About Ma Der
Chef Jeff Chanchaleune, a 2023 James Beard Foundation finalist, has come full circle with his take on Lao cuisine.
Ma Der! (ma-derr) is a Laotian phrase that basically means “come eat! or “come thru!” It’s an open invitation to our dinner table. Chef Jeff’s favorite memories include gatherings with family, friends and a feast of Lao food.
After many years of cooking Japanese food, Chef Jeff is going back to his roots to cook his mom’s and grandmothers’ food that he grew up eating with family & friends. He’s cooked alongside his mom, grandmothers, and dad, learning the flavors, ingredients, techniques and dishes that make up true Lao food. Each dish has a story about who or what it reminds us of.
Our goal is to educate our diners and shine a little more light on Lao culture and cuisine. We hope to expand people’s palates and appreciation for food through our bold, bright, spicy, & funky flavors. It’s a small role we play in helping with the national #LaoFoodMovement.
Chef Jeff & Grandma Vanni
Located in the Plaza District of OKC
1634 N. Blackwelder Avenue, #102, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Current Hours:
Tues - Thurs | 11AM - 10PM
Fri - Sat | 11AM - 11PM
No Reservations
Phone:
405-900-5503
E-mail:
info@maderlaokitchen.com
Charity, donation, & event sponsorship requests:
Rachel Chanchaleune - rachel@maderloakitchen.com
What is Lao food?
You’ve probably eaten or heard of papaya salad, laab gai (aka larb or minced chicken salad), and sticky rice found in most Thai restaurants. History shows that Laos is the birthplace of these popular items. It’s the holy trinity of Laotian cuisine and only a glimpse into the vast diversity of our food that include fried, grilled, steamed, fresh, and fermented dishes.
To the unfamiliar, Lao food is similar to cuisine in Northern Thailand. Lao people like to eat foods that are packed with umami. Contrary to our neighbors in Thailand and Vietnam who favor sweet & sour, our palate tends to gravitate towards savory, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy foods. Laotian cuisine is bold, funky, and addicting!
Chef Jeff, Mom, and Dad in his early years as a chef.