Sabaidee
Bida Manda is Sanskrit ceremonial terms for father and mother. Bida Manda was named to honor my parents in Lao, who instilled in me our affection for food and its power to bring a community together.
Nestled between lush green hills and the Mekong River, Lao's dynamic cuisine reflects the country's intimate relationship with nature, its culture of generosity, and its French colonial past. Inspired by my parents’ recipes, this menu is an extension of my memories of home. It is a love letter to my parents.
Though the inspirations stem from another continent, Bida Manda's roots are firmly grounded here in North Carolina. From using wood salvaged from old barns and church walls from Durham to inviting our friends to hand-tie the sticks you see on the walls, Bida Manda is a reflection of our supportive community. Thank you for choosing to be with us and for allowing us to share with you our food, culture, and story.
Vanvisa Nolintha
IN THE KITCHEN
Nestled between the lush Green Hills and the Mekong River, Laos’ dynamic cuisine reflects the country’s intimate relationship with nature, its culture of generosity and its French colonial past. Laos cuisine is a flavorful marriage of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cooking refined by French technique. Each dish on our menu is one that you might find on the street corners of Luang Prabang or in any Laotian home. So, come in and let us take you on a culinary journey to Laos!
BEHIND THE BAR
Blending far east simplicity and western elegance, Bida Manda’s bar is an intimate and vibrant gathering place. Along with our extensive beer and wine offerings, the cocktails at Bida Manda are carefully and intentionally hand crafted and curated. We use fresh juices, herbs and infused syrups, which we make from scratch.
THE SPACE
Our design process focuses on the Laotian people’s holistic understanding of space and its immediate relationship with nature. Flow, repetition, and sustainability were the foundation in the crafting of Bida Manda. The intimate and warmly lit zones of the space are woven together with images and relics of Laos, custom graphic and art installations by local artists, reclaimed wood furniture, and an enveloping screen of natural sticks harvested from the mountains of North Carolina.
GIVE A GIFT
We’re so thankful that you’ve chosen to give an experience to Bida Manda as a gift. Whether it be a birthday surprise, an anniversary celebration or just a special token of appreciation, we’re honored that you’re allowing us to be part of it.