RIMTANG DC — Restaurant in Washington

Tucked just off Georgetown’s bustling main street, Rimtang is a charming ode to Thai street food, capturing the vibrant spirit of its inspiration. The menu offers familiar classics with familiar flavors in an unpretentious setting.

The spring rolls were an instant hit—perfectly crisp with a delicate balance of crabmeat and black mushroom that avoided being overly crabby or earthy. The papaya salad was a refreshing palate cleanser, with a subtle undercurrent of heat that played well with the crunch of green beans, cherry tomatoes, and peanuts.

The spicy crispy calamari was the crowd-pleaser of the table. Imagine bite-sized calamari poppers—light, crunchy, and addictive. Every piece delivered a satisfying snap, and they vanished from the table as quickly as they arrived. The laab tod brought the dry heat I crave at thai spots. Crispy, aromatic bites of kurobuta pork coated in toasted rice powder had a dry, lingering spice that kept me reaching for more.

The panang curry with chicken was a comforting dish that didn’t overdo it. The chicken was tender, swimming in a well-balanced coconut curry with kaffir lime. A side of white rice tied it all together without overwhelming it.

The thai lemongrass pandan tea arrived in a playful freezer bag with a straw—a whimsical touch and a nod to its street food roots. It wasn’t overly sweet either.

The space is clean, though the booths are a little snug for comfort. Our waiter was clearly new and stumbled a bit with the menu, but their kindness and prompt service smoothed over any hiccups. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it nails the essentials—crispy textures, balanced heat, and fresh flavors. For now, it’s a solid stop for a...

RimTANG Thai Restaurant – Georgetown, DC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

RimTANG is a true gem in Georgetown, and one of the most exciting new Thai restaurants in DC. Run by a mother-and-son duo — Chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute and Executive Chef Prapit “Mama” La Femina — the restaurant blends Peter’s modern vision with Mama’s traditional recipes from Bangkok and Isan. Together, they’ve created a spot that feels both authentic and refined, with food that is as heartfelt as it is delicious.

The restaurant is housed in a historic two-level brick building, and Peter has kept its charm intact while adding just the right touches of modern design. The space is warm, cozy, and full of character. The service is excellent — the staff know the menu well, and Peter’s attention to detail shows in everything from the décor to the way the dishes are presented.

The food is where RimTANG truly shines. Every dish I tried carried authentic Thai flavor, made with fresh ingredients and bold seasoning, each one distinctive yet balanced. From appetizers like spring rolls, spicy crispy calamari, moo yang, and crab dumplings, to bold and vibrant plates like Nam Tok, chili jam clams, Tom Yum seafood, Mama’s fried rice, and Pad See Ew — everything was consistently fresh, flavorful, and authentic. Each dish had its own personality, but they all carried that unmistakable balance of spice, herbs, and depth that defines real Thai cooking.

Bottom line: RimTANG is not just another Thai restaurant — it’s a family-run kitchen with heart, history, and unforgettable flavors. A must-visit in Georgetown, and I’ll definitely be back to explore even more...

One of the best Thai restaurants in the area with similar price points for its quality and value.

Got seated upstairs during golden hour and the vibe was perfect with all the light coming in. We sat near the restrooms (super clean) which was fine, but the AC did drip a bit on my arm. Probably something they should fix before it hits a table.

Food was really solid and felt authentic. Drinks were fun, the Thai iced tea comes in a pouch (cute but super sweet, very condensed milk-y) and we grabbed a Singha too. Spice was definitely stronger than “mild,” so heads up if you can’t handle heat.

The only downside was the pacing. Our papaya salad didn’t come out first and the wait between dishes felt longer than expected. Might be because the kitchen’s downstairs. When it did come, the papaya salad was fresh and classic. Loved the laab esaan with pork (get it with sticky rice). The fried shrimp with spicy garlic was also good - big, juicy shrimp, though I wish they had more flavor inside. The garlic on top made up for it.

For dessert we tried both the mango sago and the mango sticky rice because we were curious. Honestly the only big difference was texture (sago vs rice) and the sago leaned a bit saltier. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the sago; if you want tried and true, the sticky rice is the way to go. Either way, the mangoes themselves...