Baan Mae is a cozy neighborhood gem in Shaw that blends modern Lao flavors with romantic vibes, perfect for sharing innovative small plates and cocktails.
"When we heard that the owners of Thip Khao were opening another spot, we sprinted to make a reservation. This Shaw restaurant puts a modern, fusion twist on Lao cuisine, with small plates like citrusy cilantro shrimp crudo next to buttery Thai-style massaman curries served with shredded beef brisket. You’ll likely spot first dates cozying up on bar stools, sharing bites of banana jicama blossom salad under soft, golden-orange lights. Follow suit, and make sure the warm tapioca dumplings filled with sweet peanuts and wrapped in crisp lettuce, the crispy catfish sliders (we could eat ten of these), and the impeccably seasoned crab curry are a part of your order." - omnia saed, tristiana hinton
"When we heard that the owners of Thip Khao were opening another spot, we sprinted to make a reservation—and we’re so glad we did. This Shaw restaurant puts a modern, fusion twist on Lao cuisine, with small plates like citrusy cilantro shrimp crudo next to buttery Thai-style massaman curries served with shredded beef brisket. photo credit: Nina Palazzolo photo credit: Nina Palazzolo photo credit: Nina Palazzolo Similar to Thip Khao, the space is intimate (you might find yourself awkwardly bumping into other diners) but the ambiance here is much more romantic. You’ll likely spot first dates cozying up on bar stools, sharing bites of banana jicama blossom salad under soft, golden-orange lights. Follow suit, and make sure the warm tapioca dumplings filled with sweet peanuts and wrapped in crisp lettuce, the crispy catfish sliders (we could eat ten of these), and the impeccably seasoned crab curry are a part of your order. Food Rundown Sakoo Opposites attract is an understatement for these tapioca dumplings, stuffed with sweetened peanut, peppery chili, and cilantro. Served with lettuce wraps, they offer a mix of cold and warm, sweet and spicy. It’s like a blind date—you never know what you’re gonna get, but in this case, it’s a really great dish. photo credit: Nina Palazzolo Fi-lao O'fish Spectacular—crispy catfish, fresh chili-cilantro sauce, and tangy mayo. Give us 14 of them right now. photo credit: Nina Palazzolo Gaeng Phed Thip Khao earned its spot as one of our top-rated DC restaurants because they absolutely nail the flavors every time. This crab curry from their sister restaurant is no exception—it’s buttery, rich, and luxuriously coconut-creamy." - Omnia Saed
"Laotian chef Seng Luangrath (Thip Khao, Padaek) reboots the 5-year-old Shaw space that formerly housed cocktail and small plates bar Hanumanh. Newly named Baan Mae, billed as a “progressive Southeast Asian cousin” to its other restaurants, opened in June with giant head-on prawns with Lao chili paste, fish cake sliders with tofu mayo and pea shoots, and a list of mains like Southern-style curry with short ribs, potato, and Jasmine rice. A trio of opening cocktails includes the Next Question (calamansi-pickled plum, tequila, and orange blossom)." - Tierney Plumb
"The owners of Columbia Heights’ Laotian hit Thip Khao reboot their 5-year-old Shaw space that formerly housed cocktail and small plates bar Hanumanh. Newly named Baan Mae, billed as a “progressive Southeast Asian cousin” to its other restaurants, opens with giant head-on prawns with Lao chili paste, fish cake sliders with tofu mayo and pea shoots, and a list of mains like Southern-style curry with short ribs, potato, and Jasmine rice. A trio of opening cocktails includes the Next Question (calamansi-pickled plum, tequila, and orange blossom)." - Tierney Plumb
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