Image: Salad!
Last Updated: May 2025
Overview:
A friend who has spent time in Southeast Asia and doesn’t go for the fancy spots left a post-it on our desk to tell us that Baan Mae is the best SE Asian food in D.C. We can understand the enthusiasm. Like its predecessor at this address it is a small space, with a big bar, serving surprising and delightful dishes. Unlike Hanumanh (that still has some decorative traces lingering around), Baan Mae branches out from a Lao focus.
Chef Seng Luangrath, whose name is essentially synonymous with Lao cuisine in this region, reimagined the menu here around the idea of mom’s cooking. In this case that means trying more things inspired by moms rather than reverting to just comfort food. Large Argentinian shrimp served crudo style with a chimichurri-like dressing of green chiles, cilantro and garlic is an indication of how far ranging the ideas can travel. A jicama salad that lets the spice build on the back end is a good summery choice. One dish inspired by Luangrath’s mother is the glazed pork ribs with a sweet sauce of caramelized fish sauce, lychee and mango juice and meat that falls off the bone. Nyi Nyi Myint, who is a business partner and creative director, adds her maternally-inspired dish of massaman with short rib. As much as we have sampled, dishes going to other tables fed curiosity.
Drinks are less of a focus here than they were at Hanumanh, but it still is a great place to hang out at a small table with friends or at the bar in a relaxed setting (sometimes a little too relaxed on the service side, but what’s your rush). There are also seats on the patio in back.
This spot went through a lot of fits and starts, it is good to see it settle into something stable and rewarding to those willing to make a trip.
Other Guidance: Post accessibility guidance: “No barriers to entrance; ADA-compliant restrooms.” The spot is casual. GF can do well. More than a few dishes are marked vegan. That said there is a note that, “Due to the distinctive nature of our menu, we are unable to modify or alter dishes to meet specific dietary restrictions or preferences.”
Summary:
Cuisine: Lao
Neighborhood: Shaw
Address: 1604 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Website: https://www.baanmaedc.com/
Reservations: Opentable
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom is a fan.
Washingtonian: Preview
Washington City Paper: Nevin Martell’s write up.