2023 James Beard Foundation - "Best Chef - Southwest" Finalist2024 James Beard Foundation "Best Chef - Southwest" FinalistAsianJames Beard Foundation (JBF) Award Nominees & WinnersLaoOklahomaUnited States
Ma Der Lao Kitchen – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
In Italian, the term “mangia, mangia,” is an encouragement to enjoy food abundantly. In Spanish, the polite phrase “Buen Provecho” translates to “enjoy your meal.” The French term for “enjoy your meal” is “bon appétit” while the Cajun equivalent is “Allons manger.” You’re probably acquainted with most of these terms, but here’s one you may not know. In Lao, “Ma Der!”(ma-derr) is a phrase that basically means “come eat! or “come through!” Throngs of Oklahoma City’s savvy diners have been coming to eat at Ma Der Lao Kitchen since 2022. It’s a good bet not all of them realize the meaning of the restaurant’s name. Perhaps some of them believe “Ma Der” is someone’s mother. Even if not everyone understands…
