Sampannee Thai

Reviews

• CR

  Carlton Reed

  Nov 17, 2025
  5.0
  5 stars all around. Im traveling from Scottsdale, AZ where there are so many great restaurants. Sampannee is honestly the best Thai food I've had in years. Cant think of a place with better fried rice and spring rolls back home. Ill make it a point to stop back during future visits to DC. Highly recommended!
• AB

  Adam Blackington

  Nov 14, 2025
  5.0
  From the moment I stepped into Sampannee Thai in the heart of Dupont Circle, I knew I was in for something exceptional. With over two decades of experience critiquing restaurants—including Michelin 1- and 2-star kitchens—I can say with confidence that this is among the best Thai food experiences in Washington, D.C. The Food I began with a fragrant bowl of Tom Ka soup: creamy coconut milk gently infused with galangal, lime, and kaffir lime leaf, with generous morsels of tender chicken (or tofu upon request). The balance of creaminess, acidity, and herbaceous lift was simply superb—each spoonful felt deeply inviting. Following that, I had the Kapow (Thai Basil) Chicken with jasmine rice. What a revelation. The chicken was cooked just right.. The Thai holy basil brought its characteristic peppery lift, the chilies a confident yet not overwhelming heat, and the sauce masterfully combined savory, sweet, and a hint of tang to tie it all together. The jasmine rice arrived fluffy, aromatic, and perfectly suited to soak up the sauce. I found myself dabbing at the last drops on my plate. Why It Stands Out • Authenticity with finesse. While many “Thai” spots in the area bend toward generic American-Thai fare, Sampannee delivers flavors that feel true to Bangkok street kitchens yet refined enough for a destination dinner. Their website notes they “bring the color, spicy and flavors of Thailand with love to D.C.”. • Ingredient quality and balance. Every element—proteins, herbs, rice—worked in concert. Nothing felt out of place, over-seasoned, or muddled. • Memorable dishes. The Kapow chicken has become a benchmark dish for me; the Tom Ka soup a plush, comforting gem. • Value and consistency. As reviews note, the menu is “vast and prices are reasonable.” • Neighborhood gem. Located at 2122 P St NW, Washington, DC, 20037, it’s both easily accessible and charmingly tucked away within the Dupont Circle vibe. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for Thai cuisine in D.C. that shines—bold but balanced, comfortable yet elevated—Sampannee Thai is a must. I left feeling thoroughly satisfied, already looking forward to my next visit: perhaps the green curry or their signature mango sticky rice for dessert. Highly recommended. I grant this experience my full five-star rating and look forward to returning.
• LU

  Luis Perez Ureña

  Nov 9, 2025
  5.0
  Recomendación para pedir: Khao Soi de langostinos tempurizados y el curry rojo de pato. Estos dos platos buenísimos. Las sopas en cambio no me parecieron tan buenas.
• MD

  Michelle Dekker

  Nov 6, 2025
  5.0
  Best Thai food ever!!! I had the Panang curry (Medium: just the right amount of spicy). Amazing. Also, the vibe was nice and cozy.
• HC

  H Copeland

  Nov 1, 2025
  5.0
  The khao soi, mango sticky rice, and chicken wings were all incredible. I have come to this restaurant for several birthdays because they always provide fantastic service and the environment is so cute and colorful! I think this is the best Thai restaurant in NW DC. I came on Halloween and all the servers were having an in-house costume contest. They were having a lot of fun and the costumes were hilarious.

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