"Whenever I’m in or around Orange County for a commitment other than trying a new restaurant, I always tack on a meal at Nok’s Kitchen before heading back to Los Angeles. This dependable Lao powerhouse from chef Nokmaniphone Sayavong is tucked into a quiet Garden Grove strip mall, and everything on its spiral-bound menu is vibrantly flavored and carefully prepared. While I rotate between the papaya salad, crispy rice salad, and salmon larb, the Lao pork sausages are a must-have on every visit. Smoky from the grill and juicy within, the herbaceous and savory links taste even better dipped in the zippy and spicy “house sauce” and paired with sticky rice. Both the sausages and accompanying sauce are available to purchase for at-home consumption when a drive to the OC is just too far." - Eater Staff
