Kaysone Sweets
Laotian$
Look to your right and you’ll catch the ornamental Pai Lau gateway guarded by large bronze lions at the head of Freedom Plaza. Here, make a beeline for Kaysone Sweets.
Blenders behind the counter mean durian smoothies, and the build-it-yourself shaved ice desserts are a good time, but the hot counter – featuring Laotian snacks including banana fritters and sien savanh (traditional Laos sweet jerky) – is where it’s at. It’s a chance to order a tum mak hoong set too. Go for “B” and your spicy papaya salad will come with sticky rice, sien savanh and Lao sausage for good measure.
Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
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David Matthews is a food writer and editor, and co-editor of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025.































