There’s a lot of generations where people are afraid to say where they’re from,” [Seng] Luangrath says. Instead of telling people they’re from Laos, she explains, kids will say they’re from Thailand because Americans don’t know what or where Laos is. “I always say, ‘You’re from Laos. Just tell people that…’ And then explain to people where is Laos and just be proud of it,” she says. “Having a [Lao food ] movement is having people acknowledge it, know where Laos is. The cuisine is one of the things that will bring the knowledge.
From Refugee to Restaurateur: Seng Luangrath Prepares to Open D.C.’s First Laotian Spot.













