Laotian cuisine is currently having a food moment, showcasing its famously pungent offerings that sets it apart from its neighboring Southeast Asian countries. This past year alone has seen the openings of Royal King Elephant and Spicy Lao, both in Garden Grove. That’s also the home of Vientiane, Orange County’s longest-standing Laotian restaurant. This one has brought on the fire for over a decade with its funky dishes, none better than their deep-fried catfish fillet.
A crisp whole catfish is dissected into sharable morsels, doused in a luscious spicy coconut curry sauce, then finished with a toss of aromatic Thai basil and red bell peppers for a sweet bite. The crunchy skin and moist, flaky fish resonate with the deep flavors of palm sugar, fish sauce and creamy curry. Be sure to order a side of sticky rice for mopping all the leftover panang curry, and bow down to the OG of OC’s Lao scene.
Vientiane Thai Laos Restaurant, 10262 Westminster Ave., Garden Grove, (714) 530-7523.
The List:
61. Risotto Con Burrata at Taverna
62. Pineapple Float at Jollibee
63. Szechuan Fries at Wok N Tandoor
64. Banh Xeo at Quan Mii
65. Chanko Nabe at Torizo
66. Hamshuka from Hummus Bowl
67. The Reuben at A Market
68. Everything Cake from Slice Deli And Cakery
69. Spicy Shrimp And Eggplant from Brio Tuscan Grille
70. Crawfish Mac & Cheese from The Wharf
71. Malasadas from Dough Doughs Hawaiian Cafe
72. Salsas from Salsa Bandolera
73. Chorizo Breakfast Bagel at Spigas Bakery and Cafe
74. Whole Chicken Combo at Falafelo
75. Toothpick Lamb at Sichuan Impression
76. Hainan Chicken Rice at Baos Hog
77. Fruit- and Ice Cream-Topped Waffles at Crave
78. Garlic Shrimp Poke at Costco
79. Chimichurri Fries at Piaggo on Wheels
80. Torta Cubana at Cancun Juice
81. Adobo Bowl at Irenia
82. Garlic Noodles at Krave Asian Fusion
83. Broccolini at SeaSalt WoodFire Grill
84. Spicy Tuna Roll at Yard House
85. Amber Roll at Orange Roll and Sushi
86. Frito Chili Cheeseburger at Burger Parlor
87. Maui Sunrise at The Original Banzai Bowls
88. Meals from The Performance Kitchen
89. Pizza-Sized Quesadilla at Los Sanchez
90. Filipino Brunch at EATS Kitchen And Bar
91. Mexican Chocolate at the Pie Hole
92. Biscuits at James Republic
93. Mushroom Flatbread with Kale and Kumquat Salad at Lemonade
94. Mexican-Style Gelatins from Santa Ana’s Gelatina Goddess
95. Hot Pastrami Caesar Salad at Bruxie
96. Jalapeño Pupusas at Las Cazuelas
97. Meatball Sliders at Fresh Brothers
98. Buffalo Cauliflower at Mead’s Green Door Cafe
99. Raindrop Cake at Sunmerry Bakery
100. Doughrito at Surfin’ Donuts
Cynthia Rebolledo covers anything and everything food, culture and spirits.