The Dilemma

Following my initial survey of Vientiane, every morning there I faced the same dilemma: should I have breakfast at the Morning Market or at the Scandinavian Bakery? The coffee at the market was irresistible, while the Scandinavian croissants, newspapers and air conditioners fought hard to balance the equation. I lost the battle against my temptations and adopted a complex approach. Early in the morning I would visit the market and enjoy a double Laotian coffee. Then, after my daily internet session, I would continue for a quasi-brunch at the Scandinavian Bakery. Laos turned out to be a place created to support my worst indulgencies.

The Place

The bakery is placed on two buildings surrounding the Namphou Fountain, and thus enjoys a central and superb location in Vientiane. One building is occupied by the shop, which includes an attractive display of the food, and the kitchen. The second building includes a two-floor sitting area and the toilets. A few tables are placed on the sidewalk between the two buildings and facing the fountain, but the heat usually prevents their use. The inner sitting place offers conditioned air, comfortable seats and access to the Bangkok Post, the last being a real luxury while in Laos.

Hours

The bakery opens between 7am and 7pm.

The Coffee

Due to the words written at the introduction, it must be emphasized that the coffee served at Scandinavian Bakery is the same excellent Laotian coffee served at the Morning Market. However, the slightly different preparation method (an espresso machine here versus the traditional methods used in the market) results in a slightly less excellent result. As an additional service, the bakery sells bags of Laotian coffee at the same prices offered at the market. A bag of 250gr costs around $1.3; considering the exceptional quality of the coffee, this must be one of the best bargains in the planet. To complete the experience it is advised to purchase a set of typical Laotian filters at the market (see my "A Coffee in the Morning Market" in the "Vientiane: Love from First Sip" journal)

The Food

In a city plagued with crunchy, fresh French baguettes, the Scandinavian Bakery manages to produce awesome breads that can be bought for take away or in one of the several meals and snacks offered. Beyond the expected baguettes, traditional loaves and croissants, the Scandinavian Bakery may be the only producer of bagels in town. If staying for a meal at the shop, then any of the breads and croissants can be transformed into a tasty sandwich; all the additional products (cheese, ham, eggs and vegetables) are of excellent quality and freshness. Most meals and breakfasts cost less than two dollars and include coffee and fresh orange juice; the last is a rare and worthy treat in Vientiane. Other tempting and excellent choices are the cakes, cookies, pastries and ice-creams.

The Scandinavian café is a great place for lunch and you can not beat their beautiful French style breads and fillings and huge selection of pastries.It also makes a nice change from rice and noodles.

It has a two level eating area that is air-conditioned and a small outdoor section if you like to swelter.

Very efficient you fill in the menu order form yourself, ticking off what type of bread, which filling if you want butter, salt and pepper and so on, hand it in, pay and the waitress brings it to you when ready.

They do great shakes and also offer a bottomless cup of coffee. The cake display is to die for. I guess it depends on how much walking you are doing or your waistline.

There is also a TV normally tuned into an International news program so you can catch up on the outside world or if you can read one of the Scandinavian languages you can browse the relatively out of date newspapers from that part of the world.

It's really popular and easy to understand why!