Thip Khao
8.5Locals Score / 10#3 of 15 Restaurants in Washington, DC
$$
Known forJames Beard nominatedColumbia HeightsAuthenticSoutheast Asian
The definitive destination for Lao cuisine in DC, run by chef Seng Luangrath who is widely credited with introducing authentic Lao cooking to the American dining mainstream. The larb, papaya salad, and grilled meats are fiercely flavored and uncompromising in their authenticity. This is not a watered-down version of Southeast Asian food — heat levels are real. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | — |
| Time needed | — |
| Best time to go | — |
| Last verified | July 14, 2026 |
Locals Score
8.5/10- Value8.5
- Iconic6.5
- Excellence8.5
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity9.5
- Accessibility7.5
Nearby in Ask Washington DC
- Petworth Farmers MarketMarket1.17 km · 15 min walk
- Meridian Hill ParkPark1.35 km · 17 min walk
- National ZooAttraction1.5 km · 19 min walk
- Smithsonian National ZooMuseum1.5 km · 19 min walk
- Florida Avenue GrillRestaurant1.53 km · 19 min walk
Where to stay near Thip Khao
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Locals Score