Thip Khao Restaurant

D.C.’s 38 Best Restaurants | Eater DC

"Considered the standard-bearer for Lao cuisine in D.C., Thip Khao comes from mother-and-son chefs Seng Luangrath and Boby Pradachith. Their Columbia Heights standby continues to satisfy heat-seekers with a menu full of fermented fish sauce, a heavy dose of chiles, offal, and cured meats. Hit orders include crispy tamarind-glazed wings, grilled pork shoulder with lemongrass, and a fiery Lao papaya salad with eggplant. Over in Shaw, the space that formerly housed the team’s cocktail bar Hanumanh recently turned into a modern Southeast Asian eatery called Baan Mae. The more casual Laotian spot is known for hosting chef pop-ups and also serves $15 bowls of noodles for weekday lunch. If you find yourself out in the suburbs, the family’s Northern Virginia staple Padaek recently settled into a new Arlington home. Best for: Family-style dining, bring a group of friends or family that are down to try an array of dishes" - Tierney Plumb

The Best Restaurants In Columbia Heights & Mt. Pleasant - Washington DC - The Infatuation

"Thip Khao makes some of the best food in the city. The Lao spot’s red curry noodle soup will clear your sinuses, and we love their crispy beef sesame jerky. There’s often a line before the doors open, and you’ll probably be squeezed very close to your neighboring table. Don’t get too hung up on either of those things, though—Thip Khao is worth it. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - omnia saed, allison robicelli

A D.C. Dining Guide to the Food and Drink Scene | Eater DC

"Credited as the family that sparked the #LaoFoodMovement, this essential eatery in Columbia Heights is noted for bringing Lao food into the city’s broader culinary conversation and has expanded to newer digs in Northern Virginia." - Eater Staff

Where To Eat When You’re Visiting DC - Washington DC - The Infatuation

"To get an understanding of just how good the food in DC truly is, go to Thip Khao. The Lao restaurant in Columbia Heights always has a line by the time they open, with crowds waiting to order dishes like the mee kathi, a noodle soup we can’t stop dreaming about. Other standouts include the crispy beef sesame jerky paired with a sour chili sauce we would gladly take home by the bucket, and the fried catfish marinated in a glorious mint and lemongrass glaze. The tables are close together, so be prepared to get cozy with your neighbor. Don't worry, it just gives you an excuse to check out what they’re eating. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - tristiana hinton, allison robicelli

"Chef/co-owner Seng Luangrath first opened in ever-transforming Columbia Heights way back in 2014. Her longstanding restaurant has since become one of the most prominent sources for Laotian cooking in the city. The menu, which shows some clear Thai influences, tempts with its sheer variety of options from vibrant starters like the crispy coconut rice salad with fresh herbs and lettuce wraps to warming soups and curries to “jungle menu” favorites like crispy pig ears in tamarind salt or alligator laab tossed with lemongrass. Sticky rice is essential. For sure, this is food that’s ideally meant to be shared. Open only for dinner, the casual dining room is an especially good fit for large groups looking to fill every corner of their table with dishes." - Michelin Inspector