Sern Sapp Restaurant

Reviews

• YL

  Young Guen Lim

  Mar 21, 2026
  4.0
  It’s genuinely nice to have a Laotian restaurant in Madison — that alone deserves some credit. Options like this are rare in the Midwest, and it’s always exciting when a city offers something a little different. The experience was refreshing and unlike my usual dining routine. If you’ve never tried Laotian cuisine, this is a solid opportunity to explore something new. That said, it wasn’t quite memorable enough to make me go out of my way to come back. A good spot if you’re already in the area, but probably not a destination I’d make a special trip for.
• LM

  Lauren Mobley

  Mar 19, 2026
  5.0
  The khao poon gati has quickly become one of my all time favorite meals!
• TS

  Tommy Souravong

  Mar 17, 2026
  5.0
  I’ve found my newest favorite (Lao) restaurant in Wisconsin, as well as one my newest entry among my top five Lao restaurants in the U.S. This restaurant only opened in June 2025, so make sure to show it some LAOve! The workers and owner here at Sern Sapp are very friendly and the thum mak hoong (which came with siin doht and pork rinds), sai oua and soup nor mai, jeow bong, and Thai iced tea are the bomb! I love how nearly everything tastes just like how I’d make it at home, as there was no skipping out on the padaek or trying to appeal to an American palate in the slightest. The meat was tender, and everything tasted so fresh. They even made the thum Luang Prabang-style, which is different than the usual Vientiane-style (thick vs thin papaya shreds). The only gripe I have is that the thum wasn’t nearly as spicy as I’d hoped (or as spicy as when I make it), and I requested their spiciest level. I also wish they gave one or two more pieces of siin doht with the thum, instead of just two pieces, but they might’ve been running low on food by the time I came in. I was surprised to have gotten so much jeow bong for the price I paid, which isn’t always this generous at other restaurants that sell jeow on the side. The next time I visit, I just have to try their other Lao dishes like lard nar, khua mii, khao piak sen, khao poon, khao soi, mii gati, feu, yum pak, and or gati! This restaurant isn’t afraid to offer unique Lao dishes, which is why they don’t have larb on the menu, and isn’t afraid to not reference Thai food, which is why the only Thai items they have on the menu are a few drinks. Their bold menu, food that tastes heavenly, and the above and beyond service elevate this restaurant above most others. They were playing Lao and Thai music, so I give them bonus points for playing suitable music. I ordered a lot and Lao food takes time to make, especially from scratch, so I had no problems with their wait times. I appreciate how the workers were apologizing to some customers for the long wait times, so I hope those customers understand. The workers and owner, as busy as he is, came to check on me every so often, so I also appreciate that. I came in late and they didn’t rush me out after they closed for the night, which is something I love and try not to take advantage of. I also love how they gave me a plastic bag and a paper bag for more security for my to-go items. They’re selling shirts with their restaurant logo on them for $20 each, only in select sizes, so I just had to buy one of each of the three colors they had! I miss when this restaurant used to be Lao Laan-Xang, which was opened by the owner’s, Ai Son’s, mother, as this was both the first Lao restaurant in the U.S. (having opened I think in the early 1990s) and the first Lao restaurant I ever visited (back in March 2018)! That restaurant certainly isn’t afraid to offer “native level” spicy, and even makes people test the spices before making the dish. However, I appreciate how Ai Son changed the interior to be brighter and less packed, since Lao Laan-Xang used to be dark and the tables were super closely clustered together. Anyways, I’ve known Ai Son since 2019 and loved how I was able to see him and catch up with him during my visit for the first time since then. His kids have grown so much since I last saw them in 2018, and they reminded me of how my parents owned a restaurant when I was a kid. Btw, I think I’m overdue to eat at Lao Laan-Xang soon, as their location on Atwood’s remained open throughout all this time (and I haven’t gone since 2019)!
• SB

  Sue Bodum

  Mar 12, 2026
  5.0
  I used to come here when it was Lao Laan Xang, so I had high expectations. They were exceeded. The spring rolls ( with peanut dipping sauce) were excellent. I had never had the Kauai Mee/PadLao before but know I will be ordering it again. I will definitely be back.
• KK

  Kat

  Feb 28, 2026
  5.0
  This is exactly what I've been waiting for here in Madison. I could tell the food was made fresh with real ingredients. So so glad I finally got the chance to try it. Vegan and gf options that are authentic and delicious!