THE LAO KITCHEN: An Evening with Saeng Douangdara and Aleena Inthaly

Bold Fork Books is excited to welcome Saeng Doungdara and Aleena Inthaly for our first event focused on Lao foodways and culture. The Lao Kitchen is the first dedicated Lao cookbook to be sold at our shop. We hope you'll join us in learning about the history behind and flavors emerging from Lao kitchens.

ABOUT THE COOKBOOK

In Lao kitchens, every dish tells a story and every bite excites.

The food culture of Laos has historically been preserved through oral tradition, and in this essential guide to Lao cooking, personal chef Saeng Douangdara draws on his expertise and the food knowledge passed down from his family to share the beauty and history of Lao cuisine. Discover the rich flavors of Laos through 95 recipes for dips, small plates, rice dishes, fermented foods and salads, laab, noodles, soups and stews, not-too-sweet desserts, and modern twists on traditional recipes, including: Thum Khao Poon (Cold Vermicelli Noodle Salad), Som Moo (Fermented Pork Sausage), Galabao (Pork Steamed Buns), and more!

Through 95 recipes, The Lao Kitchen dives into the heart of Lao foodways—often overlooked but deeply rooted in Southeast Asian traditions. Through thoughtful essays and memories connected to each recipe, Saeng tells his story as a member of the Lao diaspora, exploring his roots through food. Bold, flavorful, deeply personal, and featuring gorgeous photography from Laos and Saeng’s own kitchen, The Lao Kitchen is a celebration of community, the connection that food brings, and what it means to cook from the heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Saeng 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 the Los Angeles 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.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

Aleena Inthaly (she/her) is a Washington, DC–based events producer, digital marketing manager, and creative director of the Lao Food Movement. The movement, founded in DC by Chef Seng Luangrath is a collective of chefs, cooks, entrepreneurs, and creatives committed to promoting, educating, and preserving the roots of Lao cuisine. From launching the inaugural Lao Food Festival in San Diego to producing local gatherings that center healing and heritage, Aleena brings chefs, artists, and community together in celebration of Lao culture.

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