In 1995 a few friends gathered at the home of Khun Anat Suebwongpat and discussed Bangkok not having enough quality restaurants that offer food from the northeast (Isan). They also discussed that "steak" should be offered at a restaurant without the customer having to pay a premium price. With that, the concept was created and it didn't take long for the first Steak Lao to open. Actually, Khun Anat's residence on Ramintra Road was the ideal location, so it became the first "Steak Lao" restaurant to open. We decided to visit their original location to get a taste of steak and their northeast (Isan) style cuisine.

A trip down the Ekkamai Expressway quickly brought us to Ramintra Road where Steak Lao sits only yards away on the corner of Soi 57. Surrounded by trees & plants the restaurant offers secluded outside dining amongst a lush greenery of gardens. The building is the original structure made entirely of wood but was extended to accommodate a modern kitchen, a/c and indoor dining rooms without disrupting the harmony of the structure as it still exudes the warm feeling of a traditional Thai family home. We selected a table in the dining room with the bar, and after being seated, ordered a draft beer as Carlsberg, Heineken and Singha are all offered on tap. They also offer a few wines and some bar drinks.

The menu features a wide range of traditional Isan style dishes and a great selection of steaks. There is fresh fish, hot & spicy soups, 5 types of som-tam, about 14 spicy dishes with herbs, larb, spicy hot pots, about 12 special recipes plus many smoked & bbq items.

We started with "Som Tam Poo", traditional Isan hot and tasty green papaya salad. Next, was an order of the "Deep-fried fish", batter covered fillets served with a sweet sauce. You may have to ask for this one, as it wasn't on the menu. We couldn't resist ordering the "Isan Spicy & Sour Chicken Soup" served with young tamarind leaves which arrived along with a whole "Fresh Fish" served with a delicious chili sauce at only 200 baht. We also selected 2 steak dishes. The first, "Steak with Black Pepper Sauce" at only 190 baht and their infamous "Steak Lao Pork", a sizzling hot plate served as a set with potatoes and carrots and a side of som-tam and a spicy sauce.

We found the steak to be tender as they use only the best quality cuts of beef loin and a bargain at the price. The selections from Isan were true to their origin with the rich flavors so characteristic of the region.

Ramintra Road offers live entertainment nightly and while the other locations serve the same great food and atmosphere, each offers different style rooms for meetings or parties.