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Thip Khao had its formal opening in D.C. earlier this month. Fans of chef Seng Luangrath's cooking at Bangkok Golden in Falls Church now have a D.C. option to visit. But is it as good as the original? Here's what the first bloggers, Yelpers and others had to say.
The prediction: Thip Khao is earning 4.5 stars on Yelp with 29 reviews in. Yelper Emily V. says, "Thip Khao is going to be really, really popular really, really soon. I'm calling it (I love to be prescient and right)." [Yelp]
The spicy news: Yelp user Dipesh P. says, "Word of warning: if you do not like spicy food do not go here. And when I say spicy I mean extreme flavors of real heat in your mouth, not just some pepper or Sriracha sauce." [Yelp]
The authentic news: Michael K reports, "This place is bomb. So nice to finally have some authentic Southeast Asian food in DC. Probably the spiciest food I've had in DC, which is awesome. I was greeted in Lao and the restaurant decor was very nice. Our waiter was extremely attentive and it all felt very smooth especially since they have hardly been open." [Yelp]
The Lao report: Merry M. says, My cultural background is Lao and I've had the real deal home cooked Laos food that my family makes...The food was delicious. I suggest going with a group and ordering a bunch of dishes so you can try a variety of things and really get to know the flavors of the cuisine. Lao food is traditionally served family style with all the food in the center and is enjoyed by everyone." [Yelp]
The exotic news: Washingtonian offers some advice on the adventurous "jungle" menu. "Here you'll find mouth-searing papaya salad with crab paste and chilies; spicy blood sausage; pounded snakehead fish with charred herbs; and laab siin dib, a Lao-style steak tartare with tripe. If the spice is overwhelming, try dipping into the basket of sticky rice accompanying each meal, which also gives the restaurant its name." [Washingtonian]
The Twitter Rave: Twitter's @aj_waso says "Had a delicious meal at @thipkhaoDC last night! Took me back to my time in #Laos. Definitely going back again and again (and again)." [Twitter]
The Bangkok Golden comparison: On Facebook, Chris says "Awesome Lao food in DC! Every bit as good as Chef Seng's original place (Bangkok Golden). Keep up the good work!" [FB]
The salmon news: Thip Khao has one review on Urban Spoon. "Excellent service and food! Ordered Moak pah, which was salmon covered in a spicy sauce and steamed in banana leaf. This comes with sticky rice and lots of raw crunchy vegetables. Look forward to coming again!" [US]
The carryout news: On Don Rockwell, user sandynva says, "We had some wonderful carry-out from here last night. the place is lovely, the servers really nice, and there werent many people there at 5:45 last night.=they packed up the dishes beautifully, artfully arranged with pretty garnishes. it was a nice touch." [DR]
