Ann Ahmed
Chef/Owner
Chef Ann Ahmed’s story begins in the kitchen, helping her mother and grandmother cook, both of whom escaped war-torn Laos. Chef Ahmed knew she wanted to own a restaurant at a very young age, writing her first menu in the sixth grade. In 2005, her dream came true when she opened Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine in Brooklyn Park, now closed, that served colorful and original dishes influenced by her travels around the world. Ann quickly gained a reputation for her unique Laotian spin on popular Southeast Asian dishes.
Thirteen years later, Ann finally felt that she had enough experience and courage to open a second restaurant in 2018 called Lat14 Asian Eatery in Golden Valley. Lat14 is inspired by the cuisines and cultures of countries located on the 14th latitudinal parallel like Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines and more. At Lat14 it is Ann's goal to transport Minnesotans to each place through their distinct flavors and dishes.
Ann opened her third restaurant, Khâluna, on October 20, 2021. Many have asked Chef Ann, “why open a new restaurant during the Pandemic?” Her response, “because the pandemic is part of our lives now, it has shaped us, we’ve all became a better version of ourselves pre-pandemic.” Chef Ann felt that no matter what, she is a chef and will forever be a chef, just a better chef now. For that reason, she felt it was the right time to open her third restaurant, Khâluna, the Buddhist word for “compassion”. Khâluna has found a home in Minneapolis and hopes to be the heart of the community and neighborhood.
When a property became available in Loring Park, originally Joe’s Garage and then 4Bells, Ann and her husband Tarique could not resist the opportunity to create a new fun, energetic, and fast causal restaurant in this beautiful, vacant space. Gai Noi, short for khao gai noi, is a type of short grain glutinous rice emblematic of the northern Xieng Khouang regions of Laos, where chef Ann and her family are from. Also known as ‘little chick’ due to its spotted appearance and small shape, khao niew (sticky rice) is a staple of the Lao diet and is eaten in tandem with nearly all other dishes. So important is sticky rice in Lao culture, most Laotians refer to themselves as ‘luk khao niew’, or ‘children of the sticky rice’, as sticky rice is the sustenance of the people; the central component of any meal and gathering. Honoring this reference and cultural significance, Gai Noi hopes to be a binding agent for the community and connection to a heritage, culture, and lifestyle worlds apart from our own; a place to gather, share, celebrate, and nourish, coming as you are and being welcomed as luk khao niew.