Spicy Lao Kitchen

San Diego’s 2024 Eater Award Winners | Eater San Diego

"The arrival of Lao cuisine in Kearny Mesa has been a revelation thanks to owners Linda and Joe Lou, who already ran a successful jerky business called JL Jerky’s and stock bags of the habit-forming spiced beef and excellent pork cracklings near the casual restaurant’s register. They cook a menu of Lao specialties, from homemade sausages bursting with flavors of lemongrass and makhrut lime to a fish laab of tuna that tosses cubes of raw fish in a fragrant mix of chili, mint, and toasted rice powder. This spot is a great reminder that thrilling dishes can be found in the most modest of strip-malls." - Candice Woo