Lao Der - Review - Irving Park - Chicago - The Infatuation
"Laotian food makes a resounding comeback in Chicago at this small Irving Park spot, the first permanent Laotian restaurant in 15 years. What its wooden space lacks in size, it makes up for with flavors that’ll put any conversation on pause—ruminating over peppery beef jerky with refreshing tomato jeow will take precedence over any work gossip. The nam khao is a maximalist spicy, tangy, and herbaceous ground pork salad with plenty of crispy rice and crunchy peanuts that’s fan service for all texture obsessives. And the khao piek sen is a top-tier chicken noodle soup loaded with garlic, onion, and supple housemade noodles. Come here before it feels like a 15-year wait to get one of their six tables." - John Ringor
John Ringor
