178. Speaking Lao Language & Cuisine with Saeng Douangdara

Hello Language Lovers! On this episode of Speaking Tongues, I’m thrilled to chat with Saeng Douangdara, a passionate content creator and personal chef dedicated to sharing the rich flavors and stories of Lao cuisine through his platform, Saeng's Kitchen. As a first-generation Lao American, Sang’s culinary journey is deeply intertwined with his cultural heritage, and he aims to inspire others to explore the delicious tastes of Laos.In this episode, Saeng shares his personal experiences growing up in Wisconsin, while connecting to family and community through food.  We discuss the flavorful and vibrant world of Lao food, discussing beloved dishes, the significance of communal dining, and the memories tied to family gatherings filled with delicious homemade meals. And, we’re putting a spotlight on Saeng’s new cookbook "The Lao Kitchen: Lao Flavors & Stories Told Through Family Recipes". This is, of course, a very food forward conversation! In this episode, we discuss: 🇱🇦 The importance of food as a cultural connector and a means of storytelling. 🇱🇦 Saeng's favorite childhood dishes and the communal experience of Lao potlucks. 🇱🇦 The unique process of making sticky rice and its significance in Lao cuisine. 🇱🇦 The transformative experience of Saeng's first trip to Laos and its impact on his culinary career. 🇱🇦 The process of creating his upcoming cookbook, "The Lao Kitchen: Lao Flavors & Stories Told Through Family Recipes," and the journey of recipe testing with friends and community. 🇱🇦 The vibrant flavors of Lao dishes and the importance of preserving cultural heritage through food.Big big thank you to Saeng for sharing your language, culinary passion, and the deliciousness of Lao flavors with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!To Connect with Saeng & buy the book:Website: https://www.saengskitchen.com/Connect with Speaking Tongues:Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespodFollow on Twitter: @stpodcasthostLike our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespodSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxgDid you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtonguesPledge ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcastBuy my book here: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #LaoCuisine #CulturalHeritage