Duangrat’s Oriental Food Mart, web site, 5888 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, near Bailey’s Crossroads, 703-578-0622, usually they close at 8 pm, right next to Rabieng and around the corner from Duangrat’s. (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Yelp and Yelp]
photo credit: avlxyzThis place is neither Duangrat’s nor Rabieng though it cooks from the same kitchen. They make the food in a very different – and better – style, intended for local Thai visitors. It is an open counter in the back of a Thai grocery where they will cook Thai dishes for you, home style. 2/3 of the menu is in Thai only and there is nowhere to sit down to eat. Take out only. Don’t be put off, eat on the hood of your car if you have to — it is superb. The Nam Kao Tod is one of the best dishes in this entire region. The Beef Nam Tok is first-rate, as is the Bamboo Shoot Salad and the Drunken Noodles. I believe they have other gems as well. A bit of a hassle, but worth it.
