"Drop all of your restaurant plans, and go to Ma Der ASAP!" That was the urgent advice from our Flotilla Real Estate partner, Bart Terrell, after his recent lunch at Ma Der Lao Kitchen. And let me tell you, Bart was spot on. We heeded his call, and the experience was nothing short of a revelation.

Nestled in Oklahoma City's vibrant Plaza District ➜ – a trendy hub of unique restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques – Ma Der Lao Kitchen might seem like just another cool spot. But this place is different. We arrived around 4:00 PM on a Saturday, a sweet spot before the evening rush, and were seated immediately, bypassing the crowds that often flock to this popular area.

Our waitress explained the family-style concept, dishes meant for sharing. While we appreciated the communal spirit, we found the portions a bit more modest than anticipated. If you arrive with a hearty appetite, consider ordering two entrees per person to share – it’s a wise move.

We dove into a selection of dishes: the fried chicken with an added kick of red curry fish sauce, fried pork spare ribs, Lao sausage, and grilled beef skewers, complemented by sticky rice and a roasted sweet chili dip.

The fried chicken was an undeniable star. These double-fried chicken wings and drumettes were exceptionally crispy, coated in a sweet and spicy chili sauce that reminded us of the best Korean fried chicken – truly outstanding. The Lao sausage and grilled beef skewers were close contenders for our favorites. However, the fried pork spare ribs, while flavorful, were quite small with limited meat, making them a dish we’d likely skip on a future visit.

Where Ma Der Lao Kitchen truly soared, however, was in its cocktail selection. Forget your preconceived notions; these drinks were an adventure in unique flavor combinations. We sampled the Little Dragon, Fresh Prince, Khao New Old Fashioned, and Pandan Colada.

Each sip was a delightful surprise, infused with intriguing herbal notes. Surprisingly, the Khao New Old Fashioned, featuring sticky rice-infused Bourbon and Meletti (a bittersweet herbal liqueur), was sweeter than the Pandan Colada. The latter was a lighter, more herbaceous take on a piña colada, thanks to the pandan leaf – a perfect alternative for those who find traditional piña coladas too sweet.

But the real showstoppers were the Little Dragon and Fresh Prince. The Fresh Prince, with its blend of green chile, cucumber vodka, and coriander, might sound daunting, especially for those with a "cilantro-tastes-like-soap" aversion. Yet, even as non-fans of cucumber, the way these unique flavors harmonized was simply delicious and utterly captivating – so much so, we ordered a second!

The Little Dragon cocktail, with its seemingly daring inclusion of fish sauce and garlic, was an absolute triumph. Neither ingredient was overtly noticeable, and the drink itself was, in essence, a fantastic tequila margarita. For those of us who revere Torchy’s Tacos’ “Keepin’ It 100,” Ma Der’s Little Dragon was remarkably similar, elevated by a delightful Tajín-rimmed glass.

We still had room for dessert, so we opted for the daily rotating offering: a strawberry tart that tasted remarkably like a slice of cherry pie – a satisfying end to our meal.

Our biggest piece of advice for dining at Ma Der Lao Kitchen is to shed any preconceived flavor biases and embrace the culinary genius of Chef Jeff Chanchaleune. His unique concoctions, rooted in authentic Laotian flavors, are guaranteed to expand your palate and introduce you to taste experiences you might never have imagined.

Another valuable tip: plan your visit based on their weekly menu offerings. We're already eyeing a return trip on a Tuesday to try the Khao Poon vermicelli noodle bowl, a dish only served on that day.

Ma Der Lao Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vital and distinctive addition to Oklahoma City’s burgeoning food scene. As the only Laotian restaurant we know of in the city, providing similar yet distinct flavor profiles to our abundant Thai and Vietnamese establishments, Ma Der offers a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. It’s a testament to why Bart’s enthusiastic recommendation was so well-deserved.

Find out more about Ma Der Lao Kitchen here...
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