Yes, you can get Beer Lao in San Diego:
During our vacation in Laos, I found myself totally smitten with Beer Lao. After returning home, I did a bit of research, and found that Beer Lao had 2 distributors in the United States. And one of them was HC Foods in Commerce. I had also seen Beer Lao at World Foods on El Cajon Boulevard. But on our visit to World Foods, there was no Beer Lao in sight. Which got me thinking......if I were a Beer Lao, where would I place myself, for easy purchase and consumption?
And I guessed correctly!
This lovely case of Beer Lao was just going out on the floor, when we grabbed it. In the name of not separating this family of 12 Beer Lao siblings from each other in a strange country, we purchased the whole case. Came out to $32 with tax and CRV.
The purchase of this case got us a bit of attention at the check-out counter. A young man, chatting with the young lady running the register, looked at the case and said; "Beer Lao?" To which I replied; "yes, Bialao (which is the way they pronounce it in Laos...one word), it's good stuff!" This brought a big smile from the young man, "oh yes, nothing better than Bialao, it taste good, and help with heartburn and indigestion." Ah yes, Beer Lao, the magic elixir, cure for whatever ails you.....
For some reason, the young man, eyes glazing over, starting talking to us about Laos. When the Missus mentioned Naem, he brightened significantly, "yes, yes, Naem, mmmmm...." The Missus, entering into interrogation mode, tried to extricate whatever info She could, but as usual it ended with; "I no make Na-em, my mother makes it....it is the best!" After a few minutes, and discussions on Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Lao food and drink, we managed to extricate ourselves. And to our surprise, he left the market, entered his car and drive away. Based on his dress, and the manner in which he was conversing with the cashier...we thought he worked there. And where was "there" specifically?
97 Super Market
4679 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92105
The young lady mentioned as we were leaving; "we moving in end of December or January, going to corner of University and 30th. You find us easy, I'm putting up a big Cambodian, Lao, and American flags!"
So, how did the beers compare? As you can tell, the labels of what we had in Laos (to the right), and what we bought differed a bit. But that was probably because the product was being exported to the US. We did detect a few differences in taste and texture; the Beer Lao we bought here is much more effervescent and foamy. Also, the mouth feel is less "creamy", and the finish isn't quite as sweet, as what we detected in Laos. Whether due to changes occurring in shipping, formulation, or maybe it was just "atmospheric"? We can't be sure......
It's not like I'm going to stop drinking the stuff!
Luong Hai Ky Opening in Mira Mesa:
As indicated by FOY "Sandy", Luong Hai Ky is opening a branch in Mira Mesa.
This location will be on 10606 Camino Ruiz. Don't you love the "Original Chinese Noodles Restaurant" sign?
I'm VERY excited about Luong Hai Ky opening up in MM. Yay! Another mi place (finally). Do you know when they will be opening up? I will for sure be trying out a lot of their dishes. Maybe it'll give Tan Ky Mi Gia a run for their money. My mom always said when restaurants are in competition, that's when you'll get good prices and the best cooking.
On another note, maybe you can put in tags by area/neighborhood of San Diego? I always have a problem with figuring out what to eat when I'm not near home. Just a suggestion.
Posted by: Kim | Saturday, 22 November 2008 at 10:12 PM
Hi, about the beer: I just wanted to say that perhaps the formulation is different? I have heard from reputable sources that Tecate beer brewed for consuption in Mexico is different than that which is intended for export to USA. Apparently,we have a reputation for enjoying light, lager style beers, and they are trying to appease the American consumer. Is it just atmosphere? I know that Coca Cola is quite different depending on which side of the border it is purchased...
Posted by: Chris | Saturday, 22 November 2008 at 11:24 PM
Corner of University and 30th? Sweet! I'll have an Asian market within walking distance again.
Posted by: SK | Sunday, 23 November 2008 at 06:12 PM
so glad you were able to find some beer lao there!!
Posted by: kat | Monday, 24 November 2008 at 04:43 AM
Hi Kim - I thought about doing that...but I have sooo many categories already. I know I have to do something..... and I keep promising to think of something. So let that be my resolution, ok?
Hi Chris - I think I mentioned that possibility. Who knows.....it is still good, but not as good as what we had in Laos.
Hi SK - I'm glad that this was good news for you.
Hi Kat - We were so very happy as well.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 24 November 2008 at 07:32 AM
Thanks for the beer tip. My brother just might be getting a case for Christmas if I can score it. :)
Posted by: janfrederick | Monday, 01 December 2008 at 08:09 AM
Hi Jan - If you purchase Beer Lao, let me know how your brother liked it!
Posted by: Kirk K | Monday, 01 December 2008 at 08:12 AM
I'll tell you how I liked it too. ;)
Posted by: janfrederick | Tuesday, 02 December 2008 at 08:18 AM
Hi Jan - Make sure you do!!! ;o)
Posted by: Kirk K | Tuesday, 02 December 2008 at 05:22 PM
Big thanks, just got back from Laos and really wanted to buy some of this myself - wonderful beer! Your blog was real helpful. Will head over there later this week to see if I can score some.
Khop Jai Deu!
Posted by: Frederick | Wednesday, 10 December 2008 at 05:55 PM
Sa-Bai-Dee Frederick! I hope they have it in stock for you. If you buy an entire case, make sure to check that it is the lager, not Beer Lao dark. And I'd appreciate if you'd let me know if you detect any differences in taste!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 10 December 2008 at 07:53 PM
The "Opening Soon" sign has been replaced with "Grand Opening" by the way. ;)
Posted by: janfrederick | Friday, 16 January 2009 at 09:51 AM
Hi Jan - I've already been there twice....a post is coming up.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 16 January 2009 at 10:03 AM
Wow, you move fast Kirk! I've been wondering if Luong Hai Ky has opened, and now I have an answer. We'll have to try it out, and look forward to your post.
Posted by: Sandy | Friday, 16 January 2009 at 01:24 PM
Hi Sandy - I know you move pretty fast yourself! I need to get my act together and post.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 16 January 2009 at 08:44 PM
NPR just did a story on BeerLao today:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99874538
Posted by: Ed | Saturday, 31 January 2009 at 09:15 AM
Hi EdL - Thanks! You always find the neatest things.
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 31 January 2009 at 06:47 PM
Hi their have you ever try hmong beer yet. Hmong Beer is also very good. You guy should try it it sale in Kansas, Missouri,and Wisconsin.It's brewed in Kansas City, Missouri. If any one want to know more about hmong beer go in their wedsite www.hmongbeer.com
Posted by: peter | Tuesday, 31 March 2009 at 07:14 AM
Thuan Phat Supermarket in Linda Vista ALWAYS has Beer Lao. The folks that distribute Beer Lao in the west coast always keep the Shun Fat Supermarket chain stores well stocked. Only the lager though. Never seen the dark.
Posted by: iwantsomebeerlao | Saturday, 25 July 2009 at 05:22 PM
Hi IWASB - Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Did you happen to notice when this post was written? It was a month before Thuan Phat opened in San Diego. I know Thuan Phat stocks Beer Lao - there's an update here:
http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2009/04/saturday-stuffs.html
BTW, they didn't stock Beer Lao until two months or so after opening.
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 25 July 2009 at 06:18 PM