Khoune Kham

The southern side of Fairfield station entertains a number of Lao/​Thai restaurants and Khoune Kham is one that I have frequented a few times over the past year. Traditional Lao Thai food is a bit more adventurous than normal Thai food of the sort you find in Thaitown or King Street Newtown.
Conveniently located across the road from the station with parking available right across the street — the eatery is 1 of 3 on this block and probably is in 2^nd spot in terms of popularity. I go to this one as each time it is busy enough but I can still walk in and get a table without waiting. This is definitely a family run business and the front of house is run by the kids and the kitchen seems to be manned by the parents/​elders. I have received pretty friendly service here from the wait staff and which rounds off a cheap great tasting meal.
My tip for ordering at a Lao place is to forego the carbs and order the salads and meats. I don’t normally get the noodle, curry or rice dishes — if people in your group can’t eat without some carbs, then get the sticky rice to go with the meats and salads. My favourite salad is the Lao green papaya salad with fermented crab. Only ask for hot if you’re a freak chili eater as it is HOT! If the strong pungent fermented crab is too much for you, then go for the squid or beef salads — both are good. When eating the salads, nibble on a bit of cabbage or a mint leaf for an extra flavour kick. For something a bit different, get the burnt rice and ‘ham’ salad — awesome contrast of textures and flavour.
As for the meats, I always order the Lao sausage and grilled ox tongue. The ox tongue should be crisp on the edges and tender in the middle — if it is tough then they have overcooked it. Khoune Kham has never failed to deliver on some tender ox tongue. The deep fried quail is also highly recommended.
Prices are quite competitive, with most dishes around the $ 10 mark. I think the correct number of dishes to order is the # of people in your party + 2. So if you have 4 people, order 6 dishes.