SAENG'S LAO KITCHEN

Saeng's Lao Kitchen endeavors to help preserve and share the beauty of Lao cuisine through recipes for pantry staples, dishes incorporating padaek (unfiltered fish sauce), sticky rice, laab, noodles, stews, snacks, not-too-sweet desserts, and modern twists on traditional recipes.

The food culture of Laos has historically been passed down through oral tradition, and Saeng's love of food began in his family's kitchen, where he learned from watching his mother cook. Born in a refugee camp in the aftermath of the American Vietnam War's impact in Laos, like many members of the Lao diaspora, Saeng's ties to Lao culture growing up were primarily through food.

Saengthong Douangdara is a content creator and personal chef specializing in Lao cuisine. As a first-generation Lao American, food has always been central to his life. Saeng's work has been featured in Delish, Buzzfeed, the New York Times, and LA Times, and he is the winner of an episode of TBS's cooking show Rat In The Kitchen. A proud member of the Lao Food Movement, Saeng aims to inspire others to explore the delicious flavors of his culture.