You'll Be Transported To A Laotian Village At This Top-Rated Restaurant In North Carolina
By Carolyn Harmon|Published October 20, 2023
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
For an exciting, mouthwatering journey, try this Laotian restaurant in North Carolina. Bida Manda is a restaurant and bar in Raleigh that celebrates the diversity in food and culture of the lovely and exotic Southeast Asian country. The authentic recipes transport us to the street corners of Luang Prabang or to any Laotian home. Some specialty ingredients include house-made fried dehydrated beef, sesame seeds and spices, charred tomato jeow (dipping sauce), and house-made pork sausage. Take an adventure without having to travel far in this delectable culinary journey to Laos.
While we can't always make it to alluring lands overseas, other ways exist to stretch our wings.
A cool, enveloping screen is made of sticks from the North Carolina mountains.
If we never make it to the table, the bar is an inviting experience on its own offering hand-crafted and curated fresh juices, herbs, and made-from scratch-infused syrups.
Along with an extensive wine and beer selection, such as Beer Lao, try the special cocktail "Dill With It" made with gin, fresh lemon and lime juice, pickle juice, and honey.
And Thai Tea gives a sweet, earthy, nutty taste of home as it is normally served in plastic bags with lots of ice on the streets throughout Thailand and Laos.
Included here are yummy Sao Noy's Crispy Spring Rolls filled with local herbs, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables, served with house-made caramelized sweet chili sauce with peanuts, and a choice of ground pork or vegetables.
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On days when we need some serious nurturing to the soul, order the Khao Soi.
This steaming bowl of goodness is a Northern Lao rice noodle soup with coriander chicken broth, house-made fermented soybean pork ragu, and fresh herbs.
For a heartier meal, order the fresh Sea Bass Mok, an artistic creation full of flavor and some interesting, aromatic magic the banana leaves bring.
