LanXang Lao Street Food — Restaurant in Elfers

Don't let the non-descript exterior dissuade. Inside this bland darn near office park frontage is a bright and charming dining experience. The menu isn't extensive, nor should it be. LanXang seems to be true to it's mission. Street Food, done to it's Loa best.

I've only experienced two dishes (so far!) and consider each delightful. In house I had the homemade noodle soup, similar to a Vietnamese Pho, but with subtle differences. First, the noodles! A little bit thinner than an udon, these started toothy and mouth-full, and mellowed as they soaked in the light, piping hot broth. The noodles only got better as they soaked up the additions (a touch of garlic oil and a bit of lime for me, but all the greens because ... yah!). Those homemade noodles held their own to the last and now I know why a home-made noodle is something to be courted and encouraged. But, they wouldn't have shone without the delicious broth. Simple to start, but the deep fried garlic and fresh onion made such an intriguing contrast as they settled that I really couldn't add anything more (even tho I love the unami of fish sauce).

I took the Papaya Salad home for dinner. This is another 'standard' that you MIGHT find in a Thai restaurant, if you're lucky. I feel quite lucky. My server (Owner?) asked my heat tolerance and I asked about hers. Bless, and it blew my head off, but I couldn't stop eating it. BEST Papaya Salad I've had since the amazing but really shisty (long gone, alas) storefront on 19 across the bridge. My only mistake was that I didn't get an order of sticky rice on the side. I cut in some basmati to soak up the sauce, but, it wasn't the same. Next time!

Finally, I was so delighted with my in-house that I added a mocha boba to go. Best decision ever. Wasn't what I expected based on multiple Tampa boba experiences. It was better. A light frappe that held it's texture for a lot longer than anyone should expect, it was refreshing not cloying and had two different kinds of tapioca. Not sure whether that's usual, and could probably be customized, but was a bit of fun while I slogged my errands after. Next time, I'm going to try something more esoteric.

Long story short.... don't pass LanXang by, make them a part of your circle of life. They're just down the sidewalk from the best polish deli in NPR (bring ice packs and a cooler, you'll thank me later); lunch or dinner, I don't think you'll be...

Experience was oookay.

The owners were respectful and kind. The environment was clean and presentable. The price point was roughly $10 each plate which isn't breaking the bank. I am asian and I can tell they were authentically Laotian which makes it feel better that the food will be more authentic.

Unpopular opinion?? Honestly, I feel the ratings and reviews read prior to choosing this restaurant were inflated. In my humble opinion, the flavors and some of the amount didn't reflect the price points though. I am asian and have had good lao food. I am not asking for Michelin food. I am asking for food that has a bit more quality. I understand that the name says street food so the portions are meant to be small. We left not completely full nor satisfied but glad to have tried so we can say we did. Not full? Sure, we can forgive but not satisfied due to a few reasons makes it slightly challenging to return. I love mom and pop shops and want to support but I may only be able to support them this first time only.

Food was mediocre at best. We got: (1) the grilled chicken but it wasn't grilled and flavor was ok only (2) papaya salad - amount is small and flavor is ok, though we loved the crispy fried pork skin it came with (3) nam khao - flavorful but slightly on salty end with hardly any of the cured pork sausage (they were so small and far and few, almost like light toppings. I had to dig for them to confirm if they were present and that is not what I want in a dish) nor was it made properly. Usually the rice is made in balls, deep fried and torn apart for equal amounts of crispiness and texture. They seemed to have cooked it in a pan and scrapped off the bottom parts that are slightly cooked more and they're in bigger longer pieces that aren't equally distributed (4) small sticky rice each for $2 - rice slightly on the tougher side where it's almost stale, probably premade and warmed up in the microwave. Not a fan of the presentation in...

I had the great fortune of stumbling upon a magnificent restaurant called: LanXang Lao Street Food. After doing a little research, I learned that LanXang refers to a historical Laotian kingdom, and Lao indicates the origin country of Laos.

If your taste buds need tantalizing, give them, and your other senses, a culinary adventure in Laotian cuisine--a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It's a symphony of flavors, balancing fresh herbs, spices, and textures in a way that's both exciting and comforting.

Imagine vibrant dishes bursting with lemongrass, cilantro, and mint, complemented by the subtle heat of chili peppers. Grilled meats, fragrant soups, and the iconic sticky rice create a dining experience that's unlike any other.

If you're a fan of Thai food, you'll find Laotian cuisine equally captivating, but with its own unique twist. It's less sweet, focusing more on herbaceous and sour notes. Think of it as a lighter, more refreshing take on Southeast Asian flavors.

Don't miss the chance to try signature dishes like "Crying Tiger" - grilled marinated beef that's tender and bursting with flavor, or the delightful "Laap" - a minced meat salad that's a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory. Laotian food is an invitation to explore a world of culinary delights.

Embrace the adventure and let your palate...