Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian StreetThe food culture of Laos has historically been preserved through oral tradition. Fortunately for us, personal chef Saeng Douangdara has drawn on his expertise and the food knowledge passed down from his family to share the beauty and history of Lao cuisine in a new book, The Lao Kitchen.
Join Saeng to celebrate the food of Laos and his essential new book at Binding Agents. He will be joined in conversation by Catzie Vilayphonh, director of Laos in the House.
Light bites from Vientiane Bistro will be included!
Guests may choose a ticket with or without a copy of the book. Entrance to the shop requires one step up. Please contact us at hello@bindingagentsphilly.com with any questions or accessibility needs; we'd be happy to help.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In Lao kitchens, every dish tells a story and every bite excites. In this essential guide to Lao cooking, personal chef Saeng Douangdara draws on his expertise and the food knowledge passed down from his family to share the beauty and history of Lao cuisine. Discover the rich flavors of Laos through 95 recipes for dips, small plates, rice dishes, fermented foods and salads, laab, noodles, soups and stews, not-too-sweet desserts, and modern twists on traditional recipes, including:
• Thum Khao Poon (Cold Vermicelli Noodle Salad)
• Som Moo (Fermented Pork Sausage)
• Galabao (Pork Steamed Buns)
• Khanom Mantone (Steamed Cassava Cake)
• and more!
The Lao Kitchen dives into the heart of Lao foodways—often overlooked but deeply rooted in Southeast Asian traditions. Through thoughtful essays and memories connected to each recipe, Saeng tells his story as a member of the Lao diaspora, exploring his roots through food. Bold, flavorful, deeply personal, and featuring gorgeous photography from Laos and Saeng’s own kitchen, The Lao Kitchen is a celebration of community, the connection that food brings, and what it means to cook from the heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Saeng Douangdara is a content creator and personal chef specializing in Lao cuisine. As a first-generation Lao American, food has always been central to his life. Saeng’s work has been featured in Delish, BuzzFeed, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and he is the winner of an episode of TBS's cooking show Rat in the Kitchen. A proud member of the Lao Food Movement, Saeng aims to inspire others to explore the delicious flavors of his culture.
ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER
Catzie Vilayphonh is an award-winning spoken word poet, writer, and founding member of Yellow Rage — one of the first Asian American women to appear on HBO's Def Poetry Jam. In 2015 she founded Laos In The House, dedicated to Lao American storytelling through art. She has served on the Mayor's Commission on Asian American Affairs, and in 2018 became the first non-citizen Councilmember on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Her work has been featured on the Smithsonian Channel and anthologized in MTVbooks and Rise: A Pop History of Asian America. She is currently Community Cultivator at the Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park, advocating for 74 immigrant vendors. A child of refugees, Catzie was born in a camp on the way to America — and considers herself part of the .5 Generation.
Thu, Apr 30, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian Street
Binding Agents is Philly's bookshop for cooks and eaters. Located in South Philly’s culinary epicenter, the 9th Street Italian Market, we’re your go-to source for new cookbooks and food-focused reads, plus gifts and goods for making, serving and enjoying. We’re independent, women-owned, fun & funky. Learn more at bindingagentsphilly.com.
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