We loved Thip Khao. Their dishes are very flavorful, unique and they have a lot of vegetarian options.
The eggplant salad and their pad sew ew is excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Morgan Jordan
There were 3+ cockroaches crawling around our table and on our belongings.
Food: 3
Sofia Georgiou
An unforgettable mix of taste and hospitality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jed
Amazing food, great service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex
Thip Khao is an absolute gem for Laotian food in D.C. The space is warm and colorful with a welcoming, homey vibe. The menu is full of bold, vibrant flavors — the crispy rice salad is a must, the spicy curries pack a punch, and the sticky rice makes every dish feel authentic. Everything tastes super fresh and comes out beautifully plated.
The staff are friendly, helpful, and happy to explain dishes if you’re new to Laotian cuisine. Between the cozy atmosphere, exciting flavors, and attentive service, Thip Khao is a must-visit if you’re looking for something different and delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christopher Lam
One of the best meals we had on our trip
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thomas Isidean
Absolutely delicious meal. We are so lucky to have this great restaurant nearby. We had the Laab with tofu, Moak with salmon, and Kua Khao Jaew Bong with chicken. Everything tasted so fresh, was prepared with care, and super flavorful. The generous portions leave you extremely satisfied. Good selection of vegetarian options. Like a trip to Laos without the long flights. Service is quick and efficient with friendly staff. Great atmosphere, but it can be a little loud indoors at times as it fills up. Parking can be a challenge in the neighborhood. Just north of Columbia Heights Metro and 14th St buses are a great option. Thank you for such a wonderful meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Laab
Rekha Karna
Stumbled upon this hidden gem of a Lao restaurant in Washington, DC, and it turned out to be an incredible culinary find! Though it might not be widely known, Laoan food is absolutely outstanding. Each dish is packed with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of spices, offering an authentic taste of Laos that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.
The menu features a variety of traditional Lao dishes, and every bite feels like a new discovery. Whether you’re trying their savory laap, flavorful papaya salad, or rich curries, the freshness and quality of the ingredients really shine through. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality.
For anyone looking to explore a lesser-known cuisine, this place is a must-visit. Thip Khao is a humble spot, but the food will leave a lasting impression. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a break from the usual and craving something truly special!
The pork jerky, crispy rice salad and papaya salad are a must have!!!
The drinks were good too.
The papaya salad is extremely spicy but so good!! The pork jerky was sweet and well seasoned. Will be back for sure!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scot Fishman
This place hits hard! Compare to other local Lao spots in DC, this one takes first prize...and it ain't even close. It is fairly no-frills yet still pleasant and located blocks north of the Columbia Heights station. The server was as nice as could be (although service was a bit slow). The food came out fresh, hot and absolutely delicious. Be sure that I'll return, and can't wait 'til I do!
Love this place. If you’re sensitive to spice like me, don’t be worried. They have plenty of delicious menu items that aren’t spicy,
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin Adams
Really awesome food and it’s fantastic to have such world class cooking available here in Columbia Heights. They are often really busy so I recommend coming on the later side if possible. Perfect place to try Laotian if you’ve never had it. Prices are reasonable too, a rarity for such an acclaimed restaurant.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
J Mai
The worst papaya salad I've tried. It was like eating a pile of salt. Told the server but they couldn't do anything about it. Growing up eating papaya salad, this was not at all good. I am so disappointed. I should've went elsewhere than traveling across the country to try whats so called "the best" lao food. While the other dishes are plain compare to other lao spots.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Papaya Salad
annapoorni s
Loved the vegan options - the lettuce wrap salad and flat noodles were awesome. Red curry tofu was good. I would skip the green curry banana leaf tofu if you are vegetarian- too much dill over powering the other components. Overall good lively place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Vegan, Red Coconut Curry, Fried Tofu
Soobean
really tasty southeast asian food. probably the best i’ve had in dc .
we got the fried rice, eggplant, papaya salad, and beef dish. every dish was flavorful, well-balanced. and filling. the service was seamless and ambiance was nice.
We loved Thip Khao. Their dishes are very flavorful, unique and they have a lot of vegetarian options.
The eggplant salad and their pad sew ew is excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
There were 3+ cockroaches crawling around our table and on our belongings.
Food: 3
An unforgettable mix of taste and hospitality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food, great service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thip Khao is an absolute gem for Laotian food in D.C. The space is warm and colorful with a welcoming, homey vibe. The menu is full of bold, vibrant flavors — the crispy rice salad is a must, the spicy curries pack a punch, and the sticky rice makes every dish feel authentic. Everything tastes super fresh and comes out beautifully plated.
The staff are friendly, helpful, and happy to explain dishes if you’re new to Laotian cuisine. Between the cozy atmosphere, exciting flavors, and attentive service, Thip Khao is a must-visit if you’re looking for something different and delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best meals we had on our trip
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely delicious meal. We are so lucky to have this great restaurant nearby. We had the Laab with tofu, Moak with salmon, and Kua Khao Jaew Bong with chicken. Everything tasted so fresh, was prepared with care, and super flavorful. The generous portions leave you extremely satisfied. Good selection of vegetarian options. Like a trip to Laos without the long flights. Service is quick and efficient with friendly staff. Great atmosphere, but it can be a little loud indoors at times as it fills up. Parking can be a challenge in the neighborhood. Just north of Columbia Heights Metro and 14th St buses are a great option. Thank you for such a wonderful meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Laab
Stumbled upon this hidden gem of a Lao restaurant in Washington, DC, and it turned out to be an incredible culinary find! Though it might not be widely known, Laoan food is absolutely outstanding. Each dish is packed with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of spices, offering an authentic taste of Laos that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.
The menu features a variety of traditional Lao dishes, and every bite feels like a new discovery. Whether you’re trying their savory laap, flavorful papaya salad, or rich curries, the freshness and quality of the ingredients really shine through. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality.
For anyone looking to explore a lesser-known cuisine, this place is a must-visit. Thip Khao is a humble spot, but the food will leave a lasting impression. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a break from the usual and craving something truly special!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Laab, Crispy Rice Salad, Fried Rice
The pork jerky, crispy rice salad and papaya salad are a must have!!!
The drinks were good too.
The papaya salad is extremely spicy but so good!! The pork jerky was sweet and well seasoned. Will be back for sure!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place hits hard! Compare to other local Lao spots in DC, this one takes first prize...and it ain't even close. It is fairly no-frills yet still pleasant and located blocks north of the Columbia Heights station. The server was as nice as could be (although service was a bit slow). The food came out fresh, hot and absolutely delicious. Be sure that I'll return, and can't wait 'til I do!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Love this place. If you’re sensitive to spice like me, don’t be worried. They have plenty of delicious menu items that aren’t spicy,
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really awesome food and it’s fantastic to have such world class cooking available here in Columbia Heights. They are often really busy so I recommend coming on the later side if possible. Perfect place to try Laotian if you’ve never had it. Prices are reasonable too, a rarity for such an acclaimed restaurant.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
The worst papaya salad I've tried. It was like eating a pile of salt. Told the server but they couldn't do anything about it. Growing up eating papaya salad, this was not at all good. I am so disappointed. I should've went elsewhere than traveling across the country to try whats so called "the best" lao food.
While the other dishes are plain compare to other lao spots.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Papaya Salad
Loved the vegan options - the lettuce wrap salad and flat noodles were awesome. Red curry tofu was good. I would skip the green curry banana leaf tofu if you are vegetarian- too much dill over powering the other components. Overall good lively place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Vegan, Red Coconut Curry, Fried Tofu
really tasty southeast asian food. probably the best i’ve had in dc .
we got the fried rice, eggplant, papaya salad, and beef dish. every dish was flavorful, well-balanced. and filling. the service was seamless and ambiance was nice.
would come again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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