Adding to Oklahoma City's diverse food scene is Ma Der Lao, an authentic Laotian eatery inspired by James Beard semifinalist chef Jeff Chanchaleune's family recipes. Chanchaleune is no stranger to the area's Asian culinary endeavors – he also owns the popular Japanese restaurant combo, Goro Ramen + Izakaya.

Ma Der (from the Laotian phrase "Come eat!") serves family-style dishes that showcase signature Lao flavors – savory, salty, sour, bitter and spicy. Prepare to use your hands, as it's highly encouraged and central to Laos eating culture. Order "The Holy Trinity of Lao Cuisine," a delicious trifecta of sticky rice, papaya salad and laab gai. If you're feeling adventurous, try the various spice levels offered for Thum Muk Hoong, an original Lao papaya salad containing spicy green papaya, bird's eye chili peppers, thai eggplant and tomatoes.  

For dessert, Ma Der features traditional Naam Vahn, a chilled coconut soup filled with jackfruit, palm seed, coconut jelly, grass jelly and pandan jelly. Be sure to pair your meal with one of Ma Der's delicious cocktails or mocktails to complete your Lao dining experience. After savoring all that Ma Der's has to offer, you'll feel like part of Chef Chanchaleune's family. Each flavor or technique represents a memory from his many years cooking alongside his father, mother and grandmothers.