Osha Thai Team Expands With Lao Table

Go-to standard Thai joint Osha Thai has opened six San Francisco locations in the last twenty years, and now owners Lalita Souksamlane and Wassana Korkhieola are branching out to Laotian food. Called Lao Table, their new SoMa restaurant (149 2nd St.) will focus on the food Souksamlane grew up eating in her Thai town that bordered Laos. Food like bamboo salad and chili lime salmon with jasmine sticky rice, which will encourage diners to eat with their hands, as will the bowl of water at each seat for hand washing. Servers will also push the eating-by-hand thing through explanations.

Construction is underway on the space that temporarily housed an Osha Thai, for an anticipated early fall opening, and the look will be similar to Osha’s contemporary, bright decor, with Laotian elements woven in, like wallpaper made from head scarves worn in the country and sticky rice holders scattered about.

Lao Table is expected to open in September, when it will join the ranks of other Laotian restaurants Hawker Fare, Lanxang Kingdown, and Tycoon Thai. Stay tuned for more details.

• Osha Thai Marks 20th Anniversary With New Concept, 'Lao Table,' In SoMa [Hoodline]