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
bobU8601WK
Thip Kao is a wonderful place to eat and added another cuisine to my world food map. My hosts ordered for me so I do not know the names of the dishes, but each one was delicious and offered a new and different flavor profile. The servers were attentive and food arrived in a timely manner. I look forward to returning.
mettraveler
Pretty good food but not Michelin class by any stretch of the imagination. Essentially, Thai cuisine with a few twists. Prices are high for what you get. And they add a few gross items on the menu to be faux chic/trendy. Like pigs ears. Just hyper fried strips of pork. Yuck. Most of the fish is catfish and other items are good but not inspiring. Nice staff. No serious desire to return.
Shannon K
My fiancé and I dined here with another couple on January 17th and three of us developed severe GI symptoms consistent with food poisoning within the next 48 hours. Our symptoms and the dehydration that resulted lasted nearly a week. When we called the restaurant, the manager didn’t seem to understand how food borne illnesses are transmitted and suggested we all had a “food allergy”. Eventually, another manager refunded our meal. The most disappointing thing of all is that our illness could have been easily prevented if Thip Khao bothered to practice basic food safety practices. Hopefully the DC Department of Health can provide the staff with some much needed education and spare future customers from a week of misery.
BrandonPKT
Thip Khao caused a food poisoning outbreak in two households over the weekend of January 17-19, 2025. If you have experienced any GI symptoms and/or vomiting within 48 hours of a recent visit then please contact the DC Health Department to contribute to the current investigation. We were able to ID Thip Khao as the cause of our food poisoning because: (1) we were dining with another couple (from a different household) and this was the only meal or drink we shared together (three appetizers which we communicated to the health department) in the time leading up to our illness, and (2) members of both households developed the same symptoms at a similar time post dining which match the incubation period for a common food poisoning viral strain We reported the food poisoning outbreak to Thip Khao the next day over the phone and the manager did not seem to understand what food poisoning is or the gravity of the issue. Instead she asked us if we had a "food allergy" - despite us clearly communicating the GI symptoms that occurred in two households. It is shocking and very dangerous for a restaurant manager to be unfamiliar with food poisoning and the serious damage that can be caused to the health of your patrons. Thankfully a different member of the ownerships team called us the next day stating that they are taking the incident very seriously and refunded our meal. This episode is extremely disappointing because we were seriously ill for several days and it was entirely preventable if Thip Khao had taken very basic precautions. I have no faith that this is possible with the current manager. We are hopeful that the DC Health department will provide education to the Manager of Thip Khao regarding the differences between a food allergy and food poisoning. We also hope that the health department will require full sanitation of their kitchen and employees education regarding hand washing.
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!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Benjamin de Boer
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,
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
Thip Kao is a wonderful place to eat and added another cuisine to my world food map. My hosts ordered for me so I do not know the names of the dishes, but each one was delicious and offered a new and different flavor profile. The servers were attentive and food arrived in a timely manner. I look forward to returning.
Pretty good food but not Michelin class by any stretch of the imagination. Essentially, Thai cuisine with a few twists. Prices are high for what you get. And they add a few gross items on the menu to be faux chic/trendy. Like pigs ears. Just hyper fried strips of pork. Yuck. Most of the fish is catfish and other items are good but not inspiring. Nice staff. No serious desire to return.
My fiancé and I dined here with another couple on January 17th and three of us developed severe GI symptoms consistent with food poisoning within the next 48 hours. Our symptoms and the dehydration that resulted lasted nearly a week. When we called the restaurant, the manager didn’t seem to understand how food borne illnesses are transmitted and suggested we all had a “food allergy”. Eventually, another manager refunded our meal. The most disappointing thing of all is that our illness could have been easily prevented if Thip Khao bothered to practice basic food safety practices. Hopefully the DC Department of Health can provide the staff with some much needed education and spare future customers from a week of misery.
Thip Khao caused a food poisoning outbreak in two households over the weekend of January 17-19, 2025. If you have experienced any GI symptoms and/or vomiting within 48 hours of a recent visit then please contact the DC Health Department to contribute to the current investigation. We were able to ID Thip Khao as the cause of our food poisoning because: (1) we were dining with another couple (from a different household) and this was the only meal or drink we shared together (three appetizers which we communicated to the health department) in the time leading up to our illness, and (2) members of both households developed the same symptoms at a similar time post dining which match the incubation period for a common food poisoning viral strain We reported the food poisoning outbreak to Thip Khao the next day over the phone and the manager did not seem to understand what food poisoning is or the gravity of the issue. Instead she asked us if we had a "food allergy" - despite us clearly communicating the GI symptoms that occurred in two households. It is shocking and very dangerous for a restaurant manager to be unfamiliar with food poisoning and the serious damage that can be caused to the health of your patrons. Thankfully a different member of the ownerships team called us the next day stating that they are taking the incident very seriously and refunded our meal. This episode is extremely disappointing because we were seriously ill for several days and it was entirely preventable if Thip Khao had taken very basic precautions. I have no faith that this is possible with the current manager. We are hopeful that the DC Health department will provide education to the Manager of Thip Khao regarding the differences between a food allergy and food poisoning. We also hope that the health department will require full sanitation of their kitchen and employees education regarding hand washing.
One of the best meals we had on our trip
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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
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