Dirk V.
Google
Authentic Laotian Cuisine Finally Gets Its Own Spotlight
Lao Der Restaurant on Elston in Irving Park is a relatively new Laotian spot that's been a revelation for us. Previously, we only experienced Laotian food at family cookouts and special events like weddings. While some Thai restaurants offer Laotian dishes if you know where to look, Lao Der takes things to another level entirely.
The restaurant itself is cozy and modern, with comfortable seating and generously-sized tables. Despite having just one server during our visit, the service was exceptionally attentive and made us feel well taken care of throughout the meal.
Now for the food - everything we tried was excellent:
Tum Vientiane - A superb papaya salad featuring sliced papaya, cherry tomato, lime, sugar, and anchovy, served with crisp lettuce. Fresh and vibrant!
Sticky Rice - An absolute must-have accompaniment to any meal here.
Esan Sausage - Ground pork with sticky rice, garlic, black pepper, and brown sauce. Flavorful and satisfying.
Nam Khao - Our standout dish that truly raised the bar! This crispy rice salad combines jasmine rice, red curry paste, coconut shreds, lime leaves, cilantro, green onion, peanuts, and fermented pork, served with lettuce and mint for wrapping. Absolutely spectacular.
Khao Piek Sen - Traditional Lao chicken noodle soup with house-made rice noodles, onion, cilantro, fried shallots, black pepper, and homemade chicken meatballs in a deeply flavorful chicken broth. Comforting and delicious.
Next time we're trying the larb and jerky - we can't wait to go back and explore more of the menu! Lao Der is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood for anyone seeking authentic Laotian flavors.