Laos in the House is Popping Up at BOK Building for a Special Laos Dinner With NYC’s heunkuoa

Philly-based organization Laos In The House works to promote storytelling in the Lao American refugee community through the mediums of art. Back in 2016. Laos in the House started a special celebration dubbed #BLESSED to celebrate Lao New Year with traditional customs and foods. Now in its 5th iteration, #BLESSED returns in a special collaboration dinner with New York based Laos pop-up heunkuoa.

The #BLESSED x HEUNKUOA pop-up will take place Saturday May 25th from 6pm -9 pm at BOK Building.  Guests will be able to enjoy traditional Lao food, think papaya salad, laab, sticky rice, lemongrass sausages and pepper sauces. In addition the food will be paired with Lao inspired cocktails such as sour fruit with chili salt rims, or pandan coconut milk drinks. Although not confirmed there is even a chance the event will serve BeerLao which is hard to get in the U.S.

So how did this event evolve to where it is now? “We wanted to celebrate Lao New Year and the tradition of giving blessings and sitting on the floor to eat together – this would normally take place at the Buddhist temple but it can be an intimidating experience if you’re not familiar with the customs. By hosting #BLESSED at venues and spaces like Asian Arts Initiative, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Fleisher Art Memorial we are not only inviting our community to places they’ve not been before but also allowing others to come join us in the celebration. With every #BLESSED diners also get to learn the ceremony of tying threads around their wrists and meet a interesting Lao community leaders. This year’s special guest is Anita Pathammavong a model and entrepreneur who also started her own Lao Pop-up Dinners in NYC whose mom, Mam, will also be the Chef,” states Laos in House’s Catzie Vilayphonh.

For added vibes guests will also get to enjoy old school Lao music that’s been curated by event organizers and be sure to stay til’ the end as each dinner usually ends with a dance called Salavanh, “where dancers literally have to get down on the flo’.”

“Philly might not have a large Lao community, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate because we’re definitely proud of our culture. We’ve had Lao Chefs come through who tell us this the first time they’ve served floor seating and are impressed by the guests. We also hear from Lao Americans who’ve since moved away from their families and coming to #BLESSED is the closest thing to feeling at home,” Catzie added.

Tickets to #BLESSED x HEUNKUOA are $50 a pop and can be purchased at laosinthehouse.com/blessed-2024