It doesn’t take living here long to understand that one of the best things about Oklahoma City is the food scene. No matter what you are hungry for we promise you can find world-class examples of it in OKC. One of the reasons for the amazing food is our community is home to some of the best chefs in the world.
As biased as we may be, that just isn’t our opinion. Recently Chef Jeff Chanchaleune was named a finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award. These awards are among the nation’s most distinguished honors recognizing leaders in the culinary and food media industries and those in the broader food systems.
While Chef Chanchaleune has had several award-winning concepts over the years, his latest restaurant, Ma Der Lao, is garnering national headlines.
Located in the Plaza District, Ma Der Lao was named one of Bon Appétit’s Best Restaurants of 2022, New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants in America in 2022, and James Beard semifinalist/finalist nominations in 2022, 2023, and 2024, along with recognition in USA Today’s Best Restaurants in the country for 2024.
Ma Der Lao brings the vibrant culture and flavors of Laos to Oklahoma City and is a must-stop visit for anyone in OKC.
Just last year, Andrew Black of Oklahoma City’s Gray Sweater became the first Oklahoman to win the James Beard Award. Back in 2022, Florence’s became the first restaurant in the state to win when it won the America’s Classic category.
To learn more about Chef Chanchaleune and his journey read this great interview on our sister-site VeloCityOKC.com.
