ACCESS the Triangle

Welcome to SAAP, an exceptional Laotian restaurant nestled in the heart of Downtown Cary, NC, where the vibrant spirit of Laos merges flawlessly with the warmth of the local community. Conceived by the visionary Chef and Owner Lon Bounsanga, SAAP is more than just a dining spot; it's a gathering place where every meal is an invitation to experience the rich tapestry of Laotian culture. Chef Lon, alongside his dedicated team—many of whom followed him from his previous endeavors—infuses each dish with a unique blend of tradition, passion, and a deep appreciation for the communal essence of eating.

At SAAP, the air is fragrant with lemongrass, and there’s an unmistakable energy that permeates the room even before the guests arrive. It’s a testament to the environment Lon has cultivated: one where laughter mixes with the sound of clinking glassware and the kitchen hums with the synchronized efforts of a crew that’s more family than staff. This spirit, this infectious joy, is what Lon and his team set out to share with every person who walks through SAAP’s door. It’s an ethos that is palpable, turning meals into memorable experiences that anchor SAAP as a vibrant cornerstone in Downtown Cary.

Lon Bounsanga's journey from Laos to the helm of SAAP in Downtown Cary, NC, is a tale of resilience, culinary passion, and an unshakeable belief in the power of food to unite. Fleeing Laos in 1979 due to the turmoil of war, Lon and his family embarked on a life in a new world, bringing with them the rich culinary traditions of their homeland. These traditions, deeply rooted in the concept of communal eating and sharing, are the bedrock upon which SAAP is built. Along with his wife, Annmarie, whose Irish-German background introduced him to another layer of community-centric living, Lon has infused SAAP with a sense of belonging, making it a place where everyone—family, friends, and first-time guests—feels welcomed.

The influence of Laotian tradition on Lon's cooking is profound, weaving a thread of authenticity and nostalgia through the menu at SAAP. His and Annmarie's partnership amplifies this vision, making the dream of opening a Laotian restaurant a palpable reality. Drawing from a life flavored by the essence of shared meals and the joy of community, SAAP stands as a testament to their shared beliefs and the realization of a dream that dining can be a profound communal experience, bringing together people from all walks of life.

The menu at SAAP, carefully curated by Chef Lon, is a vibrant exploration of Laotian cuisine’s depth and diversity. Each dish reflects a piece of Lon's childhood and his parents' culinary influence, combining traditional flavors with fresh, daily harvested ingredients. From savory street food staples to dishes accented by herbs like basil, cilantro, and exotic kaffir lime leaves, the menu invites diners on an authentic gastronomic journey through Laos. It’s an experience designed not just to tantalize the taste buds but to encourage sharing and conversation, embodying the Laotian tradition of communal meals and the belief that food is a powerful conduit for connection and understanding.

At SAAP, dining is an interactive experience that fosters community engagement. The restaurant’s energetic atmosphere, described by owners Lon and Annmarie, encourages patrons to interact, share, and taste each other’s dishes, thereby creating a unique dining experience that extends beyond the mere act of eating. It is in these moments of shared delight over a carefully crafted dish that SAAP’s magic truly shines, breaking down barriers and creating a space where food is the foundation of community and togetherness.

Since opening its doors, SAAP has been warmly embraced by the Downtown Cary community, rapidly becoming a favorite gathering spot where the familiar faces of regular patrons mix with the excited expressions of first-time visitors. This warm reception speaks volumes, not just about the exceptional quality of the food, but about the palpable sense of community that Lon and Annmarie have successfully fostered. Their vision of bringing people together through the universal language of food resonates deeply within the community, transforming SAAP into a place where dining is an experience rooted in camaraderie, warmth, and genuine connection.

Moreover, the story of SAAP is also a personal one for Lon and Annmarie, reflecting their journey of bringing their own family together through the power of shared meals and collective work. With several of their children actively involved in the restaurant’s operations, SAAP stands as a living symbol of family, togetherness, and the enduring power of food to unite. As patrons enjoy their meals and new friendships are forged over shared dishes, SAAP continues to weave itself into the fabric of Downtown Cary, proving that a restaurant can indeed be a place where community, culture, and culinary excellence converge.

Visit SAAP at 370 South Walker Street, Cary, NC, and dive into a world where every meal is a celebration of community, culture, and the exquisite flavors of Laotian cuisine. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, SAAP invites you to partake in a dining experience like no other. Make sure to make a reservation to secure your spot at this culinary gem in the heart of Downtown Cary.