When speaking of the perfect, quick Thai lunch, the ‘holy trinity’ is often mentioned; sticky rice, grilled chicken, and of course, som tam (pounded papaya salad). Lay Lao, just a two minute walk from Ari skytrain, does all three perfectly. That Ari lunchtime crowd certainly agree.
The restaurants owner hails from the coastal region of Hua Hin but serves up north-eastern style dishes. Being a restaurant with links to the seafood mecca of Hua Hin, many of the som tam salads have a pleasing shellfish bent; there’s a black crab, dried clam and squid version which notches high on both the saline and satisfying levels. This is a place that harmoniously blends the distinct flavours of Isan with Hua-Hin and Petchaburi’s wealth of seafood.
Should the intriguing Southeast Asian fruit santol be in season, be sure to order a salad (som kratorn) using it; their signature dish and one which sells out quickly. Their grilled pork neck (mu yang) and squid stuffed with squid roe (pla muek yang) are both excellent, too.
The restaurant sources prime cuts of beef from Kasetsart University’s Beef Cooperative, meaning you can rely on the quality and flavour of their beef dishes.
Website: lay-lao.business.site
Address: Phahon Yothin 7 Alley, Khwaeng Samsen Nai, Khet Phaya Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400
