Thip Khao

Cuisine

Lao

Michelin

selected

Price

$$

Website

https://www.thipkhao.com/

Description

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 t

Review score

4.2

Review count

80

Review summary

Thip Khao offers Lao cuisine with generally positive reception. Food quality is a key strength, praised for creativity, rich flavors, and fresh ingredients, with recommendations for the jungle menu, mango sticky rice, and specialty sausages. Service is typically attentive, though some guests note slow meal pacing. The atmosphere is described as spacious, cozy, and upscale. However, issues include an unstable online ordering system, overly acidic tastes in some dishes, and isolated food safety concerns. Despite these drawbacks, most visitors find the experience worthwhile and suitable for those seeking authentic, exotic dining options.

Best for

Suitable for diners seeking unique Southeast Asian flavors who can tolerate minor service inconsistencies.

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