Thip Khao
A flagship Laotian restaurant in Columbia Heights, called a vital representative of Laotian cuisine in the city by Michelin, with the crispy rice salad being a must-order.
Opened in Columbia Heights in 2014 by chef Seng Luangrath, who now cooks alongside her son Boby Pradachith. The Michelin Guide calls it one of the city's most important sources of Laotian cuisine, and it was selected for Washingtonian's 2026 Best Restaurants list. Dishes are designed for sharing and are served with sticky rice. The signature is naem khao, a crispy coconut rice salad that The Infatuation calls one of the best salads in the city. More adventurous options like laab, green papaya salad, and items from the "Jungle Menu" like alligator laab and fried pig ears feature pronounced sour, spicy, and fermented fish sauce flavors. The atmosphere is casual, making it great for group dining; visiting with a group is recommended to try more dishes. Open for dinner only, close to the Columbia Heights metro station.
Opening hours
Wed-Mon 17:00-22:00, closed Tue
Nearby sights
- Smithsonian's National Zoo
- The Phillips Collection
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
- National Museum of Women in the Arts
- The White House
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Ford's Theatre
- Washington National Cathedral