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Editorial Review

Reviewed in the June/July '07 issue of Ciao! magazine

A Taste of Laos has the distinction of offering the largest and most authentic Laotian menu in the city. Like a growing number of ethnic restaurants, the owners have kept their recipes true to tradition rather than catering to a less sophisticated palate.

This out-of-the-way West End spot prides itself on offering really rare items like sakoo yut sie—stuffed tapioca balls—Laotian-style dim sum, but with a hardier wrapper. The delicious dumplings are filled with a fragrant mixture of ground pork, greens and peanuts. As expected, it’s served with a side of lettuce, adding another level of freshness to the dish. Another very traditional dish, sie ouah—spicy Lao sausage—is house-cured pork mixed with a contrasting blended of spices. The result is a sausage that is very light, unlike dense European types, and a perfect accompanying dish to any of the stir-fries and curries.

This is also the spot to try tom yum soup and laap. The soup is a fiery blend of herbs, but with a refreshing aftertaste. Try eating it as the Laotians do, sipping it throughout the meal instead of as a starter course. The laap is refreshing with a slightly nutty undertone from a characteristic roasted rice seasoning (rice roasted with aromatics and ground into a powder).

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