Bida Manda

Birthdays at Bida Manda do not disappoint. We were welcomed by John and who throughout our meal was friendly and helpful with drink and menu items. We enjoyed the lemongrass sausage, pork spring rolls with a tasty peanut sauce, and wings. Our cocktails were enjoyed and we did not feel rushed to make our entree selections. We enjoyed the Ginger Cashew Chicken, a Stuffed crepe, Pho, and a Shrimp Noodle dish. All were delicious. John surprised my husband with a special birthday treat. What a wonderful evening. We recommend this special restaurant and hope to have John with us again.

Day one in Raleigh did not disappoint—especially when it came to finding some traditional Laotian comfort food! If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Bida Manda is an absolute must-visit. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed, promptly seated at the bar, and treated to irresistible rice chips that set the perfect tone for the evening. For starters, we went with the Lao Beef Jerky paired with charred tomato jeow, and let me tell you—it was a full-on flavor explosion. I enjoyed the best Laotian cuisine I’ve had in a long time at this stylish and hip downtown spot. The owners were incredibly kind, offering us two complimentary appetizers, drinks, and dessert—Southern hospitality at its finest. The ambiance is unique and inviting, and the service was both friendly and attentive. Generous portions and reasonable prices made the experience even better. Overall, Bida Manda exceeded my expectations with its vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in exceptional Laotian cuisine!

Fantastic and memorable experience! Crispy rice lettuce wraps and lemongrass sausage were amazing. Crispy pork belly soup and Pad Lao were so delicious. Cocktails are some of the best around. Highly recommend the Roselle Freezy with tequila, Lilac Lotus, Walnut Solstice, and Midnight Manhattan! Jarrett the server and bartender was very attentive with service and helpful with recommendations. Quick service was requested and provided so we could attend a show after dinner. We will be back!

Had an unforgettable evening thanks to our server, Jake. We’ve been coming to Bida Manda for the past four years—from our first date through marriage, and we just celebrated our first wedding anniversary here. For appetizers, we had the salmon ceviche and beef jerky. Both were delicious, though the salmon ceviche was certainly my favorite. It was incredibly flavorful with just the right amount of spice. For our entrées, we ordered the chicken curry and the thom khem, which we get every year and they never disappoint. We also tried the lotus cocktail, toasted rice old fashioned, and a few Lao beers, all recommended by Jake. Every drink was excellent. For dessert, we finished with the coconut ice cream. Simple and perfect. We’re very grateful to Jake and the entire Bida Manda team for consistently making our dining experiences memorable and positive. Wishing you all a happy holiday!

Mckenzie provided excellent service, and I believe that the success or failure of a restaurant is largely dependent on the quality of its service staff. While food can always be refined over time, achieving exceptional service is a considerably more challenging endeavor. Based on the evening's selections, the salmon ceviche was the standout dish. Its flavor profile was impeccably balanced, featuring a delightful citrus note. The chicken wings were unremarkable, with no distinct flavor notes. Furthermore, I was let down by the absence of sweet chili flavor, despite its inclusion in the dish's name. While the soup was an acceptable option, its flavor consistency was lacking. It began pleasantly but did not sustain interest throughout. The Pad Thai proved to be a reliable choice, neither exceptional nor disappointing. It served as a predictable and safe option. The Mango Sticky Rice was highly enjoyable, with the inclusion of coconut flakes providing an excellent textural and flavor complement. The Thai Tea with ice cream was satisfactory, though the limited quantity of ice cream was a notable drawback. Increasing the ice cream portion would likely enhance the overall enjoyment, particularly when combined with the coconut elements. The restaurant's ambiance was quite agreeable, characterized by a subdued noise level and a decor that exuded a warm, slightly dim, and inviting atmosphere.

Delicious food and beautiful atmosphere. Staff were friendly too. I ordered chicken curry noodle bowl. Delicious! However, for the price I paid I felt they could've put more noodle in the bowl. The thai tea was ok. Not as sweet as I thought it would be. I would definitely come back. If you are a party of two please make a reservation bc this place stay pack.

This restaurant is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a special night out. The menu offered a refreshing change from my usual go-tos — everything felt new and exciting. We ordered the saffron crepe, pork belly soup, and lettuce wraps, which turned out to be the perfect amount of food for two. Every dish was delicious, but if I had one critique, it would be the pork belly. I’m not sure if it was meant to be served that way or if we just got an off batch, but it came out cold and extremely tough — we honestly thought we might lose a filling trying to bite into it. That said, the soup itself (without the pork belly) was fantastic: flavorful, well-balanced, and not overly rich. Overall, I’ll definitely be back — and the service was exceptional: warm, attentive, and genuinely kind.