Thip Khao

The story

Thip Khao: Bold Lao Cuisine in Washington, DC | Wattafork

A Home for Lao Cuisine in the Nation’s Capital

Thip Khao, in Washington, DC’s Columbia Heights neighborhood, is the flagship of the Lao Food Movement. Named for the traditional woven basket that holds sticky rice, the restaurant is a dedicated showcase for the bold, vibrant flavors of Lao cuisine. It has earned a Michelin recommendation, a recognition that speaks to its singular place in the city’s dining scene.

The Story Behind the Stove

The restaurant is the work of Chef Seng Luangrath, often called the “Godmother of Laotian Cuisine in America.” Born in Laos, she fled the country during the Vietnam War and learned to cook from elders in a Thai refugee camp. At 40, she followed her passion for cooking, taking over a Thai restaurant and gradually introducing her own Lao dishes. In 2014, she opened Thip Khao with her son, Chef Boby Pradachith. The restaurant has since been named one of the top 50 new restaurants in the US by Bon Appétit and has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2018. Chef Seng has been a James Beard Award semifinalist, and the restaurant appeared on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil.

What to Expect on the Plate

The menu balances beloved Lao staples with lesser-known specialties. Standouts include laab, papaya salad, and mok pa—fish steamed in banana leaves. The kitchen, guided by Culinary Director Chef Nyi Nyi Myint, uses fresh, local ingredients and traditional techniques. The atmosphere is warm and unfussy, built around hospitality and sharing. Thip Khao is more than a meal; it is a cultural experience rooted in the stories and traditions of Laos.