Laos in Town Menu Overview

Nestled in the vibrant Northeast Washington neighborhood at 250 K Street Northeast, Laos in Town serves an exquisite array of authentic Laotian cuisine that delights food enthusiasts seeking bold, fresh, and traditional Southeast Asian flavors. This chic and trendy restaurant offers an inviting ambiance with an elevated dining room and a marble counter bar, perfect for casual upscale dining or group gatherings. Their menu showcases classic Lao dishes crafted meticulously with fresh ingredients and lively seasonings, catering to all palates including vegetarian and vegan options.

Starters

Begin your meal with a selection of tantalizing starters that perfectly balance fragrant herbs and vibrant spices. The Herbal Pork Sausage features succulent pork blended with traditional Lao herbs, ginger, and peanuts, complemented by a spicy chili dipping sauce. For a crispy delight, try the Poh Pia, a vegetable spring roll served with sweet and sour cream. The Seen Hang offers sun-dried beef with a kick of sriracha sauce, while Mieng Kana combines Chinese broccoli leaves with rice noodles, shrimp, and a spicy basil sauce for an herbaceous start. Other crowd favorites include the Grilled Pork Shoulder and Grilled Chicken Heart, both enhanced with a spicy roasted rice powder sauce, and the Calamalao, crispy calamari tossed with red onion, scallion, and cilantro. Don't miss the Moo Ke-Min, a crispy pork belly with garlic and chili garlic sauce, or the Lao Crab Cake with a creamy sriracha dip.

Mains

The mains showcase a rich variety of authentic Laotian dishes that celebrate the region’s unique flavors and cooking techniques. Savor the Grilled Beef, featuring a New York strip perfectly paired with a spicy Jaew dipping sauce and sticky rice. The Grilled Chicken, a whole Cornish hen, is complemented by spicy roasted rice powder and sweet chili sauces served alongside sticky rice. For seafood lovers, the Grilled Whole Fish (Branzino) arrives with rice noodles, tamarind, basil, and spicy garlic sauces, accented by fresh leaves. The Laab Moo is a traditional minced pork salad with herbs and sticky rice, while the Chicken Curry offers a comforting blend of Lao eggplant, green beans, and coconut curry over steamed rice. Unique options like ORM, a light dill soup with chicken, vegetables, and sticky rice, and Khao Poon Pla, rice noodles in a fish curry soup with pickled radishes, invite adventurous palates. Noodle dishes such as Northern Noodle, Wok Noodle, and Khua Mee combine rice noodles with chicken or shrimp and fresh herbs with spicy sauces. Fried rice dishes like Khua Khao and Khua Khao Nam offer satisfying blends of meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. For a crispy seafood option, try Pla Tod, crispy rock fish with mango and Lao herbs, or Pla Tong Na, rock fish with chili, lemongrass, cashews, and steamed rice. Vegetarian and vegan guests will appreciate a wide array of tofu preparations including Tofu Curry, Tofu Orm, and Tofu Northern Noodle, each bursting with fresh herbs and classic Lao spices.

Desserts

Complete your meal on a sweet note with traditional desserts that capture the essence of Laotian cuisine’s subtle sweetness and tropical flair. The mango sticky rice is a must-try, offering perfectly ripe mango alongside delicate sticky rice for a harmonious balance of flavors.

Drinks and Specials

Laos in Town features a fully stocked bar ideal for pairing your meal with refreshing cocktails, quality wines, and a selection of beers. The casual upscale vibe creates an inviting space to enjoy handcrafted drinks alongside your chosen dishes. Specials and seasonal offerings showcase the chef’s creativity, ensuring each visit reveals new flavors and experiences. Whether you’re enjoying lunch, brunch, or dinner, the menu’s diverse options and vibrant presentation promise an unforgettable culinary journey into the heart of Laotian culture.

Highlights at a glance

Herbal Pork Sausage – A flavorful blend of pork and Lao herbs with a spicy chili dipping sauce.
Grilled Whole Fish – Fresh Branzino with tamarind and spicy garlic sauces served with rice noodles.
Laab Moo – Classic minced pork salad with fresh herbs and sticky rice.
Mango Sticky Rice – A luscious and refreshing traditional dessert to finish your meal.