Pha Khao Lao Cuisine

Back in December I heard about a new Lao restaurant opening in Rolando named Pha Khao Lao. The Missus and I usually go for Lao food during warmer weather, so I was going to wait a bit. But then, the last month, the weather has been unseasonably warm, so we decided to head on out and pay Pha Khao Lao a visit.

We liked that the restaurant opens at 1030, so we could beat the typical lunch crowd and there's ample parking in the strip mall that always seems half unoccupied on University. The restaurant is basically located next to the location of Lee's Sandwiches, which Cathy posted on two years ago.

The interior is quite spacious and the tables spaced out well.

There was only one nice young lady working on both our visits. It was kind of funny when I was looking at movies of Vientiane playing on the big screen and mentioned it to her. She told me, "I hope to go there one day!" I came to find out she's actually Thai!

Of course we went ahead and ordered "the usual"; our favorite items at local Lao restaurants; starting with the Nem Khao (of course – $18.95). We thought the presentation was quite nice and were surprised at the amount of sparkling fresh veggies provided.

The portion size was quite generous. I do prefer a bit more crunchy, crisp rice in my nem khao, the flavors were a bit on the milder side; but there was a good amount of sour sausage provided. This was pretty good, though we prefer the version at Spicy Lao Kitchen.

And yes, we got the Sai Oua ($13.95). We ordered the spicy version.

This was a bit too chewy and dry; lacking in the kaffir lime leaf-lemongrass-ginger tones we enjoy. That Jeow Mak Len had quite a kick though! 

And we also ordered the Mok Pa ($14.95); you see, we really haven't had a great version outside of Laos; though the Missus said I make a decent version which I learned at the Tamarind Cooking School in Luang Prabang (I still treasure the three little pamphlets of recipes from the class). And this one was also disappointing.

The fish tasted muddy and was strangely really chewy. There was a distinct lack of dill, kaffir lime leaves, and I believe they put coconut milk in this version.

Overall, a decent meal, the nem khao was quite good. I mentioned our meal to Candice, who recommended that I try the Luang Prabang Papaya Salad. So, having a day off, I headed back over to Pha Khao, and ordered the Tum Luang Prabang ($14.95).

   Which was quite interesting as the papaya was sliced into wider strips and I loved the appropriate use of Lao Eggplant; slices of the small green orbs of goodness. This was nice and pungent so it was obvious they used a good amount of fermented crab and fish sauce. I ordered it just medium spicy…which was still pretty hot! I then noticed that there was a combination of two chilies in the salad. Both Thai bird and another. When I inquired the gal laughed and said; "yes, it's more spicy because the chef also uses dried chilies as well!" 

The pork rinds provided a savory reprieve from the spiciness. As usual, Candice's recommendation was spot on.

I enjoyed my meals and the warm, friendly service at Pha Khao and it is perhaps my second favorite Lao restaurant in San Diego. While the presentation at Pha Khao is better, we prefer Spicy Lao Kitchen. Of course, now we're going to have to head over there….for comparison sake….yeah, that's the ticket…..

Pha Khao Lao Cuisine
5801 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92115
Current Hours:
Daily 1030am – 9pm