The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

The Laotian ladies tried to warn me. So did the brothers who own the New Orient Market,   I had ordered beef laab to go, and the cook asked me whether I wanted it cooked or raw. Laab is considered the national dish of Laos, and though it can be made from chicken, pork or even tofu, I had the idea that the raw beef version is the most traditional. It's usually made from chopped meat mixed with mint, lime juice and chilis, and served with fresh lettuce.