This Khao Noodle Shop Restaurant Review is an extended version of a new “Dinner and a Show” column I’m writing (the “dinner” portion) in partnership with Metropolitan Arts Media, Inc., the nonprofit organization that runs the award-winning arts journalism sites TheaterJones.com (performing arts) and the forthcoming ContextDFW.com (visual art) in Dallas/Fort Worth.
Khao Noodle Shop Restaurant Review
Khao Noodle Shop, a new cozy restaurant in East Dallas, serves food inspired by the chef/owner’s childhood memories of his mom’s Laotian home-cooking and his travels throughout Southeast Asia. With small bowls and shareable bites, the menu brings street food inside four walls and encourages diners to embark on a food adventure as they gather with friends and/or family.
I stopped in shortly after Khao opened, dragging my mom along, who was in town for the holidays. Unlike me, she isn’t an adventurous eater, and Khao Noodle Shop was far far outside her culinary comfort zone. Because the portions for each menu option were small, we were able to try much of the menu without committing to a single large entrée. A special shout out to my mom for being such a trooper and trying every single thing we ordered (except the shrimp bites)!
If you’re new to Laotian food, don’t let that stop or intimidate you. We found the staff (and the menu approach) friendly and welcoming to both newbies and those more familiar with the cuisine.
First, we tried four of the five noodle bowls: Chef Donny’s signature Boat Noodles, Khao Poon, Khao Soi and Mee Katee.
Each bowl was $5, and although the portions were not large, the noodle bowls were packed with flavor, well-developed broths and an attention to detail.
Made with a 10-hour pork broth, a pork meatball, rice noodles and more, Chef Donny’s signature Boat Noodles (pictured above) were my mom’s favorite and one of my favorites as well.
The Khao Poon was made with vermicelli, beef broth, vegetables, herbs and topped with shredded red cabbage. I liked this bowl, but in comparison to the others, it wasn’t my favorite … although my mom really liked it, so it’s just a matter of taste and preferences.
The Khao Soi wet bowl (which you can order wet or dry) was filled with rice noodles, fermented pork, small mushrooms, vegetables and herbs. Although my mom never made anything like it when I was growing up, the flavor of the Khao Soi was nostalgic and reminiscent of my mom’s home-cooked meals (although I couldn’t pinpoint which one). Any dish that transcends ethnic food boundaries to invoke that kind of mom’s kitchen flavor nostalgia is a special kind of gift!
The Mee Katee bowl was made with rice noodles, coconut curry, peanuts, eggs, herbs and shredded red cabbage. I am a sucker for anything coconut curry, so while I enjoyed all the noodle bowls we ate, the Mee Katee was my favorite.
Although Khao Noodle Shop is new, they already have a custom well-adopted by patrons: stacking your bowls and proudly displaying them with a photo on social media. Of course, we had to join the fun!
After devouring our bowls, we ordered two of the shareable bites – the beef skewers and the shrimp bites.
Both arrived beautifully plated and with equal attention to detail. The shrimp bites included three portions of cured, fried shrimp served with an Asian dipping sauce.
The beef, our favorite, included two skewers of tender beef seasoned with garlic and lemongrass.
We slowly savored every single bite and wished we didn’t have to share!
Several sides are also available on the menu, including a sticky rice I have my eyes on for my next visit. The drink menu is short (water and soda) because it’s BYOB at Khao!
“Khao” has many meanings, all associated with food and coming together to eat, which is exactly what Chef Donny hopes the shop will become – “a home for friends and family to come together to enjoy great Laotian food.” I think he’s well on his way to making that happen.
Address: 4812 Bryan St. in Dallas
Website: www.khaonoodleshop.com
Note: Chef Donny stopped by our table while we were there, chatted with us for a while and informed us that they will be adding seasonal and other items to the menu over time.
