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    Ma Der Lao Kitchen

    4.6 (378 reviews)
    ModerateLaotian
    Closed Closed
    Updated 1 month ago

    Ma Der Lao Kitchen Photos

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    MA DER LAO KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - Ma Der Lao Kitchen

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    Menu
    Tiana E.

    Loved this spot! Can't wait to be back to try some of their daily specials and other menu items. We tried the crispy rice salad which was super flavorful and fresh and I loved the textures. We also tried to chicken wings which were good too. The lemongrass pork was also amazing!! Highly recommend this place

    Outside
    Elizabeth K.

    1st time visiting after hearing about it through a niece in Florida. I have never had Laotian food. The restaurant itself is small but it was packed and service was fantastic. We made a reservation and we're not waiting long. We had a group of 5. The menu was rather small with only 12 items to choose from, but I will say everything we ate was very delicious. The portions are small for the price and they are shareable family style plates. Each plate was between $12-23 . Only 2 dessert options ,one being coconut soup ( it was a chilled soup with green jello cubes, coconut and jackfruit.), the other is a rotating dessert ( changes often. The best item was fried chicken and beef skewers and the fried pork spareribs ribs that melt in your mouth - SO GOOD. The steamed catfish was good but only 2 of our guests enjoyed it . The fried crispy rice salad was also good but needed a side sauce to give an extra kick. The chili sauces were delicious too. Overall, I rate an 8 out of 10. Service fantastic, food good but still felt a little hungry since plates were rather small for the price and not many food items available to fill the gap. Definitely would go in again for a light lunch or quick bite with friends.

    The Spread // ig: @sandyeatslocal
    Sandra V.

    Finally got to try Ma Der out, and I was so excited! I've heard so many good things from so many different people. This restaurant is located in the Plaza District in the old Goro Ramen location. Upon being seated, our server gave us the rundown on the menu as well as their recommendations. The space is still quite small, but I loved the ambiance. We opted for the crispy rice salad and the papaya salad to start. The papaya salad was way too spicy for me, and we even asked for the lowest level, but it sure was addicting! I couldn't stop eating it even if my mouth was on fire. The crispy rice salad was also very tasty and fun. For our entrees, we ordered the chicken wings, the beef skewers, and the Lao sausage hot dog to have family style. Everything was really easy to split and share amongst our group of 4. The chicken wings were an absolute must! They were so crispy and seasoned so well. I was expecting the beef skewers to be underwhelming, but I was pleasantly surprised at how tender and flavorful it was! The hot dog also surprised me-- it was a flavor bomb with a definite kick! It's a must order if you stop in during their happy hour as that is the only time it's served. My mouth was feeling it after our meal. We also ordered a side of their sticky rice with a couple different sauces. I would pass on the side noodles if they ask (it was just vermicelli noodles). We opted out of dessert this time as we were surprisingly full, but the next time I stop by I will definitely give it a try. I did order a refreshing drink called the Ms. Jasmine that was fruity and non-alcoholic! It was really good! Service was pretty fast and friendly. I would definitely try to get in during happy hour to beat the dinner rush because as we left, the restaurant was packed inside and out!

    Rice salad
    Audrey S.

    Food here was great. We came at an off hour on a Saturday and there was no wait (but I was told that usually there always is a wait). We got the Saturday special chicken noodle soup. I loved the flavor and consistency of the soup but didnt really love the noodles. Flavor was great though. The popular rice salad was a touch sour. Our favorite item was by far the skewers and the chicken wings! We found free parking on a side street around the corner, but there also is a paid lot.

    Steamed Catfish (IG: @eatwithbaobae)
    Janelle H.

    We dined on a Saturday night at around 6:00 pm. Restaurant was packed but we got lucky and only waited about 10 min to be seated. Our server gave amazing recommendations and went with every single one. We were not disappointed! Every dish listed below is a must so just do yourself a favor and order them all! Crispy Rice Salad - seasoned crispy rice, chopped cured pork sausage, medley of mint, cilantro, and green onions. Ground chili, lime, and peanuts, served with lettuce. Khao Piak Sen (Saturday special) - Lao style chicken noodle soup. Add chili for another layer of flavor! Lao Sausage - house-made savory and herbaceous Lao sausage. If you share this dish you will fight over the last piece! Grilled Beef Skewers (2 pieces) - tender lemongrass marinated beef rib fingers, toasted rice powder, jaew som, pickled shallots, and herb medley Steamed Catfish - local catfish with bean thread noodles, fresh herbs, aromatics, and spices steamed in a banana leaf

    Dessert. I can't even begin to describe. Cake and mousse and FLAVORS
    Sohailah S.

    Wow wow wow!!! I wish I had pictures. But the food was so amazing, I wish I'd remembered to take more pictures... The wait staff was so informative and kind. They gave us recommendations because we really needed to know what to order since it was our first time in. Everything hit perfectly. From drinks, to sides, to dessert.

    Ash S.

    45min wait time when there are more than 8 tables empty? Do they purposely keep the appearance of this place as "busy" by giving long wait times when there are tons of empty tables? See pictures. Food was good.. unique but nothing over the top. Pretty much a version of Thai food. They have Khao Soi which is only offered on thursdays! Most recommended: beef jerky, fried chicken, and salad. Salad was crispy and unique and good. Ambiance- so many empty tables and long wait times for no reason!

    Tim T.

    Just have to add a note about their new banana cheesecake dessert - it's amazing and its deliciousness is through the roof! It also features charred bananas and a creamy pudding component. Excellent service and super cool atmosphere as well. Definitely check it out!

    Khao Piek Sen
    Christina Z.

    Visiting family for the holidays and am so glad we returned to Ma Der Lao Kitchen - the food is delicious, flavorful, and feels so comforting. They don't take reservations so we came right at opening and were seated right away. Food is served family style aka perfect for sharing and one of my favorite ways to enjoy a mea. There is a daily special that rotates each day - we were bummed that we weren't able to come on the duck porridge day because we had loved it the first time we came here, but were excited to try the Khao Piek Sen (Lao chicken noodle soup). The Khao Piek Sen lives up to its description - it tasted like a warm hug, comforting rice noodles with a thick broth, and a balance of umami and salty with the crispy garlic, green onions, and quail egg. Recommend squeezing the lime to add some bright, refreshing acidity to the dish. This was my favorite dish we had this meal. We also shared the crispy rice salad which was my husband's favorite. The salad is served at room temperature and you can turn it into lettuce wraps. The mint adds a sweetness to the dish and we enjoyed the crispiness of the rice and pork sausage. The third dish we had was the fried pork spare ribs - deep fried but not greasy and comes with a tasty dipping sauce. Overall, a delicious meal - definitely added to our list for go-to restaurants the next time we're in OKC.

    Crispy rice salad
    Jess F.

    Ma Der is an incredible spot for authentic, bold, and delicious Lao food! It definitely lived up to its hype. Both indoor and outdoor seating are well attended to, and the outdoor tables are warm and cozy even in the cold winter weather! Servers were super friendly and gave great recommendations. Crispy rice salad - super delicious dish! The rice had just the right amount of bite, and there was a tangy lemongrass flavor mixed in as well. The meat was juicy and tender. Comes with lettuce wraps that make for a perfect bite! Easy to share and definitely left me wanting more. Grilled beef skewers - most memorable plate for sure. The beef is sooo tender, with an amazing charred flavor. My only complaint is the portion size! My family couldn't get enough and even contemplated getting a second one. Steamed catfish - definitely a strong lemongrass flavor, also with some tangy undertones. This was one of my favorites as well! The fish is cooked til soft and the flavors are bold, perfect to pair with the sticky rice! Khao Piek Sen - the Saturday special soup! It's described as a take on chicken noodle soup, but I'd definitely describe the flavor as more mild and aromatic. I absolutely love the way the "noodles" are done which are more like bites; reminds me of a classic Chinese soup as well! I can't wait to come back to Ma Der when I'm back in OKC!

    Michelle V.

    Great Laotian food We tried - fried chicken Crispy rice salad Grilled beef skewers All incredible! Great flavor for the chicken wings and perfectly cooked Skewers had incredible char taste and cooked perfectly as well The crispy rice salad is amazing - comes with lettuce for serving too! I tried the Jasmine mocktail - very refreshing! Cute indoor space and nice patio as well! Service was great, food came out quickly! We were able to eat and drink and head out an hour or so. Amazing food!!

    Callie L.

    This is hands down my favorite restaurant in the entire world. Everything on the menu is packed with flavor and made with care. Our waiter Jamil was awesome! The crispy rice is my absolute favorite dish- it's unreal. Perfect texture, perfectly balanced, insane flavor. Wish I lived in OKC so I could eat here all the time! The atmosphere is laid back, the service is always friendly, and the whole experience just makes you happy to be there. Try anything on the menu- we've never had a bad dish here, and every time we go, we somehow love it even more. If you haven't been, just go. Trust me!

    Coconut soup
    Aja L.

    Vegetarian options are limited to one item and dessert. I wasn't interested in a salad that evening, so I tried the dessert which was divine. The servers were attentive and knowledgeable, and I like that you can see right into the cooking and prep area from the bar. It's a lovely, friendly community vibe, too. Definitely worth trying.

    Wings and sticky rice

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    1 month ago

    The food and service were amazing! First time visitors, if we were local this would definitely be a regular spot!

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    2 months ago

    Amazing spot, unique experience and great food highly recommend if you've never tried Laotian food before and the staff is very helpful

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    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - Ma Der Lao Kitchen

    What is the wait time like for dinner on a weekend?

    If you go during peak times the wait can easily be up to 45 minutes or longer. But if you aren't in a hurry, the Plaza District is a decently hip area to walk around after you put your name on the list. Weather permitting of course.

    Do you take reservations?

    No, Ma Der Lao is a Walk-in restaurant, but you can always call to check on current availability!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Thai Orchid - Pad Thai with Chicken

    Thai Orchid

    4.4(295 reviews)
    10.6 mi
    $$

    Visited on July 5, 2026…read more Service: Very kind, attentive, and helpful staff. The owner came out to give a briefing of the menu and offered suggestions - even giving some he does not recommend. Ambiance: It is quiet and nicely decorated. There is TV playing in the background as well as music. Food: The Beef Pad Thai (1/5 spice) had extremely good flavor and a heaping portion. The peanut sauce was smooth and not overly sweet. The Chicken Tom Yum (4/5 spice) was served in a family style dish. The flavor was incredible and addictive. Mushrooms are not a preferred vegetable, but the broth flavor overtook the mushrooms. Wonderful sour flavor, but the spice level was no joke. There is also a cooking class on Saturday's 2-4.

    We decided to order takeout because the restaurant was very warm inside, but don't let that…read morediscourage you from giving it a try. The food was absolutely delicious and tasted incredibly fresh. We ordered the Beef Pad Pak and the Beef Pad Thai, and both dishes were excellent. They offer a spice level from 1-5, so it's easy to customize the heat to your preference. We appreciated having that option, whether you prefer something mild or enjoy a bit more kick. The service while ordering was friendly and efficient, and the interior has a nice atmosphere. That said, the dining area and decor could use a thorough cleaning, as the amount of cooking oil in the air seems to leave a sticky residue on many surfaces.

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    Bar Sen

    Bar Sen

    4.8(88 reviews)
    0.0 miPlaza District, Classen Ten Penn
    $$

    We thoroughly enjoyed Bar Sen! My bowl had 2 quail eggs ,…read morepork and glassy noodles. It had such great flavor. My husband and daughter loved their choices too. The decor is very nice, with calming low lights and floral walls. Our waiter was excellent and helpful. We were thrilled to see Bar Sen's chef was a nominee for the James Beard "Best Chef" award...an elite international honor. We will certainly return! You should too!

    Bar Sen was easily one of the best meals I've ever had and to find this gem in OKC was even better!…read moreHonestly, probably the best Lao food I've ever had in my life. Everything we ordered was incredible and you could tell how much thought and care went into every single dish. What really stood out was how creative and carefully crafted everything felt. The Asian-inspired flavors were unique and elevated without ever being overpowering. Every ingredient seemed intentional, and the flavors complemented each other so well. It felt like a modern and creative take on Lao cuisine while still highlighting the flavors that make the food so special. Foods tried: - Fried Calamari: SO frikkin amazing. flavors were a mix of salty, umami, lime, spiced. high recommended by our lovely waitress who was so spot on about this recommendation - Khao Piek Sen (Lao Chicken noodle soup). THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR EVENING. I actually can't stop thinking about how amazing this was. Think the absolute best chicken noodle soup you've had in your life with the best handmade thick tapioca like noodles. - Yum Sen Lawn (Glass Noodle Salad): very refreshing and nice for a hot OKC day. - Pandan Cinnamon Roll. Good! Pandan flavor was there but cinnamon definitely overpowered a bit, still delicious overall. On top of the AMAZING food, the service was just as wonderful. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made the entire experience that much better. 5/5 without a doubt. Bar Sen is an absolute gem in OKC and a must-try if you appreciate thoughtfully prepared Asian cuisine. We're already looking forward to coming back and trying more of the menu!

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    Bar Sen - Similar dining room layout as Mar De Lao

    Similar dining room layout as Mar De Lao

    Bar Sen - Calamari, Beef Jerky

    Calamari, Beef Jerky

    Bar Sen - Glass noodle salad

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    Glass noodle salad

    Ma Der Lao Kitchen - laotian - Updated September 2026

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