Laos in Town

The story

Laos in Town Washington DC – Laotian Bib Gourmand in NoMa

The Flavor of Laos in Washington, DC

Great Laotian food is no longer half a world away. At Laos in Town in Washington, DC's NoMa neighborhood, the team brings the bright, vibrant, and simple flavors of Laos directly to the table. The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in a genuine love for the country, expressed through every dish and every detail of the dining room.

The space itself is a thoughtful reflection of Laotian culture. White marble countertops and black-and-white floors provide a modern backdrop, while traditional birch trees line the walls and giant fishing traps hang from the ceiling—symbols of luck and prosperity. Oversized windows open to a large outdoor patio, and when the weather permits, the bar is accessible directly from the patio. Inside, shelves display authentic lunch boxes, handcrafted tea sets, and water pitchers, while bamboo baskets on the walls evoke the street vendors of Laos.

This commitment to authenticity and quality has earned Laos in Town a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, a recognition of good quality, good value cooking. The restaurant's menu showcases the distinct character of Lao cuisine, a South East Asian tradition that stands apart from its neighbors. Highlights include grilled chicken heart, grilled whole fish, and pla tod, all prepared with the bold, herbaceous flavors that define the cuisine.

The bar program is equally considered, featuring a lineup of cocktails that incorporate Lao whisky and ingredients like tamarind, lemongrass, and guava. The drink menu also offers a selection of wines, beers including a house Lao lager, and non-alcoholic options like butterfly pea lemonade and iced coffee from the Bolaven Plateau.

With its inviting atmosphere and straightforward approach to Lao food, Laos in Town has become a destination for those seeking something genuinely different in the nation's capital.