Instagram Post 12/22/2018

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Fifty million Instagrammers can’t be wrong! Okay, I’m exaggerating, but every review I’ve seen of I Eat Lao Food, located at North 3rd St Market, 103 North 3rd St in Williamsburg (but only until January 15) is positively glowing. Just like their cuisine.

Here’s Ping Seen – “ping” means grilled, “seen” means meat. Deliciously marinated skirt steak with laotian jeow som, the classic spicy, sour, sweet, salty dipping sauce for grilled meat on the side. Even if you’re neophobic, this dish is universally accessible and is an absolute must. (Well, that is, along with everything else on the menu! 😉)

Okay. That’s it. I’m fresh out of exclamations and exhortations. Just this: If you suffer from FOMO on what might be the best food you’ll taste in 2018, please go there while you still can! All I want for Christmas is to see these folks open up a permanent brick and mortar venue.

I promise to save you a spot in line!
 
 

Instagram Post 12/21/2018

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Today’s rave: Laab Paa, another dish that Manila, the chef/owner/genius behind I Eat Lao Food, features at their (current) North 3rd St Market location. Laab is the spicy, herby salad that’s practically the national dish of Laos, paa means fish, and “Whoa!” is the sound you’ll utter when you taste it. Served with a mini steamer woven from bamboo filled with sticky rice, you use your fingers to pinch off a bit of rice and pick up a bit of laab. Transcendent is not too strong a word.

But we’re counting down the days because Vendy Awards finalist I Eat Lao Food will only be at 103 North 3rd St in Williamsburg until January 15, so catch this rising star while you can!
 
 

Instagram Post 12/20/2018

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It’s pretty obvious by now that I’ve got a thing for Vendy Awards finalist I Eat Lao Food as does everybody else who has ever sampled their wares. The first time I tasted their amazing cooking was at the Queens Night Market where they presented this dish, Nam Khao, crispy curry coconut fried rice topped with cured pork (som moo), tangy and delicious, that provided a vital texture and flavor contrast to the rice.

You may have eaten something similar in Northern Thai restaurants. Similar does not mean the same. Prepare for a wonderfully different taste sensation that, from what I can tell, is universally loved. Go with a friend and play “Find the Crispy Bits”.

I Eat Lao Food is located at North 3rd St Market, 103 North 3rd St in Williamsburg but only until January 15, so you’ve got less than 30 dining days left! Don’t delay!
 
 

Instagram Post 12/19/2018

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This is Khao Piak Sen, a rice noodle soup from I Eat Lao Food, at North 3rd St Market, 103 North 3rd St in Williamsburg. Hearty, chewy, handmade noodles, traditionally crafted from rice flour and tapioca starch, lounge in a light chicken broth infused with lemongrass, makrut lime leaf, and galangal. Shredded chicken, cilantro leaves, bits of purple cabbage, and the sweetest tiny cherry tomatoes I’ve ever tasted float above the noodles and add just the right amount of interest to this delicious weekend special.

As I’ve written before, I Eat Lao Food is at North 3rd St Market for a limited run – about a month. Everything I’ve tasted there is truly remarkable and I can’t underscore enough that you indulge in their outstanding food while you still have the chance. Follow them on Instagram @ieatlaofood for business hours and current announcements.

More to come from I Eat Lao Food, but don’t wait for my posts! Just go there and taste for yourself!
 
 

Instagram Post 12/18/2018

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The first time I tasted anything from I Eat Lao Food was when they popped up at the Queens Night Market. I was blown away. For real. Clearly, they would be a major hit on the food scene and anyone who has sampled their wares can attest to that. If you like Northern Thai food (Isan Thai), you ain’t had nothin’ until you’ve tasted Lao food, and more specifically the recipes turned out by these remarkably talented folks.

This is Laab Het (you might see “larb”), a spicy Laotian salad of sautéed mushrooms (het), chilies, a mixture of herbs, and toasted rice powder. (Toasted rice powder is exactly what it sounds like: start with raw sticky rice, toast/roast in a pan, then pulverize; it adds a definitive crunch and a nutty flavor that’s classic laab.) The unique character of each of the ingredients is balanced against each of the others’ to create synergistic perfection. Use your fingers to pinch off a bit of sticky rice (it comes in a mini steamer woven from bamboo) and pick up a bit of laab. Savor and pledge your eternal devotion.

But you have to act fast. I Eat Lao Food is at North 3rd St Market, 103 North 3rd St (of course), in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for only a while longer. I seldom say this, but: Go. There. Now. (Um, unless it’s a Tuesday 😉).

More to come from I Eat Lao Food. (But don’t wait. Really.)