In February, Shiina shared with me that Ahan’s Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Jamie Brown-Soukaseume, was named Madison Magazine’s 2024 Chef of the Year! Of course, we needed to check it out, and let me tell you, we saw (and tasted) why Chef Brown-Soukaseume earned the title. Read more about our visit to Ahan below!
Our Visit and Order
While we planned to visit Ahan in February, we didn’t get the chance until this month (March). Nonetheless, I felt as though I was receiving signs to visit during that “waiting” period (laughs). For weeks I’d overhear conversations about the delicious food of Ahan and my co-worker brought her leftovers from Ahan for lunch one day. Just the smell of her drunken noodles with tofu had me drooling! If that wasn’t enough of a sign to finally visit, then I don’t know what is!
I ordered the Drunken Noodles with pork, while Shiina ordered the Pho Tai. Together we ordered the Praram Long Song with fried chicken. I was simply craving drunken noodles because I hadn’t had it in so long, and when I smelled my co-worker’s leftovers, I knew it was what I’d order! As for Shiina, he’s a pho enthusiast so of course he’d try the pho! We ordered the Praram Long Song (jasmine rice, vegetables, and chicken) mainly because we wanted something different as well as a more filling meal for Valkyrie.
The food was incredibly tasty! When I tried only the vegetables in the Praram Long Song dish, I was captivated. I had to try the fried chicken with the peanut sauce afterwards, and it was addicting! Finally, I tasted the Drunken Noodles and… insert chef’s kisses. It was everything, and more, than what I expected. Then to go back to the Praram Long Song? Gee. All those flavors! Shiina enjoyed the pho as well, which can typically be a hit or miss for him. This time, it was a hit!
Ahan Team Members
We arrived to Ahan just a little after opening, so we were one of the first guests that day. An Ahan team member allowed us to choose our seat, which was great because Valkyrie’s not much of a highchair sitter. We quickly chose a booth. As we sat down, the team member removed the flatware and glass cup from Valkyrie’s seat (which I was wary of as we approached the booth). She asked if we preferred a plastic cup in the placement of the glass cup. This, to me, was a great sign. I immediately felt comfortable because we were allowed space to settle into our seats without having to worry about introductions, the menu, or removing the flatware and glass cup.
Shiina and I read over the menu. Once we were ready to order (our order’s described in the section above), I ordered for us and paid in advance. I quite liked this method of payment because typically by the end of a meal, Valkyrie’s ready to head out… and I mean, head out. She tends to want to walk, more like run, around. This made the transition so much easier! We didn’t have to wait for a check or a box for leftovers.
As we enjoyed our meal, we were asked by several Ahan team members how we were doing. For instance, we were offered chili oil for extra flavor and our cups were always filled with water. Towards the end of our time at Ahan, our table was clean because a team member was very considerate of our space. We were even de-greeted by the door!
The restaurant’s team members interacted with Valkyrie too and I think she loved it! We all exchanged greetings and team members laughed when we told them that Valkyrie had her very own dish (the Praram Long Song… it was quite a big dish for a little gal). Valkyrie even handed a garnish to one of the members. That was so cute! Giving is one of Valkyrie’s love languages, so I’ve learned. The team member graciously accepted Valkyrie’s offering without hesitation!
Thank you, Ahan
We’ll be back! Not only was the food beyond flavorful, the team was kind and inviting. We had a great experience and look forward to our next visit. Plan your visit soon! I promise you’ll love it just as we did.
Ahan is located on 744 Williamson St. in Suite 100. You’re welcome to order for pickup or delivery, or enjoy at Ahan’s location. View the menu here and website for more information!
