Famous Lao Papaya - San Jose

Food was good/decent, service was ok and the atmosphere was horrible . Not very attentive . We're tourist, traveling for a day trip, so had to eat the food there . It was extremely hot . No fan or ac . My kids , husband and I were all sweating so much we couldn't wait to get out back to our car . Ended up packing most of our food back .

The flavors of their laab gai, nam khai, and signature Lao-style papaya salad were absolutely delightful. Each dish was packed with authentic Lao flavors, and the combination of ingredients created a memorable dining experience. The laab gai had a perfect balance of spice and tanginess, while the nam khai showcased a unique blend of textures. The star of the show, the Lao-style papaya salad, truly lived up to its reputation. The freshness of the papaya combined with the vibrant mix of flavors made it a standout dish. Overall, Famous Lao Papaya is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor authentic Lao cuisine that leaves a lasting impression.

Absolutely love this place! I usually do takeout since the space itself can be tight. The service is quick and friendly. The plaza can be chaotic due to parking and mealtime rushes. In a spot full of Vietnamese businesses, I was really happy to have a go-to spot for food. My Laotian friend said the food here is pretty basic, but I think it's accessible and tasty for anyone to try.As a note, when ordering online, I think it's funny that they ask for how many chilis to put in. My family always put the max because we love spice. When we order over the phone, we clarify that we want things extra spice. The chilis that come with the foods are a crazy breed because I swear it's 10x spicier than the ones we grow at home.Khaw mee fried noodle: This was good for a carb. It reminds me of Vietnamese hu tieu. Not my favorite thing out of everything but nothing's wrong with it.Papaya salad: Great texture and flavor! The spicier the better. The bottom is not too watery for takeout.Laab: Probably my favorite item on the menu. It's so fresh and we ate it with the accompanying cucumber and lettuce. The spicier the better as well.Sausage: We always split a portion of this because the sticky rice fills you up. I love the flavor of the sausage. It's always piping hot and crispy too.All in all, this is a solid spot for good eats. Go try it!

Drove out of the way to just come here since our city back home doesn’t have any Lao food. Everything was so good! Definitely recommend.

Delicious nam khao, papaya salad, chicken wings, and sausages. Sausages are better eaten at the restaurant as opposed to take away. They also have party trays. The eatery is small and casual, not a full service restaurant. You order at the counter. Very nice and friendly service