That Luang Kitchen Lao Cuisine

10/30/24

I drove from Pleasanton to this restaurant in Richmond, a 38-mile and 45-min commute each way. I ordered one cooked beef larb, one papaya salad, two lao sausages, and one khow poon to go. Drove 57 mins back due to traffic.

Dropped the papaya salad and khow poon with my wife at her workplace in Pleasanton. Food from this restaurant ruined her lunch. What were we going to do? To go back and complain? Take pictures and show the owner and his wife? Would they believe any of it? No. Larb was salty, papaya was salty, and even the khow poon was overtly salty. Worst yet, there were human hair in the papaya salad and khow poon.

I called the restaurant, talked to the guy, he said he was sorry that happened, and also yapping about not showing him the hair in the food. He wasn't going to believe any of it anyway. Wife and I just agreed to never go back there. Ever again. We won't and I'm glad they're going out of business soon with attitude and service like that. They're putting the restaurant up for sale. Hope they will learn to better service customer and care for their food better in their next restaurant.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Sticky Rice, Papaya Salad, Lao Sausage and Pork Spare Ribs

So so gooooood!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Although I'm Mien, their khao soi here is 99% identical to the way my mom makes it. The sausage is also almost the same way my parents make it. The food here is very authentic (as most hole in the wall places that's situated in the hood) and homey, which is a good thing. Don't expect no Instagrammable type presentation or decor/ambiance, come here for the food. It is made to cater the Lao and a couple of the Laotian hilltribe communities here in Richmond and those who know these communities and love their food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Authenticity is the key in the offerings from this restaurant, using the space from and old ethnic grocery store, the owners serves Laotian food that are home made. tried their mokpla, papaya salad, sausages, pork, sweet rice....all are properly done and perfectly seasoned.

My only issue with this place, it may be small to some people, but charging us for a bottle of water vs just serving us a cup of water, really cheap of them. The food is good. The bathroom is clean. It’s wheelchair accessible.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Excellent, family-owned Lao restaurant nestled in San Pablo. The food is great across the board and the service is top-notch. Don’t come expecting premium ambiance, but if looking for solid Lao food (been to Laos and my fiancée worked in Laos for a year) definitely recommend giving this place a try.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Parking: Small parking lot behind restaurant & street parking in residential area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken Wings

Best Lao Food in the Bay Area for sure. Love the chicken Larb and Papaya salad reasonable price. Will definitely be returning there for sure.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Papaya Salad

Worst papaya salad I've ever tried i have no idea what are all the good reviews and I'm pretty sure i was overcharged for some papaya salad and a little bit of sticky rice

Oh my God everything was fresh, and tasted just like mom and dad made it , highly highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great flavor and spice!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Chicken Larb

Hole in the wall place. Ordered takeout. Food was good but the papaya salad was so spicy! They said it was mild, but it was hot. I could not finish it, which is a shame since it was very good. The owner was very nice and was patient to take my order.

Parking: Tight

Man.. don't sleep on my favorite lao place!!!

The best Laos chicken Larb and Papaya in Bay Area.

Super authentic selection of noodle soups. Famous for it’s papaya salad. Well-frequented by Laotian people, always a good sign.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5