“ Honestly, what’s not to like about being kohn Lao? ”
“We have delicious foods, beautiful traditional outfits, fun music, beautiful dances and more! A
ll the work that's put into our traditional attire makes me appreciate its unique beauty.
”
“The work that's put into all of our authentic dishes makes me appreciate the food even more.”
Photo: Lao Chicken Noodle soup made with handmade noodles of rice and tapioca flour. Topped with spring onions, homemade chili oil, and homemade garlic oil
“Also, I literally can't wait to experience my own Lao wedding. Everything about it is so distinctive, beautiful, and fun. We definitely know how to have a great time!”
Photo: Anna at a cousin’s wedding with her mom
“I strongly believe we should continue to pass on
our parents roots and history. We must
teach the younger generation how to stay connected and why it is so important.”
Photo: Anna (red) with her cousins Vekonda (Gold) and Vannepha (Purple) when they were eight and six years old.
“I really enjoy teaching my boyfriend about our culture, the food we enjoy, and the traditions we cherish. I love that he is very interested to learn and is open minded to trying everything.”
“Being Lao and American makes it easier for me to explain things to him as I help him compare and contrast our culture to western culture. I live balancing and straddling between being Asian and American all the time, and yet I always feel it’s never too much to gain knowledge from both worlds.”
“Being a first generation in America of my family, I just want to make my parents proud and be successful on my own.”
- Anna Nguyen, 29, She, NY
