From national recognition to backyard dreams turned brick-and-mortar success, News 9’s Flavor of Oklahoma segments in 2025 highlighted the people and stories shaping the state’s growing food scene.
These five stood out to our audience for their creativity, culture, and connection to Oklahoma.
1. Bar Sen earns New York Times recognition
A Plaza District restaurant put Oklahoma City on the national culinary map this year when The New York Times named Bar Sen one of the Top 50 Places to Eat in America.
Opened by two-time James Beard nominee Chef Jeff Chanchaleune, Bar Sen is a Laotian-inspired noodle bar located just steps from his original restaurant, Ma Der Lao Kitchen. While Ma Der leans traditional, Bar Sen allows Chanchaleune to experiment, blending family recipes with chef-driven creativity…