A new generation of Lao American food companies gives us plenty reasons to be thankful for.
For many of us Lao foodies (who isn't one?) this time of the year is our favorite holiday as it gives us an excuse to eat all the special homemade Lao food we don't get to have on a regular basis, or a chance to cook up our favorite Lao flavors in a whole new way at family get-togethers. With #LaoFoodMovement (started by Chef Seng Luangrath of Thip Khao in D.C.) going strong, plus a never-ending stream of Lao food pics on social media, we've also seen the rise of Lao prepared foods companies popping up. While their products may provide a shortcut to Lao cuisine, one thing is for sure - making Lao food more visible and accessible is better for all of us.
As Lao Americans we no longer have the same food freshness that our parents and grandparents generations had in their backyards in Laos, nor do we suffer the same era of economy that made some of these foods a necessity for nourishment in the first place. Using innovative technology and resources readily available to them, that it is exactly why these companies, many run by younger generation Laotians, gets our attention. Like us, every one of these entrepreneurs knows how much thought, time and care goes in to making really good Lao food, and that is what each of them puts into making sure their products are as close to recipe as possible.
Let's meet the guests and see what they've brought to the table.