On 12 December, Seno Grilled Chicken was officially recognized by Savannakhet authorities, becoming a new symbol of the central Lao province.
It all started in the early 1990s at a bus stop in Outhoomphone district, where Sing Souliyed and his family set up a small grill to sell their marinated, smoky grilled chicken to weary travelers. Little did they know, their venture would ignite a culinary legacy.
What started as a simple venture, with just a few skewers sizzling over charcoal, gradually grew into a local sensation, attracting customers from across the district and beyond.
By the early 2000s, around 20 shops had joined the trade, and by 2015, that number had more than doubled. Seno Grilled Chicken had become a must-try dish, with its rich, smoky flavor capturing the hearts of all who tasted it.
In 2017, the Pingkaiseno Association, recognizing the product’s growing reputation and rising customer expectations, set out to secure official recognition for the dish. Their efforts paid off when Seno Grilled Chicken was granted the national ODOP trademark, an endorsement of its quality, hygiene, and market standards.
Keodavan Manivong, owner and operator of Pingkaiseno Shop in Vientiane Capital who is a member of the Seno Grilled Chicken Association, shared her thoughts on the recognition and its impact on local businesses.
“Our shop has been open for around 8 years. We use 100 percent fresh hens from Seno. These chickens are naturally raised by villagers, which give them a unique taste. Grilled chicken is the star of our menu,” she said.
“Joining the Seno Grilled Chicken Association has helped us promote our shop. This recognition also offers an opportunity for local parents to build careers and support each other in improving their businesses.”
The certificate was presented at a formal ceremony held at the district’s Association Club. Speaking at the event, Ratsami Souliyo, President of Pingkaiseno Association, highlighted the product’s growth over the decades. What began as a family operation expanded into a community effort, with more families joining the trade.
Ratsami emphasized that the ODOP certification not only boosts customer confidence but also motivates vendors to uphold consistent quality and hygiene practices.
Today, the association boasts 52 member shops, each selling at least 20 grilled chickens daily, with total sales reaching between 1,200 and 1,500 chickens per day.
With official recognition, Seno Grilled Chicken has cemented its status as a symbol of community pride and tradition in Savannakhet, bringing people together one skewer at a time.
