Chef Seng Luangrath Opened Khao Nom in Arlington
The new takeout window inside Padaek serves Lao-inspired snacks and sandwiches on weekends.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Dining Out
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Chef Seng Luangrath has launched Khao Nom, a new takeout-only concept operating out of the existing Padaek restaurant space in Arlington. The window serves a menu of cross-cultural snacks and sandwiches during weekend afternoon hours.
Why it matters
The opening represents a shift for the chef toward playful, snack-focused food concepts that experiment with cross-cultural mashups. The new offering provides a casual alternative to the traditional sit-down dining experience at the location.
Khao Nom offers a snack menu with items starting at $5.99, while sandwiches are priced at $9.99 and bowls at $12.99. Customers have the option to upgrade any order to a combo for an additional $3.
The players
Seng Luangrath
Seng Luangrath is a professional chef known for creating innovative Lao-inspired culinary concepts.
Padaek
Padaek is an established restaurant in Arlington that now houses the new Khao Nom takeout window.
The details
Located at 2931 S Glebe Rd, the window serves items such as pork jerky, curry puffs, and fried chicken meatballs alongside unique sandwiches. These include a breakfast sandwich with a Lao-style chicken patty and a cheeseburger finished with a lemongrass beef patty and chili-lime sauce.
Timeline
Khao Nom operates on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 PM.
Culture Shift
Khao Nom follows the broader industry trend of repurposing existing restaurant infrastructure into secondary, agile takeout concepts. This strategy reflects a shift in culinary business models toward lower-overhead models that prioritize quick-service and casual engagement with diners.
Residents in the area can visit the takeout window on weekends to access specialty snacks and Lao-inspired sandwiches. While the food is takeout-only, patrons are invited to utilize the available patio seating during the limited operating hours.
The takeaway
Diners should plan their visits during the specific weekend hours to experience this experimental, cross-cultural menu. The limited, snack-focused format makes it an ideal option for a casual weekend lunch rather than a full-service dining experience.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, browse our Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washingtonian.
Live Poll
Do you prefer takeout windows that offer specialized snacks over traditional full-service restaurant options?
