Team Thip Khao Is Unveiling Another Laotian Eatery This Year

The owners of critically acclaimed Thip Khao in Columbia Heights and Padaek in Falls Church plan to debut a third Laotian restaurant somewhere in D.C. this fall, reports Washingtonian.

Real estate sources tell Eater the team has been eyeing a Shaw space north of Dacha on 7th Street NW for some time, though it’s unclear whether that’s the chosen one.

While they’re not yet revealing exact address or name, mother-son duo Seng Luangrath and Bobby Pradachith tell the publication they’ll be serving new dishes and Lao-inspired cocktails at the mystery location currently being carved out.

“There is a comfort food sense to what we’re doing already, but we’re trying to bring more of it,” Pradachith tells Washingtonian.

Think: a fermented rice dish with seasonal vegetable, grilled skewers, and stews, as well as more salads pounded with a mortar and pestle — a traditional technique in Laos. The restaurant’s size will be on par with Padaek (40 to 50 seats), with design elements that honor the Southeast Asian country’s culture.

The existing sister restaurants are taking some time off next month, closing from Monday, August 6 to Tuesday, August 14 for an annual staff summer retreat.