Bida Manda

Bida Manda honors Laotian family traditions from its Moore Square home at 222 S Blount Street, serving lunch Friday through Sunday and dinner every night so guests can linger over recipes inspired by the owners’ parents and memories of Luang Prabang. The restaurant’s name, drawn from Sanskrit words for father and mother, underscores a mission to share Laos’ generous culinary heritage with Raleigh.

Reservations are recommended for this casual dining room, where plates rooted in family recipes balance Lao classics with accents from Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines handled with a refined French touch. Signature favorites such as the green papaya salad and the daily whole fish showcase adjustable spice levels, inviting guests to tailor each dish while exploring the breadth of the menu.

Behind the bar, the team blends Eastern simplicity with Western sophistication, shaking cocktails from freshly pressed juices, house-made syrups, and handpicked herbs alongside a curated beer and wine list. Reclaimed woods, softly lit art installations, and screens of gathered branches create an intimate setting that mirrors the restaurant’s community-focused spirit.