I first visited Vientiane in 1996, at that time the roads to Arc de Triomphe de Vientiane or Pratuxai were dirt road still and not so many restaurants like today. At present, concrete roads, the development of the Mekong river front area and the mushrooming of the business owned by foreign investors have completely washed away the images of “the Vientiane I knew”.
In 2010 when I worked in a travel magazine as a marketing manager, I traveled to Vientiane quite often and managed to know nice local people both Laotians and expats. Therefore, every time I come for work here, I always get a good updated gourmet list from all my nice fellows.
Joma Bakery and Café
The most popular and check in points for Instagrammers, Joma Bakery and Coffee always good for all day brekkies, good coffee, beautiful smoothies, good food… what else do you need to start your day?
Open: 7am-4:00pm
Tel: 021 215 265
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jomabakerycafe
Address: On Rue Setthathirat Near Nam Phou fountain
Vientiane’s Best Brewed Coffee : Le Trio
This café is highly recommended for coffee lovers! The tiny coffee bar with a terrace outside facing Setthathilath road slightly opposite the Fountain is sending alluring coffee fragrance outside every time people open the door and this really attracts many passersby. Phonesavahn Vilivong and Micka Perier are the owners and the roasters with full passion on coffee, they really work hard to make sure each drop of coffee you get is the best one.
Open: 8am-4:00pm
Tel: 020 22 553 552
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/letriocofee
Address: On Rue Setthathirat Near Nam Phou fountain
Benoni Café
Sister restaurant of Le trio, Benoni is good for a quick international meal in a very nice and clean atmosphere and air con here is a bonus for heat wave runaway. The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor next door to Le Trio.
Tel:021 213 334
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Benonicafe
Address: On Rue Setthathirat Near Nam Phou fountain
Le Banneton
One of the best croissants that I like come from here, Le Banneton. I always have a croissant with black coffee in Luang Phrabang, I like the homey touch of it but it is quite touristy whereas Le Banneton in Vientiane is a café that locals mingling, talking about everyday life. This café is good for breakfast and afternoon munchies.
Open: 7am-6:30pm
Tel: 020 22 553 552
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Le-Banneton-Café-French-Bakery-Vientiane
Address: Noleokoumane road – Ban Mixay
Simuang Minimart
A mini mart that seriously bakes only good bread for over 40 years, Simuang Minimart was founded by a Vietnamese family. Later, it became the place where everyone came to get bread, even though followers and customers are growing, they don’t increased production to in order maintain control the quality of the bread. Therefore, they started selling other products and become a minimart that sells mostly everything you need in a Western kitchen.
Open: 9.00 am-9.00 pm
Address: near the statue of King Sisavang Vong at Wat Si Muang
Dao-the High Tea
If you familiar with coffee Dao and you are a fan of this Southern Laos coffee, do not miss a chance to check this Tea House out. In fact, I am not really a tea drinker but my friend told me that this place serves the best Pate Khao Ji (Vietnamese style Baguette sandwich) and best Ja Yoh (Vietnamese style deep fried spring rolls) which I love her for the recommendation. There are not many items on the menu but most of them are good.
Open: 9.00am-7:00pm
Tel: 030 58 81 488
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/daothehightea
Address: Rue Samsane Thai opposite Black Canyon
Jeremy’s Café
I heard a rumor that one of pastry chefs in a famous fine dining restaurant of Vientiane has resigned and opened his own café and all the recommendations are positive. So, I tried to find him finally found him on a riverside road where the Chinese shrines are. Jeremy’s café belongs to Jeremy Herzog who has been baking since he was 15 now altogether 7 years.
Every item here is superb both taste and look. The bread is also exceptionally good here, but I recommended that you should come early or call for advance order since the baguettes are gone quickly.
Open: 7.00am-8:00pm
Tel: 56328445
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/patisserie.jeremy.herzog
Address: Quai Fa Ngum
Hang Out
A restaurant mix with a pub concept, it is cozy and a very good spot for dinner or an evening of drinking. Since the manager is Thai, many items in the menu seem to be a Thai twist recipe. Hang out is a perfect place for a night out.
Open: 10.30am- mid night
Tel: 021 410 199
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/hangout.vte
Address: Ban Phonsinouan
My tips for the trip
Booking everything before the trip is really a headache for me so I leave it to friends to do all the fuss, but it always ends up with frustrations! The price stated in promotions and the price that we pay is not the same, which my friend finds it a bit unfair. So, this time I used Traveloka! Easy to use and the price is sometimes even cheaper than buying directly with the company, no extra money added in any promotion, everything is clear and fair …love it.
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