Som Bao Cafe Menu

Som Bao Cafe Restaurant Review:

While sushi bars are ubiquitous and Indian eateries are as ingrained as burger joints in even smallish U.S. cities, Laotian restaurants are still rare enough to count as exotic. But Virginia Beach-ers are becoming accustomed to neau savanh (Lao beef jerky) and chicken ka-boun (noodles in lemon grass, galangal, makrut limes, coconut milk and red curry-infused chicken broth) thanks to this friendly, family-run café. Boldly flavored dishes reflect Laos’ landlocked Southeast Asian geography, influenced by bordering China, Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. In fact, dishes such as pad Thai are served, helping ease first-timers into what could be unfamiliar culinary territory. A bed of crispy noodles soaks up the sweet basil chili sauce of chicken sapprot, enhanced with onions, cashews, pineapple, carrots and green beans. For funky American fusion, there’s wonton fries (crunchy wraps stuffed with chicken, cream cheese and potatoes). Plenty of vegetarian options, such as tod katiam tofu (fried tofu with a garlicky, peppery kick in a sweet and spicy sauce) entice non-meat-eaters. While there is wine, drinks like coconut lemonade and bobos (bubble teas) add to the foreign fun. Leave room for homemade ice cream in a vibrant range of flavors from coconut to Thai tea.