expected to find outside of a major Thai hub.

Recurring themes in the feedback include the quality of the beef jerky (“addictive” appears more than once), the freshness of the ingredients, and the general value for money at the $20–40 price point. The pad see ew and pad ki mao are frequently singled out for their wok hei (breath of the wok) and robust seasoning. A few reviewers mention that certain menu items, including the sought-after Khao Soi Gai, were unavailable during their visit, which they found disappointing, but this is balanced by praise for the alternatives suggested by staff. The restaurant’s hidden location is a consistent talking point — the search to find it almost becomes part of the experience, and most agree the food makes the hunt worthwhile.

Senn Noods in Braddon, Canberra

Senn Noods is located at Unit G02/27 Lonsdale Street in Braddon, a suburb of Canberra known for its independent eateries, coffee shops, and boutique retail. The restaurant sits within a mixed-use development just off Lonsdale Street’s main dining strip, placing it within walking distance of other popular spots like Lazy Su and Zaab. This pocket of the ACT is a food lover’s destination, and Senn Noods contributes a distinctive Thai-street-food identity to the mix.

Parking in Braddon can be competitive during peak hours, but street parking and nearby public car parks are typically available within a short walk. The laneway entrance makes the restaurant wheelchair accessible from Lonsdale Street, though customers with mobility concerns may wish to confirm specific details directly with the venue. As a dine-in and takeaway establishment, Senn Noods is well integrated into the local community, with many reviewers noting it as a go-to for midweek dinners and weekend catch-ups.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Senn Noods is open seven days a week from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, providing a consistent option for lunch, dinner, and everything in between. The kitchen closes at 9:30 PM, so plan to arrive with enough time to order and enjoy your meal. For takeaway, the Square online ordering link allows you to browse the menu and place an order for pickup — particularly handy during busy periods when the restaurant’s dine-in tables fill up quickly.

Contact can be made by phone at +61 493 802 597. The restaurant also maintains a contact page on its website for direct enquiries, though no email address is publicly listed. For the most current menu, operating hours, and any updates on seasonal specials, visiting the official website at sennnoods.com.au is recommended before your visit.

Common Questions

What type of cuisine does Senn Noods specialise in?

Senn Noods focuses on Thai street food with a strong emphasis on Isaan and Lao regional dishes. The menu features noodles, grilled meats, soups, and salads that highlight bold, authentic flavours.

Is Senn Noods suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

While the menu prominently features meat and seafood dishes, many Thai restaurants offer vegetarian or customisable options. Contact Senn Noods directly or check their Square online ordering menu to confirm current vegetarian and vegan choices.

Does Senn Noods take reservations?

The available data does not confirm a reservations policy. Given the restaurant's popularity at peak times, calling ahead on +61 493 802 597 or arriving early is advised, especially for larger groups.

Where exactly is Senn Noods located?

The restaurant is at Unit G02/27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon ACT 2612. Reviewers note it is tucked down a laneway off Lonsdale Street, so keep an eye out for signage as you approach.

What are Senn Noods' opening hours?

Senn Noods is open seven days a week from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

Can I order Senn Noods for takeaway or delivery?

Yes, Senn Noods offers online ordering for takeaway through its Square site. Delivery availability is not explicitly stated, but you can check the online ordering platform for current options and pickup details.

What is the average price per person at Senn Noods?

Based on reports from over 150 Google Maps users, the average spend is $20–40 per person.