Vientiane Café started as an improvised café under a blue tarp in West Philly, earning it the nickname "The Blue Tent." At the time, it was the only place in the city where Philadelphia's Laotian community could find authentic Southeast Asian cooking. Chef Daovy Phanthavong and family have run it for more than 20 years, making it Philadelphia's first Laotian restaurant.
The menu draws on Lao and Thai dishes: papaya salad, crispy neem salad, summer rolls, drunken noodles, and khaopoon soup, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Regulars have developed a particular attachment to the khaopoon soup. The kitchen also produces its own condiment, Sunny's Hot Chili Oil, sold by the jar.
The original West Philly café now has a second location, Vientiane Bistro in Kensington. Both operate BYOB, and the West Philly location is cash only.
The menu draws on Lao and Thai dishes: papaya salad, crispy neem salad, summer rolls, drunken noodles, and khaopoon soup, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Regulars have developed a particular attachment to the khaopoon soup. The kitchen also produces its own condiment, Sunny's Hot Chili Oil, sold by the jar.
The original West Philly café now has a second location, Vientiane Bistro in Kensington. Both operate BYOB, and the West Philly location is cash only.