This Laotian-Inspired Restaurant is Changing Midwest Dining | Ahan x Wisconsin Foodie

In this episode of Wisconsin Foodie, host Luke Zahm visits Ahan in Madison — where Chef Jamie Brown-Soukaseume blends her Laotian heritage and Midwest roots to create bold, authentic Southeast Asian flavors. Raised in her family’s restaurants and inspired by her mother’s cooking, Chef Jamie brings dishes like papaya salad, Lao marinated chicken, and chili-infused tomato broth to life using locally sourced Wisconsin ingredients. Follow Luke as he experiences the power of food, family, and identity in a story that connects cultural tradition with creative expression. 📍 Visit Ahan: https://www.ahanmadison.com 0:00 – Teaser 0:42 – Meet Chef Jamie | Ahan 2:05 – Jamie’s culinary roots in Laotian & Chinese restaurants 3:15 – Cooking with her mom: cross-generational influence 4:45 – Bold, authentic Southeast Asian flavors 6:00 – Madison’s farmers market and local sourcing 8:30 – Inspiration behind seasonal dishes 10:15 – Making traditional Laotian tomato broth 12:05 – Lao roasted chicken & sticky rice 14:10 – House-made dipping sauces explained 15:50 – Chef Jamie’s approach to authenticity 17:45 – Papaya salad, lemongrass fried chicken, and regional flair 20:00 – Jamie’s journey: from survival cooking to creative chef 21:30 – The future of Laotian food in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel now!    / wisconsinfoodie