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Welcome to South Area Market

At South Area Market, we embrace the rich flavors of Laotian and Thai cuisine, providing a vibrant dining experience in the heart of Sacramento. Nestled at 5220 Fruitridge Rd, our market offers authentic dishes like the spicy Laos-style papaya salad and tender chicken larb. Our guests rave about the fresh ingredients and warm, welcoming service. Ideal for families and groups, we cater to all tastes, even accommodating spice enthusiasts. Enjoy our casual, classy atmosphere with outdoor seating, and take advantage of convenient options like delivery and online orders. Join us for a memorable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine.

South Area Market: Reviews & Ratings

Carla G.
Carla G.

My family was craving some Laos food and yelp brought us here. Located inside the market. Dine on only. The staff was pleasant and nice. We ordered Laos style papaya salad (we got medium spice and yes it was still SUPER SPICY which we like) so order accordingly to your spice level but we loved it. We also ordered chicken larb and Laos sausage and that was also so yummy. My son did get phad thai which we thought it was just ok,probably skip it next time. Overall the food was delicous. Will come back.

Aya H.
Aya H.

I found this place when I was driving by, and I'm so glad I did stop by! Amazing papaya salad, sausages and meatballs. I haven't had great luck for papaya salad unless I was in SoCal, but this one is amazing. I'm glad to have found one near home! I would do mild, as the mild was pretty spicy already. I also tried the intestine soup, very interesting. I liked the flavor, but maybe the mint was throwing me off a little bit, because I'm not used to having mint in my food. I have to go back to get more of these, and try out more things! Service was quick, and very nice. Would definitely be going back soon!

Jerome F.
Jerome F.

Food was authentic, fresh and well priced, service was great, but indoor seating area was closed.

Crystal R.
Crystal R.

Bomb! I love love love the Beef Laab. I can eat it all day errday. I also tried the Lao sausage and it was delicious. I ate all my food before getting to my destination. Will come back again.

Nevaeh S.
Nevaeh S.

Called in an order for Papaya Salad and Kapiek (2), took about 15 minutes to be ready and was about $35 total. Service is always great, they only take call ins (no longer offer dining in services for quite sometime) but waiting area is very spacious. Both cash and card is accepted, very quick and easy to pick up our order. Food is always amazing, definitely recommend if you're looking for any authentic Lao/Thai food in the South Sacramento area!

Phuong V.
Phuong V.

"I'm not joking around here--this place is a true mom-and-pop shop. It hits the spot! Just one bite and you'll feel like slapping your grandma out of sheer delight!"

Jenny J.
Jenny J.

My friend who lived in Sacramento said he had the best pad Thai here. So I have to come check it out myself. So it is a market spot with a Togo restaurant in the back. I ordered the Pad Thai of course plus the chicken larp and Lao sausage. The pad Thai and the chicken larp is good and flavorful but to me their Lao sausage is the best item here. They make it in house too. It's packed with flavors and some texture too. It was soo good I went back in to get 5 more sausage for the road. I was hoping they would sell them frozen but no. Maybe one day they would so for now I'll make a few hours trips just for some bussing Lao sausage Togo. Service was fast and it's a super chill spot. Like a hole in the wall.

Carissa B.
Carissa B.

Idk why I haven't discovered this place sooner. We usually go to Pure Water for our sausages and papaya salad, but they are closed on Tuesdays (the day we wanted some)- and so I yelped a place with papaya salad and this store came up! The price of everything is so reasonably affordable, not so crazy. And the food is GREAT! Service is super nice and accommodating as well. We came back again and will keep coming back for our Lao Sausage and Papaya fix lol.

Mary N.
Mary N.

Not much of a "market", but it has a To Go food area in the back of the store for authentic Thai and Laotian food. Got an order of sticky rice and 4 Lao sausages ($3 a piece). Good flavoring with a bit of a kick, but not too spicy.

Stephanie H.
Stephanie H.

*Food is served to go only* I guess South Area Market still hasn't opened dining in yet since COVID. I wish I had been aware of this prior to coming, since I knew I wanted to order the Kapoon; it was more than a little difficult to eat this particular item out of the container. They have a small market/grocery area in the front, followed by a space with many tables with the chairs flipped over the tops of them (since they're only doing to go now), and in the very back is where you order prepared food. We tried the following: Lao Sausage, Sticky Rice, Pad Thai, Beef Laab, and Kapoon. I have enjoyed Kapoon more elsewhere, but it was still ok from this business. I haven't had Laab before, and I enjoyed the flavor of the dish. My favorite item was the Pad Thai by far. Friendly and welcoming service.

Location

Welcome to South Area Market, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Sacramento at 5220 Fruitridge Rd. Specializing in authentic Laotian and Thai cuisine, this lively market-cum-restaurant offers an inviting environment that balances casual dining with a touch of class.

As you step through the doors, you're greeted by friendly staff ready to guide you through a culinary journey rich in flavor. Customers rave about the Laotian-style papaya salad, which can be customized to your desired spice level—just be warned, even the mild variety can pack a punch! It's a dish that embodies the bold flavors of Laos, providing a satisfying balance for both spice enthusiasts and the less adventurous.

  • Key Highlights:
    • Recognized for their spicy papaya salad—a must-try!
    • Delicious chicken larb and Lao sausage that keep guests coming back for more.
    • Comfortable outdoor seating for enjoying your meal al fresco.
    • Convenient options including reservations, delivery, and varied payment methods, including cryptocurrency.
    • Family-friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for groups and kids.

Reviews speak to the authenticity and freshness of each dish, with patrons expressing their love for the beef laab and intestine soup. This is food that speaks not only to the palate but to the soul, transporting diners to the streets of Laos with every bite. For those looking for a cozy spot where you can indulge in hearty portions of cult favorites, South Area Market is the place to be.

Although indoor dining is currently unavailable, the spacious waiting area and prompt, friendly service ensure that your takeout experience is seamless. With pick-up times around 15 minutes and a tantalizing menu that’s sure to make your mouth water, South Area Market stands out as a prime destination for authentic Lao and Thai flavors in South Sacramento. If you're searching for exquisite cuisine that is both flavorful and memorable, this market should top your list.

So, gather your family, grab your friends, and head down to South Area Market—don’t forget to try the papaya salad!