EAT
| Bistro 22 |
Listing
VIENTIANE • YULALA CAFÉ & RESTAURANT – Japanese/ Fusion. Pull up a chair or nestle into a floor cushion
at this cute little joint which puts a Japanese spin on Western ingredients. While the daily specials are ever-changing popular mainstays include sautéed chicken with tofu, soy sauce and mirin and the potato croquettes with mince beef and a tomato-based sauce. Set meals come with salad, pickled vegetables, flavoursome broth and steamed purple rice. Seating is limited so it can pack out early on the weekends. Rue Hengboun, 020 5510 4050, facebook.com/ pages/YuLaLa-cafe-restaurant/148520861845706 http://www.tree-alliance.org/our-restaurants/makphet. asp?mm=or&sm=mp. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 9.30pm.
• DAIRY QUEEN – Ice-cream/American. Dairy
Queen opened its second Lao branch on the Mekong riverside on June 18 to an ecstatic reception. The popular ice-cream chain was previously only open in Wattay International Airport, catering to arriving and departing passengers. The new shop – located in the heart of Vientiane on the main river road – is constantly busy, churning out ice creams, sundaes, milkshakes, iced coffees and DQ’s signature ‘Blizzards’ to eager customers looking for a reprieve from the tropical heat. There are six varieties of hot dogs as a more savoury option. Quay Fa Ngum, 021 255 380, www.facebook. com/DairyQueenLaos.
• BAN GAI TEX MEX CANTINA – American/ Mexican. Ban Gai serves outstanding Mexican
food at low prices thanks to its slightly hidden location outside the city centre. Once famed purely for their finger-licking buffalo hot wings, Ban Gai has expanded their menu to include a host of authentic Tex Mex classics including nachos, enchiladas and burritos heaped with fresh salsa, gooey cheese and accompanied by bowls of piping hot rice and beans. Almost everything can be ordered vegetarian. Pair anything from the menu with one of their delicious margaritas and you’re set. Family friendly, delivery. Sokpalaung Road, 020 9825 6654, facebook.com/ BanGaiHouseOfChickenhttp://www.tree-alliance.org/ our-restaurants/makphet.asp?mm=or&sm=mp. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am – 9pm.
• BENONI CAFÉ – Asian/Western/Café.
Escape the bustle of downtown Vientiane at Benoni Café, a bright and airy café-cum-restaurant which serves up fresh and tasty Asian and Western fare. Choose from a wide range of baguettes, quiches, burgers and noodle and rice dishes – all prepared quickly and served with a smile. The Lao coffee is home roasted and the delicious cakes and sweets are all made in-house. WiFi, family friendly. Rue Setthathirath (above Phimphone), 021 213 334, facebook.com/benonicafehttp://www.tree-alliance. org/our-restaurants/makphet.asp?mm=or&sm=mp. Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.
| Vegetarian in the Golden Age |
• BISTRO 22 – French.
Chef Philippe presents honest French bistro fare at this cosy, hole-in-the-wall eatery. The food is fresh and flavourful with highlights including the goat’s cheese salad, rabbit terrine and classic steak frites. Popular with the expat crowd, the service is faultless and the desserts, including a delectable chocolate fondant, are not to be missed. 22 Samsenthai Road, Ban Khaonyot, 021 214 129http:// www.tree-alliance.org/our-restaurants/makphet. asp?mm=or&sm=mp. Open Monday to Friday 11am – 2pm, Monday to Saturday 6pm – 10pm.
• RAY’S GRILLE – American/Mexican.
It’s all about comfort food at Ray’s – home style burgers, legendary Philly cheese steak sandwiches and tasty quesadillas – all fresh and made to order in this homely joint. While the real drawcard is the colossal cheeseburger (best handled with two hands) mention must also go to the felafel burger which is sure to satisfy vegetarians. A selection of local and imported beers are available including a few micro-brewed American craft beers – just the ticket to wash down this tasty diner fare. 17/1 Sihom Road, 020 5896 6866, facebook. com/raysgrilleLaopdr. Open Monday to Friday, Sunday 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm.
• LAO KITCHEN – Lao.
A colourful eatery that specialises in authentic Lao dishes. Sisters Noi and Teng run the show while their family help out in the kitchen preparing soups, stews, grilled meats, stir-fry dishes and of course laap (the duck variation is a stand out). A great place for those new to Lao cuisine – the menu is full of helpful explanations for each dish and warns you if something may be a little too piquant for some palates. Rue Hengboun (opposite KP Hotel), 021 254 332, lao-kitchen.comhttp://www.tree-alliance.org/ our-restaurants/makphet.asp?mm=or&sm=mp. Open Monday to Sunday 11am – 10pm.
• VEGIE HUT – Vegetarian. You would never ever
find this brilliant Chinese-style hideout if you weren’t looking for it. A lot of thought has been put into making Vegie Hut’s interior warm, comfortable and inviting. The menu is huge, and you’ll find flavours from Chinese, Lao and Thai cuisines. Dishes include fake duck and fake seafood. The staff are extremely attentive and friendly, and prices are very fair. Vegie Hut can get crowded, so consider making a booking. Vegetarian friendly. Asean Road, at the intersection with Sibounheuang Road, 020 5619 9938. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm.
| Dairy Queen |
• AI CAPONE – Italian.
The latest offering from Chef Gerardo is Ai Capone, in downtown Vientiane. The contemporary interior is matched with a modern menu offering top Italian dining with a casual flair, boasting simple dishes packing authentic flavours. The menu ranges from pastas and mains to risotto and desserts – but it’s hard to look past the woodfired pizzas with over 40 combinations straight from Napoli. 8 Rue Francois Ngin, Ban Mixai, 020 5991 0888, facebook.com/aicaponelaospdr. Open 7 days 11.30am – 10.30pm. | Ai Capone |
• VEGETARIAN IN THE GOLDEN AGE – Vegetarian. The geniuses in the kitchen at Vegetarian in the Golden Age have got fake meat down to a forensic art. Some veggies aren’t a fan of this, but if you can get past the weirdness of biting into superrealistic fried fish somehow created from soybeans, the dishes are delicious. Fake pork, beef and chicken are all on the menu too, alongside more conventional veggie staples like eggplant and tofu that aren’t pretending to be anything else. The food is fantastic and best shared with a few friends. The restaurant is run by Vietnamese monks, and the walls are adorned with photographs of famous Vietnamese Buddhist leader Master Ruma. Come at lunch for a super-cheap buffet. All food here is believed to be vegan. Vegetarian, vegan friendly. Lunch buffet. Saylom Road, 020 5550 5305. Open daily 8am-8pm.
| Vegie Hut |
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