Al Naqa Lao Kebab House

I wanted to try the chicken dish but it sold out. So I got the kabob dish. Wow, the chicken was so soft usually chicken kabob the meat is dry but not at this place! Also AJ the owner was such a nice host and he took the time to share with me the story behind the name of the restaurant. I can’t wait to go back and try the chicken dish and also the coconut drink.

I stumbled upon this labour of love - tucked inside Motor City’s Neighbourhood Food Hall - on a dusty summer Wednesday night. That evening, I sampled The Naqa Cola: a healthy, home-brewed soda with a poignant backstory, and listened to chef-founder AJ share his “why” behind Al Naqa Lao Kebab House. Curiosity piqued, I returned in less than 24 hours to try the Double Dragon. Next thing you know, my eyes are closing mid-bite as I savour kebabs cooked over a heady mix of firewood; paired perfectly with yellow rice dotted with sweet raisins. I shouldn’t be mentioning them in the same sentence…but Colonel Sanders’ KFC ain’t got nothing on Grandma’s Fried Chicken (GFC), which I ordered on the side. I left satiated and content - and a splash of Iced Pineapple Coconut Limeonade was all kinds of refreshing, which I took home for the fam. Big love, luck, and my best wishes to AJ and the team, who’ll soon be shifting to The Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall. I haven’t been to Laos (yet!) but the flavours and hospitality transported me to Thailand - and just like I’d return to the Land of Smiles in a heartbeat - I’d return here, too.

Really amazing twist into dishes. We ordered lamb and grandma’s chicken and was so impressed we needed to go back and order again😅 Definitely will be added to our go to spots in NFH.

It was just a meant to be coincidence we found Al Naqa. My partner was in the food court for some tacos then I just walked over to Al Naqa checking out the menu and there was AJ greeted me with a warm smile and recommended me his amazing grandma’s fried chicken with coconut jasmine rice, the chicken was perfectly fried crispy outside and tender inside. the rice was so flavorful and well cooked . It was so fantastic I have to ordered the chicken for second to go. He also have the curtesy to give me extra fish sauce knowing that I love eating with them. Come to find out AJ and my partner used to know each other when they both worked at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in NYC. What a small and big world we live in. Thanks again AJ for letting us taste one of your authentic and popular dish and your recommendation for us to tried Hashmi barbecue was just another superb experience we had in Dubai. We will definitely come back to see you the next time we’re in Dubai. Best regards

The amount of transportive culinary delight in everything we tried was INCREDIBLE! The lamb loin kebab and grandma's fried chicken with a side of coconut cream hummus and a sundae for desert featuring smoked dates fried in Ghee are all absolute musts. And the home made cola (which is the only type of cola anyone should be drinking these days) will bring you back to those chewy gummy cokes from childhood. Thank you to AJ and his team for one of 2024's most memorable lunches

This Persian restaurant is undoubtedly the finest in the city. We are truly grateful for Chef AJ's dedication and extensive culinary experience gained over 15 years in various countries, which has allowed us to enjoy such an exceptional dining experience. Please accept our heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment.

Joshua and the team at Al Naqa Lao Kabab House made my first visit truly memorable! Super food with a tasty twist on Arabic/Asian tastes - well worth visiting!

Excellent food, we had the kebabs, tahini chaser salad and moms fried chicken and coconut rice and everything was delicious. Some flavors that are familiar, yet others that are a new combo for me - will definitely be visiting again because there are a lot of other menu items that seemed interested but was too full to try.