VIENTIANE

CAFé/BISTRO

KNOW AS ‘THE BLUE TENT” SINCE 2000

DINE-IN IS NOW OPEN FOR BOTH LOCATIONS!

DINE-IN IS NOW OPEN FOR BOTH LOCATIONS!

🇱🇦 NEW HOURS 🇱🇦

west philly location

TUESDAY-SATURDAY 4pm-9pm
(last seating 8:30pm)
MONDAY& SUNDAY CLOSED

KENSINGTON LOCATION

MONDAY-SATURDAY 12:00PM-9PM
(last seating 8:30pm)
SUNDAY CLOSED

BYOB

Welcome to the 76!

We’re Honored to have made The Inquirer’s annual list of the most vital restaurants in the Philadelphia area for the 2nd year in a row.

THE BLUE TENT

Vientiane Café is Philadelphia's first Laotian restaurant and a true family-run landmark. Our story began decades ago in West Philly as a secret speakeasy, literally an improvised café under a distinctive "Blue Tent" or tarp. This was the only place where the city's Laotian community could find true, authentic Southeast Asian food unavailable anywhere else.

Watch our origin story documentary, "The Blue Tent," or learn more about our founder, Ting Souvannavong, and how our family has been sharing the vibrant flavors of Laos with Philadelphians for over 30 years. Mah der’ Mah der’!

The Vientiane Café & Bistro Story

VISIT THE ORIGINAL VIENTIANE CAFÉ IN WEST PHILLY

CAFE MENU

  • Stopped by for dinner. Very cozy little spot with friendly service. We ordered the papaya salad, summer rolls, drunken noodle, and khaopoon soup. The papaya salad was probably the best I've ever had. For real. Very well balanced- fresh, savoring, spicy, sour. The level 3 spice had us both sweating lol

    Yelp Reviewer Rachel

  • Crispy neem salad - omg!!! So tasty. Just get it. This is my kiddies and my favorite dish. You might think it sounds funky, but the sourness mixed with the crispy rice just makes everything just work!

    Yelp Reviewer Thuy

  • Kicking myself for not trying Vientiane Bistro sooner. We live in East Kensington and it has always been on my to-do list to check out Laotian food since I've never tried it! Not to mention, the Head Chef is a woman which is a huge plus for me! Get it, Sunny! Literally can't wait to come back to Vientiane. Thank you for a delicious and affordable meal!

    Lauren

  • Vientiane should be at the top of your list to try in Philly. byob, amazing Lao Thai food that I haven't been able to get anywhere else, and such kind staff? to top it off options for everything (vegan, veg, gluten free) get after it!

    Kathleen P

DINE AT THE VIENTIANE BISTRO IN KENSINGTON

BISTRO MENU

MORE THAN SPICE! Add a bold kick to your meals with our spicy chili oil. Crafted to bring a perfect balance of heat and flavor, it enhances everything from noodles and dumplings to grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Just a drizzle transforms ordinary dishes into vibrant, savory experiences, giving you that rich, spicy depth without overpowering the original taste. Perfect for those who crave a little extra fire on their plate.

Sunny’s Hot Chili Oil, Your favorite new condiment!

Shop Chili Oil (aka Chili Crisp)