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Welcome to The Famous Khmer-Lao Restaurant

At The Famous Khmer-Lao Restaurant, a vibrant Laotian food truck located in San Jose, California, the essence of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine comes alive. Founded by a passionate family team, this eatery offers a curated menu that highlights beloved dishes like their renowned papaya salad and homemade Lao sausages. Each bite bursts with freshness and authentic flavors, crafted with pride and a touch of nostalgia. Customers rave about the generous spice levels and quality ingredients, reminiscent of home-cooked meals. As the restaurant settles into its community, the warm service and heartfelt attention to detail promise a delightful dining experience worth returning for.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to The Famous Khmer-Lao Restaurant, a delightful gem nestled in San Jose, California, at 3005 Silver Creek Rd STE 164. Specializing in authentic Laotian cuisine, this food truck is a haven for lovers of bold flavors and vibrant dishes. With a strong emphasis on authenticity and quality, The Famous Khmer-Lao Restaurant is quickly becoming a must-visit for both local foodies and those curious about Laotian culinary traditions.

Upon stepping up to this charming establishment, you're greeted by the warmth of a family-run operation that takes pride in every dish served. The star of the menu is undoubtedly their Papaya Salad, celebrated for its freshness and potent flavors. As one avid customer aptly noted, "Best papaya salad I have ever had," the dish captures the essence of Laotian cooking with its spicy kick and authentic ingredients. Be warned, though—the spice levels can be intense! Mild is still pretty darn spicy, ensuring you experience the genuine heat that Lao cuisine is known for.

Another highlight of the menu includes the highly acclaimed Lao Sausage, grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. Diners have described it as having a delightful gingery taste, complemented by hints of lemongrass. The Crispy Rice also garners praise, perfect for those looking to explore traditional textures and complement the spicy salads. Many patrons find themselves returning for the sensational home-cooked tastes that remind them of family gatherings and childhood memories.

  • Location: 3005 Silver Creek Rd STE 164, San Jose, CA 95121
  • Contact: (408) 613-2746
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Papaya Salad
    • Lao Sausage
    • Crispy Rice
    • BBQ Pork Skewers

Patrons frequently rave about the welcoming atmosphere fostered by owners Sammie and her husband, who are eager to engage in constructive dialogue with their customers. It's a rare find to come across a restaurant where feedback is both welcomed and acted upon. With a limited but thoughtfully curated menu, The Famous Khmer-Lao Restaurant strikes a balance between tradition and customer preference, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Whether you're a Laotian food aficionado or a curious newcomer, this family-run located on Silver Creek Road offers an unparalleled taste of Laos that's sure to leave an unforgettable impression. Don't forget to bring cash, as it's a cash-only establishment, but that small inconvenience pales in comparison to the gastronomical adventure that awaits. Visit soon, and immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Laotian cuisine at The Famous Khmer-Lao Restaurant!

START YOUR REVIEW OF The Famous Khmer-Lao Restaurant
T L.
T L.

I love this place! Best papaya salad I have ever had, but be careful, mild is pretty darn spicy and trust me, I can handle my heat! That's how authentic this place is, when they say spicy, it's spicy, not "Americanized" spicy which says a lot about everything else. I really appreciate the limited, but strong menu and yes, finally a small mom and pop store that spent time with decor and customer service is ON point. They just opened, so give them some time to settle in. The owners are really nice and welcomes allllll constructive criticism so help a family business out and let them know what you love, don't love, or would like to change and improve. Extra points for giving my 3 kiddos stickers! :)

Heather T.
Heather T.

Looked on Yelp for the answer to the age old question of "where can we go for dinner?" This restaurant immediately caught my attention and the decision was made almost immediately! Decided to share the Papaya Salad Platter and an order of the Lao Crispy Rice with my husband. We loved the Papaya salad, the sausage and the chicken wings. Service was great and the food was amazing! We will definitely be back! I even ordered an extra order of Crispy Rice for my lunch tomorrow!

Guess W.
Guess W.

Definitely up there in it's authenticity. Brought be back to when I was a kid growing up around all my Cambodian and Laos friends. Papaya salad is on point with its pungent taste and smell!!! It needs to have that fermented taste to be good. And the spiciness oh so good! Nam Khao - In general Im not a big fan of this dish becuz i hate pickled stuff. Not much meat in this dish. They need to add more IMO. Larb - Very good! Not the best Laos food I have ever had but definitely the best you can get outside of a home in SJ.

Timtim H.
Timtim H.

Was trying to find a Laotian restaurant in south bay after my trip to Laos, and found this new one opened up!! The sausage is crispy and really good! Papaya salad was Very spicy too!! I would totally come back!

Kim D.
Kim D.

Been here twice since exploring the Alum Rock Farmer's Market. I really enjoy this little stand. Their thai tea was refreshing. Their pork skewers were on point and tasted very good with their sticky rice. But what my bf and I really enjoy is their papaya salad. Spicy? Yes please! Let me tell you. I HATE papaya. It smells like feet to me. I've avoided them like the plague but I decided to try this and it tasted great. This with a pork skewer with their sticky rice and a thai tea. Lunch is served! And they seem super nice the times I've been here. I'd definitely return when I hit up the farmer's market.

Debbie M.
Debbie M.

What's Laos cuisine? Head over to this family owned business where the owner Sammie and her husband take great pride in what they have to offer - from their delicious BBQ sticks, to their tasty homemade Laos sausage, and made to order papaya salad (just tell them your spice level), you'll want to order a bit of everything. My daughter who is a bit picky loves their chicken BBQ sticks with an order of sticky rice and thai iced tea. I personally love their Laos sausage which has a bit of kick to it. As I'm writing this review, I'm already planning my next visit! All in all a wonderful place to go for a delicious meal and a good deal. Last tip - make sure to bring enough cash as they do cash only.

Joy U.
Joy U.

Came back again last weekend and tried their pork sausages. Their sausages are freshly made and grilled and I chose it because of that amazing smell. An order would be 2 for $5. Each sausage is about 4 inches and has that dark color when cooked. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/famous-lao-papaya-san-jose?filter_by_userid=True&select=tjXcdrks_nSQFVB0d6cEYQ&userid=eFultZImrmu0nLmQqeDmjw#tjXcdrks_nSQFVB0d6cEYQ When I tasted it, it was something else than what I was used to, there was that gingery taste with a hint of lemongrass in the end. The meat was tender and non-greasy since it was grilled.http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/famous-lao-papaya-san-jose?filter_by_userid=True&select=tjXcdrks_nSQFVB0d6cEYQ&userid=eFultZImrmu0nLmQqeDmjw#wrrneExZitIaiqthuDcZag I also couldn't quite decipher if it was loaded with ground pepper or chilies because it sure gave me a kick...and a slap in the woo hoo... LOL! I was in desperate need of water afterwards but taste wise it was good! Personally it wasn't a favorite (too spicy for me if eaten alone) but certainly another introduction to new a taste in food preparations.