The More Supper Club: A Seat at the Table for All
Story by Tony Innouvong
Edited by Abigail Vela
When I moved to the Rio Grande Valley, I found myself searching for something familiar—a sense of community and the bold, diverse flavors I grew up with. As someone of Lao and Thai descent, food has always been my way of connecting to my roots and honoring my family. The recipes I cook are a living history, passed down from my mother and lovingly prepared in my home kitchen. Yet, in the Valley, I struggled to share that connection. There were few places where I could find the kind of food that spoke to my soul, and even fewer opportunities to gather with people from diverse backgrounds.
That’s why I created The More Supper Club—a communal dining experience that celebrates global flavors and cultures. What began as a Lao food pop-up has evolved into something much bigger: a platform that showcases the vibrant culinary traditions of not just Southeast Asia but cultures from around the world.
Breaking Bread and Building Community
The RGV is rich in culture, but its Asian community is still growing, carving out its place year by year. Yet, despite this growth, there’s a gap in showcasing the rich tapestry of Asian and global cuisines that reflect the Valley’s evolving identity. The More Supper Club bridges that gap—an invitation to locals and transplants alike to come together, break bread, and learn from one another.
Each supper is an intimate gathering, hosted at Moboba—a specialty boba tea and dessert shop my sister and I founded in Edinburg, TX. Guestsare invited to sit at the communal table, leaving behind the stress and divisions of daily life to share something universal—a love of good food. Whether the menu highlights Indonesian, Lao, Thai, or another vibrant cuisine, the dishes tell stories of heritage, struggle, and celebration.
Culinary Storytelling Through Authentic Dishes
At The More Supper Club, food is more than a meal—it’s a story. Each dish is prepared with intention, carrying the weight of history, family, and culture. At our most recent supper, chef Patty Roos transported us to Indonesia, recreating dishes inspired by her grandmother’s small kitchen on the island of Java. Without written recipes, Patty cooks from memory, using bold spices and fresh herbs—chilies, garlic, lemongrass—to bring the flavors of her childhood to life.
This authenticity makes each supper deeply personal. You’re not just tasting food—you’re tasting history, memories, and love. You’re learning about places like Laos, Java, and beyond, while connecting with the people behind the dishes.
A Platform for Cultural Awareness and Global Education
More than just a dining experience, The More Supper Club is a space for cultural exchange, a platform where immigrants, transplants, and longtime locals can share their stories through food. In a region often defined by its strong Latin identity, we’re creating room for Asian and global influences that are quietly but profoundly shaping the RGV.
As the supper series grows, so does our vision. We hope to highlight even more cuisines—from Palestinian to Argentinian—expanding our table to reflect the true diversity of our world.
Our goal is simple: to build connections through meals that are meaningful and rooted in heritage.
Join The More Supper Club
We’re always looking for passionate chefs and home cooks who want to share their culture through food. Whether your roots are in Asia, the Middle East, South America, or anywhere else, your cuisine has a place at our table. Let’s celebrate diversity, one dish at a time.
If you’re interested in hosting or collaborating, reach out to us at hello@mobobatea.com. And if you’re simply craving good food and good company, grab a seat at our next supper.
Seats are limited, so reserve yours today and be part of something special.
Pull up a chair. Let’s share more meaningful meals.
