OKCπ Ma Der Lao Kitchen β A NYT-Rated Spot π
After hearing so many friends rave about this place and seeing itβs been a James Beard Award nominee two years in a row ππ½οΈ, my expectations were high! I finally visited on a Friday night β waited about 30 minutes for a table β³, which seems pretty standard for a popular spot. We ordered a few recommended dishes: Papaya Salad π₯ β Fresh and tangy, but lacked that punch I was hoping for. Grilled Beef π₯© β Tender and nicely seasoned, though not particularly memorable. Steamed Catfish π β Light and flaky, but the flavors didnβt stand out. Sticky Rice π β Simple and well-made, as expected. The service was genuinely great β friendly, attentive, and professional π. The vibe inside is modern and warm, with subtle Laotian-inspired touches πΏ. While the experience was pleasant, none of the dishes truly wowed me. Maybe it was an off night, or perhaps my palate just didnβt connect with the flavors. Overall, I likely wouldnβt go out of my way to dine here again π. Have you been to Ma Der Lao? What was your experience? Would love to hear your thoughts! π¬ #Oklahoma #OKC #FoodReview #MaDerLao #NYTRated
