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Bida Manda Laotian Restaurant and Bar by Brian Adornetto, Food Editor | Photos by Randy Bryant
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here are a lot of questions circling around down- recreate their cuisine, the Nolinthas selected fellow Laotown Raleigh’s newest restaurant opening up the tian Lon Bounsanga to lead Bida Manda’s kitchen. Known for their hospitality and oneness with old Duck & Dumpling/Fai Thai location. Two of the most common we’ve heard are: “What does Bida Manda nature, Laotians strive for total awareness and respect for all things. As Vanvisa says, “To a Laos person, mean?” And “What does Laotian food taste like?” Bida Manda is the Sanskrit ceremonial term for having a meal is a sacred experience encompassing father and mother. Vansana and Vanvisa Nolintha, not only the food being served but also the dialogues the brother and sister team who own Bida Manda, being exchanged, the moments being shared, and the chose the name as a way of honoring their parents. space being felt.” The duo, ever nodding toward tradition, also Vansana explains, “They gave us our love of food and showed us its power of bringing people together. We bring a modern freshness to Bida Manda. The space could not name it anything else.” Not coincidentally, is loosely divided in two by a floating windowed wall, allowing guests to see and share each many of the restaurant’s recipes are section’s vibe. To the left is the bright inspired by the food the siblings ate and casual bar and lounge, while with their parents while growing the somewhat more upscale dining up in Laos. room is on the right. Further conLaotian cuisine draws on the necting these distinct areas is the major Southeast Asian cultures, but flow of “the sticks.” The Nolinthas also on its French colonial history. recruited their friends to help string The food presents a sense of French Bida Manda brother and sister up branches from cherry, pine, birch, refinement and flare paired with Thai, owners Vansana and Vanvisa maple, and oak trees. They made Chinese and Vietnamese flavors. To Nolintha with Chef Lon Bounsanga
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RALEIGH DOWNTOWNER MAGAZINE
| DOWNTOWN RALEIGH’S PREMIER MONTHLY | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 9