>Vientiane — a Lao experience

>Lao food is heavily influenced by its neighbors Thailand and Cambodia, and while some aspects differ, you will find that a lot of the dishes are also prevalent in Thai cuisine. Vientiane (named after the capital of Laos) is a really small hole-in-the-wall place which offers some really delicious fare. The crying tiger here consists of really nicely grilled beef, like one would find at a Thai restaurant, but the dipping sauce here leans towards the salty. That’s what I like! I often find Thai food a little too sweet, but Lao food is more on the savory. Stir-fried frogs legs is also nice here, the meat is tender and not overcooked. Curry catfish is another winner, that is if you like catfish! I don’t mind it when cooked with something strong and flavorful to mask the muddy remnants of the catfish. But by far, my favorite is the nam sod (pictured), a salad if you will, of ground pork, mint, julienned ginger, just to name a few of the ingredients. Vientiane does this well and offers it on the menu — at many restaurants you have to pre-order this dish — so when I come here, I can order it without planning ahead. Laotians eat sticky rice with their meals instead of regular steamed rice, but there is steamed rice for those who prefer that. Come with a few friends, order at least 3-4 dishes to share, that way you get a good variety for a mouthwatering experience!


Vientiane, 10262 Westminster Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92843. Tel: 714-530-7523