Baan Mae

When we heard that the owners of Thip Khao were opening another spot, we sprinted to make a reservation—and we’re so glad we did. This Shaw restaurant puts a modern, fusion twist on Lao cuisine, with small plates like citrusy cilantro shrimp crudo next to buttery Thai-style massaman curries served with shredded beef brisket.

Similar to Thip Khao, the space is intimate (you might find yourself awkwardly bumping into other diners) but the ambiance here is much more romantic. You’ll likely spot first dates cozying up on bar stools, sharing bites of banana jicama blossom salad under soft, golden-orange lights. Follow suit, and make sure the warm tapioca dumplings filled with sweet peanuts and wrapped in crisp lettuce, the crispy catfish sliders (we could eat ten of these), and the impeccably seasoned crab curry are a part of your order.

Food Rundown

Sakoo

Opposites attract is an understatement for these tapioca dumplings, stuffed with sweetened peanut, peppery chili, and cilantro. Served with lettuce wraps, they offer a mix of cold and warm, sweet and spicy. It’s like a blind date—you never know what you’re gonna get, but in this case, it’s a really great dish.

Fi-lao O'fish

Spectacular—crispy catfish, fresh chili-cilantro sauce, and tangy mayo. Give us 14 of them right now.

Gaeng Phed

Thip Khao earned its spot as one of our top-rated DC restaurants because they absolutely nail the flavors every time. This crab curry from their sister restaurant is no exception—it’s buttery, rich, and luxuriously coconut-creamy.