Chef Jeff Chanchaleune debuts a moody bar next door to his award-winning restaurant in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District

 

Oklahoma City, OK — Two-time James Beard finalist Chef Jeff Chanchaleune is set to open his newest concept, BAR SEN, in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District this winter. The moody Southeast Asian noodle bar is inspired by family recipes and will serve authentic Laotian flavors rarely found elsewhere in the U.S.

 

In contrast to its neighbors in Thailand and Vietnam, the Laotian palate favors savory, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy foods. BAR SEN, named after the Laotian word for “noodles,” will spotlight the bold and funky flavors that make Laotian cuisine unique.

 

“I am dedicating this new concept to my family,” said Chanchaleune. “The cooking is my version of the food my sisters and I grew up eating. Our parents taught us so much over the years, and I’m excited to share more of it with Oklahoma City.”

 

BAR SEN’s menu will showcase bar bites like chicken kara-age and housemade beef jerky, as well as gluten-free noodles and rotating rice bowls, like Red Curry Vermicelli (Khao Poon Nahm Gai) and Spicy Pork Noodles (OGl Khao Soi). The house noodle bowl is Chanchaleune’s all-time favorite dish — his mom’s Lao chicken noodle soup (Khao Piek Sen). Guests can anticipate a thoughtfully crafted beverage program highlighting Asian beer, sake, and a variety of cocktails in a moody bar setting with music as funky as the food. The space will be decorated with a black dragon wallpaper from Schumacher, emerald green accents, and a dark wood bar.

 

Operations will be helmed by a seasoned team of hospitality professionals who have worked with Jeff on various projects in the past, including Daniel Johnson (Beverage Director/Bar Manager) and Jeff's sister, Jeslyn Chanchaleune (General Manager). From Ma Der to BAR SEN and a third sister concept up his sleeve, Chanchaleune and his team continue to bring new dining experiences to the local culinary scene. 

 

“Laotian culture shaped me and my dreams,” said Chanchaleune. “It hits the soul and brings people together. It wouldn't be fair to my parents, grandparents, and ancestors to not share our food and culture with my community. As my career evolves, my hope is to honor my roots and serve my hometown.”

 

BAR SEN is located at 1630 N Blackwelder Ave, next door to Ma Der, Chanchaleune’s original Lao kitchen, which was one of Bon Appétit’s 50 Best New Restaurants in 2022, The New York Times Best Restaurants in 2022, and USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year in 2024. BAR SEN is set to open this winter, Tuesday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information and updates, visit www.barsenokc.com and follow @barsenokc and @cheff_jeff on Instagram.