In case you need a refresh, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer multicourse meals at reasonable prices. And while all are unique and the “price” varies from country to country, the standard for quality remains the same.
That’s why we're highlighting a Bib of the Week; we're sharing where to go, what dish to order, the best time to stop by, and everything in between. Whether it’s casual Chinese American bites under $35 in Colorado or Nepali flavors in Tampa, our selection of Bib Gourmand spots will leave both you and your wallet satisfied.
"The goal is to let our cooking tell a story of Laotian food culture," explains executive chef Ben Tiatasin. "Everything that I use—from spoon and plate to food presentation and decor—lets the customer experience the culture."
That ethos is put on full display with the menu, where distinctive and flavorful dishes like Pla Tong Na and herbal sausage reign supreme.
But don’t take our word for it, check out what our Inspectors have to say here, and below, learn from the team about what you need to know before you go.
What is the dish to order at Laos in Town?
We recommend herbal sausage for appetizers and our Pla Tong Na (crispy rockfish with Lao herb dressing) for the main course.
Herbal sausage looks similar to other sausages until you have a bite. You will immediately taste an aromatic curry paste, Lao herbs, and a hint of ginger and green chili with a texture that is so unique.
Pla Tong Na is a Lao herb, garlic, lime, and ginger-flavored crispy rockfish served and cut into chunks. It started when my grandmother took me to harvest rice in rice paddies. We trap fish in the rice fields for lunch. We grill them with herbs, chilis, and garlic that we just pick, then toss in ginger and lime dressing. The best part is we share it with people who help harvest the rice. I cooked Pla Tong Na growing up for my family and friends. I am now sharing one of the best dishes at home to my customers. It obviously became one of the most popular dishes at Laos in Town.
What price range can customers expect at Laos in Town?
$11-$35 per person.
When is the best time to stop by?
The best time to stop by Laos in Town is 2-5 p.m. when the dining atmosphere is calm and not yet crowded. If weather permitting, you can enjoy our expansive corner patio with string lights. During the dinner rush, we are often fully booked. Reservations are highly recommended.
What was the idea with Laos in Town?
The idea behind Laos in Town started a long time ago in Laos when I visited the country and fell in love with Lao cuisine. Years ago, I made Laotian lunch and dinner for staff meals. The staff kept asking how and where to find such impressive flavors like this. Soon after the staff meals, those Laotian dishes became my secret menu that customers talked about. It was delightful to see what I have cooked for my family and friends since I was young gaining popularity. At Laos in Town, I want my customers to feel and enjoy the food like I felt when I was in Laos. When you eat it, it just transports you there. That was how Laos in Town was born.
How would you describe your approach to food and cooking?
Every time we work on a new menu item, we’re digging into the foods that have stayed with us, the dishes that made us feel comforted or cared for over the years.
How did you conceive of a menu that is delicious, yet good value?
I learned and helped my grandmother prepare and cook for the family from a very early age. In my early professional years, I practiced and developed to refine my skills to perfection. I now combine my grandmother’s cooking techniques and my own cooking skills acquired during research trips to not only different parts of Laos but also different regions of the Southern Asian country where they start and share the same food culture, but at the same time offer distinctive flavors.
How did you conceive of a menu that is delicious, yet good value?
Distinctive and flavorful dishes make me miss my hometown. Starting from a simple meal to memorable dishes, I create a menu that suits my palate, but the taste is authentic and exotic. The menu here consists of the dishes that I would eat at home. My secret is in my own backyard. I plant herbs and ingredients there where I can pick and sun-dry them at the right time. Sharing ingredients and food with my neighbors is another cooking inspiration.
Hero image: Rey Lopez / Laos in Town
