Vientiane Journals

Vientiane: The First Bite

Best of IgoUgo

A September 2006 trip to Vientiane by SeenThat

Quote: Vientiane offers its visitors a wonderful mix of Laotian and French cuisines.

15 Photos

Xayoh

Restaurant

Quote:

The EstablishmentXayoh occupies a central spot in Vientiane, in front of the stylish Prakeo Culture Hall and nearby the Mekong River. Its superb location means it is nearby all the city’s main attractions; a fact that makes Xayoh a natural choice while for an upmarket meal in downtown Vientiane. Moreover, the attractive colonial building, which features elegant curved lines and an astonishing lighting at night - is home to one of the best pub-restaurants in the city. Solid wooden tables and chairs occupy a long space which is divided into a restaurant and a bar areas. Sometimes, a few ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 18, 2007

Xayoh
Samsenthai Rd.
Vientiane, Laos
+856-21 262111

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Le Safran

Restaurant | "Le Safran, Pizza & Crêpe, Bar Restaurant Français"

Quote:

The LocationLe Safran enjoys an excellent location. It is very close to the Mekong River Promenade; however, it does not enjoy a direct view of the river. The Namphou Fountain, the Prakeo Culture Hall and all other Vientiane’s main attractions are within walking distance and thus transform the place into a good stop after a long day of sightseeing and before a late walk by the beautiful riverside.The EstablishmentThe inner space of Le Safran was created having the customers’ comfort in mind; high ceilings, tasteful colors and pleasant tables placed at a r...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 19, 2007

Le Safran
43 Thanon Nokeo Khumman
Vientiane, Laos
+856 21 215 626

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Scandinavian Bakery

Restaurant | "The Scandinavian Bakery"

Quote:

The DilemmaFollowing 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 B...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 24, 2007

Scandinavian Bakery
74/1 Phangkam Road
Vientiane, Laos
+856 21 215 199

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Nok Noy Noodle Shop

Restaurant | "Nok Noy"

Quote:

The SpiritNok Noy caught my attention at first sight. I couldn’t pinpoint the reason for that until I ate there. Among the many restaurants catering for tourists along the promenade and in downtown, Nok Noy is the closest thing to a traditional Lao restaurant. It has a simple menu of time-honored dishes, which are served in a simple, unpretentious environment, with all the grace natural of Laotian people. It is hard not to love the place and to use it as an exploration platform for the Laotian cuisine.The LocationThe restaurant is across the street from the gorgeous promenade looking over the ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 24, 2007

Nok Noy Noodle Shop
Fa Ngum Road & Nokeo Khumman Road
Vientiane, Laos
856 20 777 8999

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Eating Insects

Story/Tip

Quote:

A Common PracticeMost people from Western countries would not consider eating insects, and would consider the practice almost a taboo. However, honey is a popular sweetener in those cultures, despite obviously having been execrated by a flying insect.The RationaleInsects are a rich source of proteins and are grown quicker and more efficiently than mammals. Thus, many cultures suffering from a difficult access to animal protein have chosen insects as a complimentary source of protein.Legitimized by InvisibilityApparently the problem appears once the insects’ body parts are visible to the eater; at that moment the appetizer...Read More