Harrisonburg: Looking for a different place to eat?

Yesterday was my birthday, and I have a long-standing tradition of not cooking on my birthday, so it's always either takeout or eat out. Now that the pandemic is over, we're starting to explore again. During the pandemic, but more likely due to the death of the proprietor's husband, our favorite Thai restaurant closed. Much sadness, as it was a completely family run place, Mama, Papa, and Auntie in the kitchen, Son and Daughter in Law (or her friend) running the front end, Son's princess daughter sleeping (as an infant), later watching TV or doing homework behind the counter. In its place is now a Thai/Lao restaurant, Siang Khene so my husband suggested that.

We walked into an empty, immaculately clean space, with black and white decor and some Lao wall hangings and displays of the woven rice pots and of course, the khene, the bamboo mouth organ/pan pipes that are the native instrument of Laos, prominently displayed. Since we were the only dine-in customers (several people picked up takeout while we were there) we had the full attention of the chef, who apparently both prepared our food and waited on us. He answered our questions, taught me to pronounce several Lao terms, and was extremely pleasant.

The food was amazing. I had Naem Kha, which is a sort of warm rice salad with pork and peanuts, cilantro and green onions in crispy coconut rice, served with lettuce leaves which you can roll it up in. Husband chose Laab with chicken, similar to the Thai Larb Gai, which he pronounced excellent. Neither of us could finish our portions so we boxed them up and brought them home. Tomorrow being leftover night, I know what I'm having!

I invite you to visit Siang Khene when you are in the 'burg, or if you live here. Siang Khene, incidentally, means "sound of the khene" and you can hear some of that sound here: