Wednesday, March 13, 2013

A Taste of DC: Laotian Feast

I absolutely love trying new cuisines, and our recent visit to DC’s Toki Underground introduced me to a number of Laotian dishes I had never even heard about, let alone tasted. While I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive about the seven-course menu going in, not knowing just how adventurous it would be, the meal ended up being by far one of the best – not to mention spiciest – I’ve ever had. And since I truly adore spicy food, that’s saying a lot!

So, what did we get a chance to try during this special tasting preview, featuring dishes by Chef Seng Luangrath of Bangkok Golden in Seven Corners?

No Laotian meal would be complete without sticky rice. 
Nam Khao:
A salad of fried crispy rice balls, coconut, peanuts and other ingredients

Sai Oua:
Laotian sausage seasoned with lemongrass and cilantro, among other flavors

Tum Marg Huong:
Papaya salad with tomato and lime

Laab Ped:
Spiced duck

Orm Pah:
Curried fish stew

Som Pah
Pickled fish

Bua Loy:
Sweetened rice balls in coconut milk

A delicious taste of Bua Loy!
Since I don’t usually eat much meat and am again revisiting the idea of becoming a vegetarian, I didn’t taste the sausage and only tried a small bite of the duck. Everything else, though, was completely delicious, especially the Nam Khao and Bua Loy.  

Have you ever tasted Laotian cuisine, including any of these dishes? 

15 comments:

  1. that sounds really good! i love trying new stuff. Never tried laotian but sounds soo good!

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  2. This looks delicious. Adding Laotian to the top of my must try list!

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  3. I don't think I've ever tried Laotian food! Everything looks amazing. Good luck with trying vegetarianism again :)

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  4. I've never tried! I'm a spicy wimp, and the Thai restaurant by my house makes fun of me because I want no spice!

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  5. We've never tried this type of food! Thanks for sharing!!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  6. Yum!!! I love new food. I would try this stuff, too!
    So Pah=fish, eh? cool!

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  7. I've never tried anything like it. Looks amazing! Maybe a date night for us next year!

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  8. it looks and sounds interesting. i have not tried laotian food, but would like to try some.

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  9. i have never had laotian food so thank you for informing me on what some of their dishes are. that is the one thing i love about DC all the different cuisines of food you can get

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  10. I've never had laotian food. To be honest, I've never tried it. I would love to try being a vegetarian but I love chicken too much. I could give up everything else.

    All the food looks delicious! Glad you had a great experience!

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  11. Papaya salad is one of my favorite dishes - whether it's Thai or Laotian, it's great!

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  12. Sounds delicious...I think I only had their rice before!

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  13. wow! I've never tried annny of that, what a neat treat! I am NOT a spicy food eater, so I'm not sure how I would have liked this, but I think the sweetened rice balls in coconut milk sound delish!

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  14. Everything sounds delicious! Have a good weekend dear!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  15. I haven't tried Laotian cuisine, but everything sounds AMAZING!
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

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