Meg Here And There
- Apr 3, 2017
- 2 min read

Bida Manda - Laotian Food in Downtown Raleigh

Lunch at Bida Manada was delicious! You really need not read any further... maybe just scroll through the photos but rest assured, the dining experience will be on point if you decide to go.

Bida Manda is a little Laotian restaurant, started by a brother and sister duo, Vansana and Vanvisa Nolintha. They wanted to bring their beloved family cuisine to downtown Raleigh in a welcoming space. Sure glad they did... Raleigh was lacking in this arena but not any longer.

Bida Manda has been around for a few years now and it has rightfully earned a a solid reputation. It used to be you didn't need reservations for dinner at Bida Manda, but this place is so in demand now, that reservations are necessary. Lunch however, is more flexible which is what I was aiming for. Still got nervous though when I arrived as the place looked completly full, but there was 1 empty table in the back. Lucky me!

Started with the rice & lettuce wraps. I don't normally get excited about lettuce wraps, but these were so good! At first, it looked like there was meat in the rice and it even "crisped" kind of like bacon when eating it, so I naturally loved it. But after asking the server about how this dish was made, I found out there was no meat in there. It's just a fry and refry method of cooking. Clever and delicious!

For my entree I went with the Pad Thai. Score again! I loved this dish. Even the noodles were exciting. Lightest noodles I think I've ever eaten. I wonder if they make the noodles at the restaurant? I should have asked. Next time!

Service was excellent and the decor, lovely. Check out the pics... I love how it feels sort of like nature is indoors.