Owner Nick Ongsangkoon and executive chef Ben Tiatasin are teaming up to expand the offerings of Southeast Asian food in the District with their new restaurant, Laos in Town. Though it’s only been a little while since it opened in NoMa, there’s already quite a buzz in local media outlets and on social media. Locals are cheering the restaurant’s accommodating service and the authentic Laotian cuisine, and offer praise for the atmosphere, as well. The space has a modern aesthetic with clean lines and natural light, as well as plenty of seating on the patio, at the bar, and in private dining rooms. 

The menu features an array of appetizers, salads, curry soups, and main dishes. If it’s your first time, regulars recommend starting with the crispy fried quail, then moving on to the kitchen’s signature salad, fish soup, and pla tod (crispy whole fish in tamarind sauce). Be sure to leave room for mango sticky rice for dessert.