A must-try for fans of <b>Asian food</b> - Food Frenzy - The Orange <b>...</b>

The first time I tried Lao food was when we first moved to Southern California a little over four years ago, and I’ve continued to returning to Vientiane Thai Laos in Garden Grove ever since, astonished both by the food and the ability of this undiscovered gem to stay in business.

On a recent visit, I was surprised to find that the restaurant has had a major makeover.

The little space is now three times as spacious, and it is amazing what a new coat of paint and some new furniture can do.

The menu has been reprinted, and everything about this place now shouts, “I’m ready for hesitant eaters to come inside.”

I’m here with my friend Priscilla, and we opt for some authentic dishes. Lao and Thai food are similar, but with notable differences, such as Lao food being neither as sweet nor as spicy.

Fortunately, there are condiments on the table, and because I love spicy foods, I am attacking a jar of fresh-ground chili peppers in a salty, tart sauce.

I am always craving crispy rice, so we ordered Lao Nam Kao Tod ($6.50, shown at top). The texture of the roasted rice is absolutely stunning – very crispy and easily outshining what most Thai places offer.

There are bits of sour pork, green onions, cilantro and peanuts dotted among the grains, and everything is served with fresh sprigs of mint and lettuce.

Lao sausage ($5.50) is house-made and deep fried. A slightly sweet sauce is served alongside and enhances the flavor of the pork and herbs.

I also suggest ordering sticky rice, a staple of Lao cuisine that is generally served in lieu of steamed rice and works splendidly with the Lao sausage.

Larb goong ($7.50) is minced shrimp with chili, red and green onions, cilantro and toasted rice.

The salty dressing it is tossed in is pleasantly tart and whets the appetite.

Don’t let Ventiane’s lack of patrons fool you. The food they make is cheap, filling and absolutely fantastic, and hopefully the new look will help this restaurant draw the crowds it deserves.

Vientiane Thai Laos
10262 Westminster Ave.
Garden Grove
714-530-7523

For new reviews every day, visit Food Frenzy’s homepage! For bonus coverage, join our fan page at Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

More Asian:

More Garden Grove:

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

View the original article here