Lao Café

From Luang Prabang to London, the Lao Café was born from an accidental pop-up in 2015. Saiphin Moore, co-founder and Thai-Lao chef, had long craved the chance to bring the food of her roots to London, and a temporary site equipped with charcoal grill presented the perfect opportunity. The pop-up was an overnight success, seeing queues out of the door from day one. The now permanent Covent Garden restaurant focuses on Laotian cooking and tradition, coupled with Saiphin’s obsession with family recipes and a communal dining style, make for a sharing menu which encourages conversation.

At the heart of a Laotian meal is sticky rice. More of this is consumed in Laos than anywhere else I the world! Char-grilled meats and freshwater fish; piping hot curries, bowls of fresh raw greens and herbs; and punchy, fragrant dipping sauces are served communally from the kitchen as and when ready, alongside other authentic Laotian dishes. Rather than courses, dishes will be served continuously throughout the meal. The restaurant vibe is casual, ‘backpacker café meets urban chic’, with rough wood furniture and candle lit communal seating. Lao Café takes bookings for all party sizes, no minimum!