Sabaidee
Bida Manda is Sanskrit ceremonial terms for father and mother. Bida Manda was named to honor my parents in Lao, who instilled in us 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
Laos’ vibrant cuisine reflects its deep connection to nature, a culture of generosity, and its French colonial influences. Lao food combines the bold flavors of Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking, enhanced by French techniques. Each dish on our menu is inspired by what you might find on the streets of Luang Prabang or in a traditional Laotian home. Join us for a culinary journey through the heart of Laos!
BEHIND THE BAR
At Bida Manda, our bar blends the simplicity of the Far East with the elegance of the West, creating an intimate, yet lively gathering spot. Our cocktails are thoughtfully crated using freshly squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and handpicked herbs, all made from scratch. Along with our curated beer and wine selection, every drink offering reflects our passion for quality and creativity.
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 fallen branches 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.