Contributed by Randi Perlman
As the Mat-Su’s population continues to grow, new restaurants are popping up, trying to fill in the gaps and keep pace with the demand. While many of them fall into the fast food and/or large franchise categories, one of them stands out as a locally-owned & operated, first-of-its-kind, ‘new kid on the block’, and it’s enjoying rave reviews while attracting a steadily growing and appreciative clientele.
Café Khao Neow, nestled in Wasilla’s Creekside Plaza between Alaska Midnite Scents and The Alaska Club, is the home of delicious, authentic Laotian cuisine. Owned by young entrepreneur partners Phong Say (Sy) and Pay Lin (Lin), Café Khao Neow opened in October 2019, serving up traditional homemade Lao family recipes. Their full menu includes staples such as Lao Sausage, Papaya Salad, and Chicken Curry Noodle Soup, along with a complete selection of appetizers, salads, soups and entrees, along with rice and noodle dishes to round it all out.
Opening a Laotian restaurant in the Valley has been a long-time dream of the young couple, so when the opportunity presented itself, they jumped on it. The décor is simple while comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, the aromas from the kitchen are heavenly, and there are a variety of sauces and spices on each of the nine tables so you can customize every dish to your liking. Lin creates culinary magic in the kitchen, while Sy greets guests with a friendly smile, helpful tips and explanations on any menu items you may have questions about, and presents the aromatic delicacies. Customer service is prompt, efficient and top-notch!
It’s exciting to have more and more restaurant choices in the Mat-Su Valley to enjoy with family, friends and visitors, especially when they bring with them friendly faces, exotic, delightful flavors and a whole new cuisine to explore. Sample the traditional flavors of Laos at Café Khao Neow, which means ‘sticky rice’, at 1830 E Parks Highway in the Creekside Plaza, Wasilla. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday from 11am to 8pm, closed on Monday. Call them at 376-5426, visit them at www.CafeKhaoNeow.com, or Like them on Facebook.
