Spicy Lao Kitchen Brings More Southeast Asian Cuisine to San Diego | Eater San Diego

"I found a just-opened restaurant in the Spectrum Village Shopping Mall delivering Southeast Asian flavors that spotlight traditional Laotian cuisine alongside some Thai dishes. Spicy Lao Kitchen, opened by the owners of JL Jerkys and operated by the Lou family—Linda runs the front of house while Joe cooks—currently operates Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., with hours set to expand next month. Most dishes can be ordered on a heat scale of one to five (five is properly “Lao spicy” and served with extra fresh Thai chilies); starters include Lao and Thai-style papaya salads, Laotian fish larb made with raw tuna, Lao sausage served with a tomato-and-chili dipping sauce called jeow mak len, and fried chicken wings with tom yum seasoning. Other Lao specialties noted are nam khao, a crispy rice dish with cured pork, shallots, coconut, and peanuts, and khao piek sen, a comforting shredded chicken soup featuring thick noodles, chicken feet, chicken skin, and cubes of pork blood. While tables will offer full-service dining, they plan to facilitate takeout via a cafeteria-style counter, expand the menu, and add beer and wine soon." - Candice Woo