Review #181 - 2016
My niece and I were craving Lao food because our visit to Ocha was quite dissatisfying this trip so we ventured out and found a Lao Market that actually serves up homemade Lao food in the back of the market.
When you drive out to this place, it kind of makes you wonder if anyone in this area even knows what Lao food is because you won't see very many Asian people around, but don't let that fool you.
The moment we walked into the market, we were greeted warmly as if we've known each other before. The women at this place really treat you like their family/kids. Really reminds me of the Lao hospitality back in our homeland.
I ordered 3 of the most commonly eaten dishes in Laos, since my niece is visiting from there and I told her to be the judge.
The kao piak (homemade chicken noodle soup) was on point. The broth was flavorful and the noodle was the perfect consistency, slightly chewy just the way I like it.
The laab beef was also on point. Very flavorful and cooked to less than medium--so the meat was not dry or chewy like some other places.
Unfortunately, the papaya salad was too sweet for my liking so I asked for some lime and it still didn't help much. Next time I'll be sure to ask them to remake it for me so I don't have to adjust the flavor myself.
I even bought a few homemade dessert items from their market, which aren't too easy to find in our area either. I took them back to Cali and my nephew told me that the desserts taste better than the ones at the Lao markets in the Bay Area and I had to agree with him.
I would've given a 5-star review had my papaya salad came out right, but I will definitely be back and give them another chance...