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    Lao Esan Kitchen

    4.7 (139 reviews)
    ModerateThai, Laotian, Desserts
    Open 10:30 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order Lao Esan Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

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    pad thai
    Rob B.

    So I've been afraid to try this place... Why? The last place that was here, was a Thai and Chinese fusion type of spot and I just heard bad things about their practices. Stuff like they cleaned or rinsed the mop in the same sink they prepared the food in. Just unsanitary things and I was concerned that this was perhaps the same business, just rebranded-still not entirely sure. Plus, the appearance kinda gave me fast food vibes-typically whenever a plus has that 'look-up menu' (a menu you have to look up at), it's the unhealthy, cheap fast food variety unseen at most every Thai restaurant. But, for some reason, I decided to give them a chance. And I'm glad I did. They may have my favorite pad thai in the area.I enjoyed it so much, I had to run it back again the next day. I'd also ordered the mango sticky rice. It was satisfying, just a little more syrupy than I care for. I forgot to get a picture of it. I only ordered delivery but I wouldn't mind stopping by in person and seeing how they do a number of my other favorite Thai dishes.

    Lao sausage
    Cryetti C.

    Food:4 Service: 3.5 Ambiance: 3.5 I've never had Lao cuisine before, so I was really excited to try Lao Esan Kitchen for the first time. We came on a weeknight about an hour before closing and while they were friendly, you could definitely tell they were ready to close right on the dot. Because of that, I would recommend giving yourself more time and not coming right before closing if you want to relax, talk, and enjoy your meal. When we walked in, the ambiance was actually really fun. It is located in a random strip mall, which might throw you off a bit, but once inside it is light, bright, colorful, and full of nice ethnic decor. I really liked the vibe. We were hungry and ended up ordering quite a bit including the Lao sausage, nam khao todd , catfish, and pad see ew. Everything was actually very tasty and I would order it all again. The standout for me was the nam khao todd. It was crispy, fresh, flavorful, and just a whole bunch of goodness. I was really pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. I also really enjoyed the Lao sausage and the steamed catfish. The pad see ew was good as well, but nothing that really stood out compared to the other dishes. Service was just right. Friendly enough but not overly attentive, and they were there when we needed things like water refills. Overall, I would recommend this place if you are craving Lao or Thai food. I would definitely return. Four stars all the way.

    43 - Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)
    Ricardo M.

    Went to the little hole in wall. Wanted to try this spot on the way to the lake. We ordered a cashew nut chicken and rice, pad kee mao, and a chicken satay. The food was delicious. The cashew nut chicken and Pad kee mao were my favorite. I didn't care for the chicken satay. We ordered everything at a medium spice level thinking it was going to be spicy. I would recommend just ordering it spicy if you love spicy food because medium level was not it. The atmosphere is nice for a small place and its super clean. Definitely a cool spot to have lunch at. The lady was super nice and kind. She provided great service.

    Joseph C.

    Came to the Murietta area to visit family and was feeling adventurous to try some new cuisine. If you've never had Lao food before, Lao Esan Kitchen is an awesome place to try! The staff were some of the warmest and most welcoming people I've encountered. As someone unfamiliar with Lao cuisine, I appreciated how thoughtfully they explained the menu. Super genuine in hospitality. You can tell they care about sharing their food and culture. The ambiance gives cozy, home-style sit-down vibes. The kind of place where you can bring friends or family and order a spread. It feels comfortable and communal. Goong Gra Borg (4/5) Crispy shrimp rolls to start off our meal! The exterior had that light, golden crunch that doesn't feel greasy, and inside was tender, well-seasoned shrimp with a subtle sweetness. Dipped into the sweet and sour sauce, it balanced crispy, tangy, and savory in a way that made it more than "just a starter." It set the tone for the meal without trying too hard. Lao Sausage (5/5) Fragrant with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, each bite was savory, citrusy, slightly spicy, and incredibly juicy. It didn't feel heavy like most sausages do. Instead, it had this bright, herbaceous lift that kept me going back for more. It was bold without being overwhelming. This dish stood out to me the most. The Boat Noodle Soup (4/5) The broth had layers: rich and savory up front, then slightly sweet, followed by a gentle herbal warmth that lingered. It tasted like something that had been simmering all day, full of complexity and depth. Every spoonful felt comforting. Spicy Basil Crispy Pork (5/5) This one hit home for me. The crispy pork immediately reminded me of lechon kawali from my culture. It that same satisfying crunch giving way to juicy, flavorful meat. The garlic and basil didn't just sit on top; they infused the dish with fragrance and heat, making every bite aromatic and bold. It was savory, slightly spicy, and honestly addictive. Please please give this place a try, you won't regret it!

    Mango Sticky Rice
    Ray Tito A.

    Place is clean service good. Wife got laab gai salad, ground chicken with herbs like mint and a citrus dressing very refreshing give it a 10. Lao sausage also a 10 nice toasty skin herbs and meat taste yummy plus red sauce give it a kick of spicy. Mee khati coconut curry peanut noodles give it 8 not a lot of meat lots of noodles. Flavor is amazing wont get it again though. Last mango sticky rice give 8 still good wife says a lil off. Over all 5 stars good experience eating lao food. Lao sausage my favorite. Have a nice day!

    43 - Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)
    Lora B.

    This is absolutely the best Thai food I've ever had. Barely finished eating and I can't wait to come back already with more dishes I want to try than I can possibly eat in one seating. Noodles were saucy, spicy, and bursting with flavor. I got beef with drunken noodles and the beef was so tender too! The pad Thai was the best I've ever tried also. Place got pretty busy after we came in but our server made her rounds with everyone pretty well and the food came out much faster than I expected and was steaming hot. The location feels a little sketch, but inside is adorable with good music, vibes, and instagram worth decor. This is totally worth the trip and I'll be back very soon!

    Kareen-Grace T.

    I had been wanting to try this place since I found out it existed. There are few Asian restaurants in Lake Elsinore, so I was happy to come and support them. Husband and I finally had the opportunity to dine-in on Sunday for lunch. Others have described the atmosphere as warm and cozy. I will agree with that observation, and I'd go further by saying that it feels like I'm visiting a family member's home. Vibes are relaxed and informal giving me a sense of aunties and grandmas cooking in the kitchen. Service was friendly and ordering was easy. We ordered the calamari and Lao sausage for appetizers. Our entree dishes were the steamed pork, crispy pork with Chinese broccoli, and shrimp fried rice. A Lao style tomato dipping sauce came with the sausage and steamed pork dishes. It was tangy, sweet, and spicy. The way the lemongrass was mixed into the pork dishes took me back to flavor profiles of my childhood. This place fully deserves 5 stars for their food, service, and atmosphere. Hubby and I are already planning on coming back. I definitely recommend to give them a try.

    Thai Iced Tea
    Raquel H.

    The food here is delicious and so full of flavor. The Thai tea was the only think that was lacking, it had too much milk and it overpowered the actual tea. The restaurant is very clean and so are the restrooms. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The dining area is spacious and could accommodate a large party. There is lots of parking. The soup was my favorite m, the lemon flavors mixed with the coconut were perfect. The chow mien was also a favorite. I wasn't a huge fan of the fried rice. It was good but it was lacking something. Overall it was a great dinning experience.

    Bonnie Y.

    I didn't have time to dine in but everything looks great on the picture. It looks like a clean and a decent size restaurant. I ordered drunken noodles with pork to go. I asked for medium spicy level and it's spicy but good. I can't wait to go back go try more dishes.

    22 - Tom Ka (Spicy Coconut Milk Soup) 14 - Yum Woon Sen

    Today we decided to come to our favorite Thai place in the IE. Their food is authentic and delicious. I used to live in Los Angeles and would go to little Thailand to eat so I know what's authentic Thai food. Our favorites are the Pad Thai, Tom Ka soup and Yum Woon Sen salad. Service is good. Place is always clean!

    45 - Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)
    Grace A.

    We've been coming to this restaurant for a year and have ordered the same dish many times. Because my son has a milk, seafood and peanut allergy, I always double-check that the dish I order for him contains nothing he's allergic to and every visit we were assured it was safe. On our most recent visit, the dish unexpectedly came with peanuts. This was extremely upsetting and could have been dangerous. I messaged the owner afterward to share what happened, hoping for an explanation or at least an acknowledgment -- but I never received any response. At this point, I'm really disappointed. This wasn't just a small mistake; it was a serious safety issue, and the lack of communication afterward makes it worse. For families dealing with allergies, consistency and clear communication are essential. After this experience and no response from the owner, our family will no longer come here. I hope they take allergy concerns more seriously moving forward.

    Esan sausages
    John F.

    One the best Thai/Lao restaurants I have ever been to. It is really amazing. Service is awesome and the restaurant is very comfortable and clean! Some of the of the best Thai food we have ever had. I had guests and ordered quite a few items. Kim was nice enough to put the entrées in trays that made it easy to serve my guests.

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    1 month ago

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    1 month ago

    Me and my friend went to eat here and it was absolutely delicious. Always my go-to spot in Lake Elsinore

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    The food is excellent, and the people are friendly. It's tucked away in the little shopping plaza, but it's worth looking for.

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    3 months ago

    Don't be fooled by the location and casual vibe. Their food is flavorful and good prices. You won't be disappointed.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Lao Esan Kitchen

    Did you change owners?

    Yes, they are the new owner.

    So they deliver for lunch catering to Riverside?

    Hi Dojo, if you order a minimum of $500, we will deliver. If you have any further questions, you can email us at laoesankitchen1@yahoo.com

    View All 4 Questions

    Fuhgeddaboudit

    Fuhgeddaboudit

    4.8
    (182 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$$

    Food: 5 Service: 5…read moreAmbiance: 5 Hidden gem alert! Tucked into an unassuming strip mall, you would never guess such a sexy, sophisticated spot is sitting right in the middle of it all. From the moment we walked into Fugghedabout, we were stunned. The space is dark, sultry, lightly dimmed, and incredibly chic, something you'd never expect here. It has a very grown up, intimate vibe (21+ only), perfect for date night or a night out with friends. We were lucky enough to visit on a night with live music (they have it Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), and it completely set the mood. Even though it wasn't very busy, the energy was wonderful and the music was excellent. Service was top notch. Meghan was fantastic, friendly, attentive, accommodating, and so helpful throughout the meal. Faith, the owner, also stopped by several times to check on us, which earned major points. Such a sweet touch and much appreciated. Now the food... wow. We started with the seared scallop special topped with caviar, and it was outstanding, perfectly cooked, with the caviar adding just the right touch of saltiness. Honestly, we wanted to order more. The hot goat cheese with hot honey appetizer was delicious and so comforting. Definitely get extra bread, you'll want it. Since it was Taco Tuesday, we tried the taco trio with chicken, steak, and shrimp. The steak and shrimp were standouts. The chicken was slightly dry, but overall we really enjoyed them. And the biggest surprise of the night was the shrimp and sausage skillet. Absolutely incredible. So flavorful and rich, and again we needed more bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. We also ordered the crème brûlée for dessert, which was good. The sugar topping was slightly thick, and I'll admit I'm a bit of a dessert snob, so while we enjoyed it, the meal itself was really the shining star of the night. I'm already dreaming about my next visit. I was genuinely impressed by everything, service, ambiance, food, and live music. This place is a whole vibe. Five stars all the way. Highly recommend for anyone looking for amazing food in a sultry, intimate setting. I've already recommended it to several friends. Thank you Meghan and Faith for such a great night. We'll definitely be back!

    Fuhgeddaboudit! But my visit was so memorable that I will never forget about it!…read more Faith (owner) really has something special in Windomar, CA., just off of the Clinton Keith exit of Interstate 15. Imagine an elegant Wine Bar with dim lighting, an Old Skool atmosphere, and a wine list and menu of entrees and appetizers that will challenge any palate, compliments of Chef Orquedea. It was our first visit, arriving just as they opened, and having the whole romantic, classy speakeasy all to ourselves, our server Megan, made us feel right at home. Ensuring we received a little history about the establishment, the day's specials, and what some of their customers' favorites. To begin the experience, we received complimentary glasses of sparkling wine in celebration of their one-year anniversary, which was a nice touch. After a brief moment, we settled on sausage and three-cheese skillet appetizers with a house baguette. The two dishes arrived piping hot, gooey, and enticing! Amazingly delicious to say the least! Kudos to their place settings, glassware, and cloth napkins. Our selected wine was excellent as well, and the selection is very worldly and admirable. THIS is my favorite date place in the area!!! Chill, fashionable, comfortable seating, gorgeous bar, soft music in the background allowing for conversation, and the restroom provides a pleasant surprise as well. Hours of operation hover around Happy Hour and dinner, closing at 9 PM on weekdays and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Looking forward to enjoying their live entertainment and themed events in the future, at which time I will follow up on this review. Thank you, Faith, Megan & Orquedea for a wonderful time.--

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    Full photo of the establishment.
    Full photo of the establishment.
    Stuffed mushrooms
    Stuffed mushrooms
    Short rib sliders and baby beet salad

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    Short rib sliders and baby beet salad
    Beignet Spot

    Beignet Spot

    4.5
    (111 reviews)
    5.7 mi
    $$

    Went here the other day and the service was quick and very friendly! A great pick me up but also a…read morehuge dining area if you choose to eat in. Tbh went around the time my social battery ran out lolll so Im very glad they had a kiosk to order :)))) Bonus points for that actually because sometimes I feel too shy to ask the employees. But the workers were super super friendly, will come back again to try the rest of their savory menu! Love their banana beignets. It was a little too sweet for my liking but if you have a sweet tooth, this spot is for you.

    Have to go here. I knownif kind of out of the way for most travelers, but was so worth it. We got…read morethe reigned, tenders and the chicken sandwhich. If I didnt have to share with the kiddos. I would of gotten the samdwhich for myself. It was packed with flavor, but. Ot syper overwhelming. You definitely have to eat there to taste fresh from the kitchen. Might be a little soft around the bread if you take it home. The reigned was so perfect. Crispy on the outside. Irs not dry either. Like others that over cook it.irs also made fresh in front of you. The tenders were good too. Not overly breaded and not dry. The chicken was perfect! Its also a decent size. Not some small flat dry thing you get from other places. Must go. I swear it was super delicious and the staff was super sweet. Im surprised on the fact it wasn't that busy. Then again, it is a bit out of the way from most tourist locations.

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    Beignet Spot
    Beignet Spot
    Beignet Spot

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    Lao Esan Kitchen - thai - Updated August 2026

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