Laos Asia Market — Attraction in Winchester

My wife was craving some Lao food so off we went to the market. Not to get stuff to cook but to eat because this market sells food to go here!

Last time we were here was prob 3 yrs ago. Their kitchen is being renovated at this time (Aug 2025) so we couldn't get any hot entrees (noodle soups) but they have cold items, luckily. We had the following:

Lao style papaya salad - It was soo good and on point with flavors! beef larb - Comes with fresh cabbage wedge, cucumber and Thai chilies if you want more heat. We ordered ours at medium heat and it was perfectly delicious! Very authentic and just as good as what my mom used to make! Nem salad - comes with fresh lettuce and cilantro for wraps with Nem. It was good as well but I would have liked more nem in it cuz that's how I like my Nem salad, lol 2 orders of sticky rice: They were moist and chewy and so good with the larb and papaya salad. The portion is big here, unlike other places where the portion is very small.

They are very nice and friendly, we chatted a bit. They are family owned, 16 yrs and counting! They get a lot of locals and out of towners come for their food and grocery store and are open 7 days a week. It's not a fancy store but has everything from fresh produce too cooking essentials and frozen goods.

If you want authentic Lao food, come here cuz you won't be dispointed. The store front is unassuming and nothing fancy on the inside but they have a couple of seatings if you want to eat your to go items there. It is about 10 min from the strip and right on Desert Inn for the locals.

We came for the food and their hospitality. It is definitely worth a trip for some yummy...

I really wanted to like this place because it just felt so homie and people had great things to talk about their food.

So we came in at 9:15 am as the place opens at 9 as we really wanted to try the food. We went straight to the food serving area, left our bags there and became confused. There was no food available. I saw two people behind the food counter. So I tried to catch their eye contact and I said hi. No response. So I was just standing there still waiting for them to look at me. But after 5-10’, nothing happened. That’s when we turned around and asked the man at the register about when the food is ready. He said 25 more minutes. Hah. He saw us there at the food counter the whole time being confused and trying to ask for some attention to order some food. But he didn’t say a word. Just sitting there looking at us.

As we were in a hurry to go to Death Valley NP, we gave up but stopped by the fridge to buy 3 things: taro sweet soup, coconut sweet soup, and mung bean cake to enjoy on the way to Death Valley. Turned out they were all too sweet that you would need water after one bite. Plus the mung bean cake leaked out some water (see my fingers). And the taro was super hard while its cover (flour?) was super soggy.

I don’t know. Maybe them being ignorant and food being bad were just our experiences while everyone else is happy...

From the moment I walked into Laos Asia Market, I knew I was in for a treat. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a journey into the heart of Laotian cuisine. The Laos Papaya Salad was my first stop - a perfect blend of fresh, unripened papaya with a daring salted anchovy sauce. It's a unique clash of flavors that works beautifully.

Then came the Chicken Larb, generously packed with seasoned chicken and cilantro - a combination that may split opinions but undeniably delivers on taste. But the showstopper? Their Chicken Curry. Imagine a bowl filled with tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and pickled young bamboo, all for an incredibly reasonable price. It's comfort food that takes you places.

The ambiance is simple yet inviting. Asian TV plays quietly in the background, adding to the authentic feel of the place. It's not bustling or flashy, but that's its charm. The staff deserve a special mention too - engaging, friendly, and creating a warm atmosphere that complements the food perfectly.

Whether you're a foodie looking for new flavors or just in the mood for a hearty, satisfying meal, Laos Asia Market is a must-visit. It's a simple setup with a focus on what matters: great food, great prices, and great people. A hidden gem that's definitely worth exploring!

Check out the video review here:...