Choun is a hidden gem in Ontario. We stumbled upon this family owned restaurant in Cambridge that specializes in Southeast Asia cuisine, namely Laotian takes on neighbouring regional cuisines like Thai, Korean, and Japanese dishes.

The menu is diverse but shows intentionality. The Asian barbecue ribs were sweet-savoury and served with a tasty kimchi cabbage coleslaw was tasty. My ramen-loving nephew devoured his miso ramen. Portion sizes are generous.

The standout dish for us was definitely the laksa. It was creamy and spicy and flavourful. Unlike other laksas I've tried it wasn't watery like a soup but was more of a richer texture with a tolerable spice level, plenty of tender chicken pieces and lots of vegetables in the broth.

Sara was so sweet and brought my nephew to meet the chef and kitchen crew. She also brought us complimentary Asian style churros. She offered great insight into the menu as well as her brother Bobby's journey into this business and his intention of highlighting their Laotian heritage.

The space is cozy. Decor and plating choices are on point. I was describing to a friend how at one point, a random Christmas song came on the playlist (it was March but snowing outside). With the warmth of family around me, my belly satiated from the delicious meal, it did feel a lot like Christmas in that one moment.

Truly amazing food (I still dream about that laksa) and awesome staff made for a very memorable dining experience that we look forward to repeating the next time we are in the Cambridge area.