Thip Khao DC – Best Lao Restaurant | Menu, Prices, & Reviews

Introduction

Thip Khao Restaurant in Washington, D.C. is a culinary gem known for its authentic Lao cuisine, innovative menu, and cultural storytelling through food. Helmed by Chef Seng Luangrath, it is not just a dining destination; it is a vibrant representation of Lao heritage and culinary excellence. With signature dishes, a daring Jungle Menu, and plant-based offerings, Thip Khao DC delivers a flavorful experience that captivates locals and tourists alike.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to Thip Khao Restaurant, optimized for both users and search engines. It is structured for maximum readability and ranking potential based on Google’s latest SEO algorithms.

About Thip Khao Restaurant

Founded in 2014 by Chef Seng Luangrath and her son Chef Boby Pradachith, Thip Khao has grown to symbolize the Lao Food Movement in the United States. The name “Thip Khao” refers to the woven bamboo basket used to serve sticky rice, a staple in Lao meals.

Chef Seng’s journey from Laos to the U.S. brought Lao cuisine into the spotlight. She began with a secret Lao menu at Bangkok Golden in Virginia before launching it in D.C. Since then, she has received national recognition, including:

James Beard Award semifinalist (Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic)
Bon Appétit Top 50 New Restaurants (2015)
Michelin Bib Gourmand annually since 2018
Featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil Season 7

Thip Khao DC has inspired a wave of Lao culinary pride and elevated the cuisine beyond Thai fusion misconceptions.

Thip Khao Menu With Prices

🥘 Mains – Jungle Menu

Dish	Description	Price
Gaeng Phet	Red coconut curry, lemongrass, basil	Soft Tofu 23 / Chicken 23 / Shrimp / Beef 26 / Salmon 26
Moak (V)	Steamed in banana leaves, herbal green curry sauce, coconut, wood ear mushroom, dill, onion	Tofu 23 / Catfish 26 / Salmon 26
Kapao Kob (V)	Crispy fried, stir-fried with spicy basil sauce, bell pepper, onion	Fried Tofu / Chicken
Chuenh Paa Kapao	Crispy whole fish, spicy basil tamarind sauce, bell pepper, flash-fried basil leaves
Muu Som	Rice-cured sour pork belly, makrut lime leaf, ginger, garlic, tomato, mushroom, toasted chili
Laab E Kae	Minced alligator meat, toasted rice chili, lemongrass, galangal, cilantro, mint
Pun Mieng	Collard green wraps, lemongrass, cherry tomato, rice vermicelli noodles, ginger, pineapple sauce	Fried Tofu 23 / Catfish 28
Piing Hua Jai Kai	Grilled chicken hearts, skewers, marinated with lemongrass, ginger	26
Chuenh Paa Sa Moun Pai	Crispy catfish, spicy fish sauce, lemongrass, cilantro, mint, fried shallot	20
Pad Phet Paa	Crispy blue catfish, herb sauce, snake bean, round eggplant, chili	27
Awk	Spicy jungle curry, Thai eggplant, wood ear mushroom, charred jalapeño, dill, toasted rice	Soft Tofu 23 / Chicken 23 / Beef 26 / Salmon 26

🥗 Salads

Dish	Description	Price
Tam Muk Houng	Green papaya salad, unfiltered fish sauce, fermented shellfish, chili, tomato, eggplant, lime, garlic	17
Tam Som	Green papaya salad, fish sauce, tamarind, chili, tomato, lime, palm sugar, peanut	18
Naem Khao	Crispy coconut rice salad, peanut, lime, scallion, cilantro, green lettuce wraps	Add sour pork +$2
Nahm Tok	Grilled pork shoulder salad, spicy chili lime sauce, cilantro, mint, onion, toasted rice	15
Laab (G/V)	Minced salad, toasted rice, chili, lemongrass, galangal, cilantro	Fried Tofu 23 / Chicken 23 / Duck 26
Senh Mee Puu Eggplant Salad	Fried eggplant, tamarind galangal sauce, crispy shallots, mint, watermelon radish	17

🥟 Appetizers

Dish	Description	Price
Siin Or Muu Haeng	Crispy sesame jerky, ginger, sour chili sauce	Beef / Pork
Sai Oua	Spicy herbal pork sausage, charred green chili sauce, cucumber	19
Chuenh Taohu (G/V)	Crispy tamarind-glazed tofu, scallion	15
Chuenh Peek Gai (G)	Crispy tamarind-glazed chicken wings, scallion	18
Curry Puff (V)	Crispy pastry dough filled with curried potatoes	17
Hu Muu Todd	Crispy fried pig’s ears, tamarind salt	24

🍜 Noodles & Rice Dishes

Dish	Description	Price
Mee Kathi	Rice noodle, red coconut curry, egg, peanut, cabbage, cilantro	Fried Tofu 23 / Chicken 23 / Shrimp 26 / Catfish 25
Longevity Noodles	Yellow noodle, jumbo crab meat, mushroom, scallion, Chinese celery	26
Khao Piak Sen	Homemade rice noodle soup, ginger, crispy garlic, crispy shallot, scallion, beansprout, cilantro	Fried Tofu 23 / Chicken 23 / Shrimp 26
Kua Mee	Wok-tossed thin rice noodles, fish sauce caramel, egg, scallion, cilantro	Fried Tofu 23 / Chicken 23 / Shrimp 26
Kee Mao	Wok-tossed flat rice noodles, chili-garlic sauce, fish sauce, basil, bell peppers, onions	Fried Tofu 23 / Chicken 23 / Shrimp 26 / Beef 25
Kua Khao Jaew Bong	Fermented chili fried rice, fish sauce, egg, basil, scallion	Fried Tofu 23 / Chicken 23 / Beef 25 / Shrimp 26

🍢 Grilled Specialties

Dish	Description	Price
Khao Niew Siin or Muu Haeng	Crispy sesame jerky, sticky rice, jaew bong jam, cucumber	Beef / Pork
Piing	Pork shoulder or chicken skewers, marinated and grilled with lemongrass	Chicken 22 / Pork Shoulder 24

Top 5 Most Ordered Hot Dishes to Try

When it comes to choosing what to eat at the Thip Khao Menu, in my observations, these five dishes stand out as absolute favorites among locals and visitors alike. Each dish is crafted with care, bursting with flavors that keep guests coming back. Here are five must-try dishes based on customer favorites and my personal experience;

1. Naem Khao (Crispy Rice Salad):

A signature dish made with crispy rice, coconut, lime, pickled pork sausage, scallions, cilantro, and peanuts. Served with lettuce wraps. Highly recommended by Bon Appétit.

2. Khao Poon:

A spicy coconut red curry noodle soup available with proteins like chicken, shrimp, pork intestine, tofu, or salmon.

3. Sakoo Yadsai (Tapioca Dumplings):

Vegetarian and gluten-free. Filled with peanut, radish, and herbs.

4. Laab:

Minced meat or tofu with chili, galangal, lemongrass, mint, and toasted rice powder. A staple of Lao cuisine.

5. Or Lam:

A rich stew with lemongrass, coconut milk, squash, dill, and protein choices (beef, catfish, tofu, salmon).

Every dish is served with Khao Niew (sticky rice) in traditional baskets, enhancing the authenticity.

Plant-Based and Vegetarian Options

Thip Khao Menu is a haven for plant-based diners. Many dishes are marked vegetarian (V) and gluten-free (G) on the menu. Standouts include:

Mee Kathi: Rice vermicelli in a coconut-curry sauce with tofu and mushrooms
Eggplant Salad: Roasted eggplant with tamarind-galangal dressing
Tofu Laab: A vegan twist on the traditional salad

The menu is thoughtfully curated, allowing vegan and vegetarian guests to fully enjoy Lao culinary richness.

The Jungle Menu: For the Adventurous

The Jungle Menu is Thip Khao’s daring feature, showcasing bold, spicy, and offal-based dishes not commonly found in American restaurants. These include:

Crispy Pig Ears with Tamarind Salt
Grilled Chicken Hearts marinated with lemongrass
Alligator or Catfish Laab
Rice-Cured Sour Pork Belly
Papaya Salad (Jungle Style): Known for searing heat and intense umami

Some specials even include soups made with pig’s blood. These dishes honor traditional Lao preparations and are recommended for adventurous palates.

Food Network and the Washington Post have spotlighted the Jungle Menu for its authenticity and boldness.

Thip Khao Restaurant Reviews

Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (★★★★☆) Based on 1,527 reviews. Google Reviews & Yelp.

Quick Guide About Thip Khao Restaurant

Detail	Information
Google Rating	4.6 (⭐⭐⭐⭐) (1,527 reviews)
Price Range	💲 $30–50 per person (Reported by 249 people)
Cuisine	Laotian Restaurant
Summary	Sleek & modern eatery serving spicy Laotian dishes and cocktails with a twist.
Dining Options	✅ Dine-in ✅ Takeout ✅ Delivery
Address	📍 3462 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Phone	📞 (202) 387-5426
Website	For the menu and prices, visit the official website here.
Reservations	🔗 Find a table on OpenTable
Hours	5–10 PM

Location, Ambiance, and Reservation Info

Located at 3462 14th Street NW, Washington D.C. 20010, this is situated in the heart of Columbia Heights. Its warm, welcoming interior includes wooden communal tables, cultural Lao decor, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the communal essence of Lao dining.

Hours: Open for dinner from 5 PM to 10 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Reservations: Highly recommended via OpenTable or the official website
Access: Wheelchair accessible, near public transit; no dedicated parking

Thip Khao’s setting combines authenticity and modern comfort, making it perfect for group gatherings or an intimate culinary adventure.

Location on Map:

5 Nearby Restaurants Serving Similar Cuisine

If you’re in the area and craving more Southeast Asian flavors, here are five nearby restaurants worth visiting. Each offers its own unique spin on Thai, Lao, or pan-Asian dishes.

1. Little Serow

Address: 1511 17th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Google Rating: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (450+ reviews)
Website: For the menu and prices, visit the official website here.
This intimate spot specializes in northern Thai cuisine with a set menu that changes weekly. The food is spicy, aromatic, and deeply comforting in a cozy, basement-level setting.

2. Padaek

Address: 6395 Seven Corners Center, Falls Church, VA 22044
Google Rating: 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐(900+ reviews)
Website: For the menu and prices, visit the official website here.
Just outside D.C., Padaek offers authentic Lao and Thai dishes. The crispy rice salad and fish sauce wings are customer favorites. The ambiance is casual and welcoming.

3. Thai X-ing

Address: 2020 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Google Rating: 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (850+ reviews)
Website: For the menu and prices, visit the official website here.
Known for its prix fixe Thai dinners, Thai X-ing is a beloved local spot serving bold, home-cooked meals in a cozy row house setting.

4. Beau Thai

Address: 1550 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Google Rating: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1,100+ reviews)
Website: For the menu and prices, visit the official website here.
Beau Thai blends modern aesthetics with traditional flavors. Their drunken noodles and curries are popular, and vegan options are clearly marked.

5. Doi Moi

Address: 1800 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Google Rating: 4.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐(750+ reviews)
Website: For the menu and prices, visit the official website here.
Doi Moi serves a variety of Southeast Asian street food-inspired dishes. The stylish space and creative cocktails make it a great place for a date or night out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do they offer vegetarian options?
Yes, they have a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes clearly labeled on the menu.

Q: What is the Jungle Menu?
It is a selection of spicy, traditional Lao dishes featuring offal and rare proteins, ideal for adventurous eaters.

Q: Should I make a reservation?
Yes. It is popular, especially on weekends. Book through OpenTable or the official site.

Q: Is the food spicy?
Many dishes have a bold spice level. Staff will help guide based on your preferences.

Q: Can I order takeout or delivery?
Yes. Takeout is available via the website. Delivery is limited.

Conclusion

Thip Khao Restaurant stands as a trailblazer for Lao cuisine in America, offering a menu that is rich in flavor, culture, and authenticity. From crispy rice salad and comforting curries to the fearless Jungle Menu, every dish tells a story. The warm hospitality, thoughtful plant-based options, and nationally acclaimed recognition make it a must-visit.

Whether you are a food adventurer or a cultural enthusiast, it delivers an experience that is as educational as it is delicious.

Book your table today and immerse yourself in the flavors of Laos right in the heart of Washington D.C.

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TaQi Anjum

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Taqi Anjum is a seasoned culinary and travel expert with deep knowledge of America’s restaurant and travel landscapes. Specializing in menu pricing, dining trends, cost-saving strategies, and insider travel tips, he crafts authoritative guides that empower food lovers and travelers to explore the USA with confidence.