Spicy Joi Banh Mi x Lao Street Food

I love this place so much. Their printer broke and the kitchen staff only got some of my order so they asked if I wanted a drink for the wait. Such flavorful food and they take good care of their customers!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Disappointed! Drove to try the them vs Lao kitchen… it was kinda of lazy cooking. Everything was over salty even our 40 platter. All the items were bunched in one plate and looked NOTHING like the picture on the menu. They were out of a lot of items. Lara was only onions barely any chicken, boat noodles were salty and overly bunched with veggies, the sticky rice was hard… definitely a bad experience. Guess I’ll stick to Lao Kitchen, at least they have never ran out of anything and their dishes taste better. First and last.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Our order was for pick up, everything was great. Banh mi sandwiches were great and also we ordered spring roles, they were huge and delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Spicy Joi is simply the best Asian restaurant this side of the Caldecott it's not often we are blessed with new restaurants that are independently owned run by passionate people. The chef/owner cares deeply about his food and the story it tells of his part of the world and the experiences that come from it. It may look like a cafeteria but it is more than that. If he reskinned the place into something out of the Michelin guide his food would fit right in. It's easy to come here and get a sandwich or a rice plate. Do yourself a favor get some noodles or better yet the Laap salad. If I grew up with salads like the ones here I'd be eating salad everyday.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

We ordered catering for a group of about 30 including several young children. Everyone loved the food and couldn’t say enough good things. We had several vegetarians in the group and they were able to accommodate. Communication and service were excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Service was really good and the owner is super friendly. Food was really great as well. We opted in for the bigger platter for papaya.

We drove out an hour just to try this place out. This place did not disappoint.

Normally, I’m not a big fan of chicken but man this chicken was moist and delicious. Pork belly was crispy and Lao sausage was tasty. Great amount of portion for food.

Definitely coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Spicy Joi has been really disappointing. I’ve ordered from them more than 7 times, trying different meals, and the inconsistency is frustrating. Sometimes it’s okay, but most of the time it completely misses the mark. I really wanted to like it, but it’s just not reliable.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

I’m Lao and sometimes just really crave some good Lao takeout, so I’ve given SpicyJoi in Concord a few tries—probably five times now. Unfortunately, it’s always a hit or miss for me. I honestly think it depends on who’s cooking that day or if the owner is there, because the food is never consistent.
The Lao-style papaya salad has been the biggest letdown. It doesn’t even taste like real papaya salad—no kick, no flavor, just kind of odd. One time I had the kao piak and it was actually really good, but when I ordered it again another time, it was bland, had barely anything in it, and didn’t feel worth the price.
What’s frustrating is that the food looks amazing on social media and I really wanted to like it, but it’s not what it seems to be—or at least not what I expected. Maybe it’s just the inconsistency in the kitchen. Honestly, I’ve started going to Stix Eatery instead. Their Lao-style papaya salad is solid every time, especially when I ask for extra spicy always hit! and I appreciate the consistency.
I’m giving 3 stars because I know the potential is there, and I’ve had a good dish or two. But for the price, I just wish the quality was more reliable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Not sure if its because owner wasnt there but food was definitely mediocre, especially the papaya. Really upsetting, its all hype

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

The atmosphere was quite nice. Open and chilled out. The paintings on the wall were great. Food was just okay. We took fried pork belly and a lychee juice. The juice was extremely sweet. I could not drink it and told the staffs, but they just diluted with a bit of water which did not change anything. It was still impossible to drink.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The food was fresh, very delicious and well priced! The service was thoughtful and fast. It is a casual, pay-first then take your seat location. It works very well for families. We tried the banh mi and the fried chicken combo plate, I would recommend both.The fruit drink I found much more sweet than is my preference, however that works well to dilute with water and share.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

very delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Honest review, food was ok. Definitely not worth the hype if you planned to travel 2-3hrs for this place.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

First time here we order a platter for 4 which we didnt finish the food is super and the price good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was dreading to check this place out after seeing it all over social media. However, I'm quite sad to say it's not like how everyone claimed it to be, least for me. Walked in just me and my 2 other folks. Stood by the front door waiting for some minutes, confused, no signs, no greetings and took a seat upon ourselves. We then was approached by a server/cashier lady who kindly handed us the menus and instructed us to go to the front to order our food and pay when we're ready. Odd... guess it's the first for some such as myself?

For a Laotian restaurant, I was pretty bummed about their papaya salad. For they are notorious when it comes to Lao style. But, other than that... I did enjoy their Khao Piak (however you spell it) (would prefer my soup thick vs running though), and their Khao soi. If I'm really craving for just papaya next time, I'd make it myself or make the extra travel to Stockton for some real authentic lao style papaya at The Green Papaya.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1