Bold Flavors. Vibrant Culture. Unforgettable Experiences.

The Thum Ones is a cultural event and catering business that celebrates Lao heritage through flavorful food, vibrant music, and unforgettable community experiences. Our events highlight Lao cuisine while supporting small businesses by giving them meaningful exposure to new audiences. We also uplift underrepresented cultural groups, creating space for their traditions, stories, and creativity to be celebrated. Guests can explore our rotating menu at events and order select dishes for catering through our website, making every gathering an opportunity to discover something new and culturally rich.

 

What’s behind the name?

The Thum Ones carries layered meaning rooted in Lao culture and personal connection.

 

In Lao cooking, thum is the pounding technique that brings together bold, flavorful dishes, most famously thum mak hoong (papaya salad). Fresh vegetables, herbs, chili, and fermented fish sauce are pounded in a mortar and pestle to create something savory, spicy, and full of character. Each dish speaks to the heart and soul of Lao food.

 

But thum goes deeper than the mortar and pestle. It’s the personality in every dish: a little funk from fermented fish, a spark of fire from chili, and a whole lot of soul. That’s us, a family rooted in flavor, culture, and character, all coming together into something special.

 

There’s also a celebratory side to thum. In Lao gatherings, the phrase “Thum Keo” literally means “hit glass” and is used as a toast when drinking, a joyful reminder of connection and celebration.

 

So when we say The Thum Ones, we’re not just talking about food. We’re talking about culture, community, and those unforgettable moments of laughter, flavor, and togetherness around the table.

 

Why join us?

The Thum Ones is more than just food, it’s about culture, community, and connection. Our events celebrate Lao heritage while uplifting underrepresented cultural groups and spotlighting local vendors and creatives. Every ticket directly supports this mission and helps us create space for stories, flavors, and traditions that deserve to be shared.