You'll find Mama Yang's Deli and Grocery nestled in the heart of the blue collar working district of north side La Crosse. Tucked just off of George Street, most people aren't aware of this uncut gem. Be prepared to experience walking into a different world that resembles the Asian street food markets found in Thailand.
Upon entering the establishment, one finds the grocery where a wide variety of Asian fruits, vegetables, meats, drinks, snacks, and assorted staples can be purchased. Off to the left Mama Yang, works diligently in the kitchen over gas fired steaming pots and fry pans. Preparing the finest Hmong and Thai cuisine in the Coulee Region.
My wife loves the papaya salad. Be forewarned it's not on the menu or always available. Alas, if you make a special request and Mama Yang has the ingredients in stock and the precious time to prepare the delicacy you won't regret this unforgettable spicy taste sensation.
Our son, not so into spicy, is a big fan of the fried chicken and rice platter. Move over Colonel Sanders your yard bird doesn't hold a candle to the flavor of this golden brown crispiness. Silverware is optional with this meal, just dive in tear the tender meat from the bone and follow up by finger fulls of moist white sticky rice. Delish!
I'm hooked on the egg rolls served with spicy sauce. I just can't get enough of these little cylindrical pieces of deep fried heaven. They're served with either a sweet or spicy sauce (for a modest fee you can have both) be warned the spicy sauce is HOT but oh so good!
Often the entire family will share a huge steaming bowl of meatball pho soup. Consuming the broth just feels akin to comfort and healing, the sensation is hard to describe, it just has a wholesome hardiness that can only be found in a home cooked meal.
So how much would you expect to pay for this experience? 50, 60, or 70 dollars for a family of three? Wrong! We never pay more than 25 bucks for the three of us and walk out with left overs. Unbelievable reasonably low prices for the highest quality food.
I love the raw authenticity of this communal five table dining experience, and I hope it never changes. Mama Yang doesn't advertise, because the product that she works so hard to provide for the public speaks for itself. Her culinary acumen is an untapped secret to this area. As a chef her disciplined style can't be beat, and I'm grateful to have found this treasure. read more
