By ZK It’s not often you walk into a restaurant in Vientiane and feel like you’ve just stepped into a sophisticated outdoor dining oasis. Introducing InTown restaurant. A visually and gastronomically impressive venue, InTown is a new-found heaven for socialites and foodies alike. The restaurant’s three expansive two storey buildings form a U-shape that surrounds a large, open outdoor dining area, with […]

(KPL) Lao Brewery Company (Beerlao) introduced yesterday its latest product Beerlao Gold brewed with indigenous rice “Khao Khai Noy, or small chicken rice”, which can only be grown in Xiengkhuang and Huaphanh Provinces. “In 2010, we first introduced Beerlao Gold. Since then it has been well received, but today increasing competition prompts Beer Lao to do a research on how to bring about a better beer and this one is made […]

The Ministry of Health is preparing a draft of law on alcohol in an effort to curb a growing drinking problem in Laos. A meeting on preparations for the draft law on alcohol was held in Vientiane Capital on 1 November. New regulations would cover the purchase and sale of alcohol including times in which alcohol could be sold, media advertising […]

  Eight Treasures Restaurant, the exclusive Chinese restaurant at Vientiane’s Don Chan Palace Hotel expanded its menu this week, holding a four-day taste testing event for esteemed patrons and invited guests.  The restaurant has flown in a team of five new chefs from mainland China, led by Chef Lin, who brings to the table his extensive knowledge of authentic flavors […]

Ever wanted to drink vodka from a giant glowing glass bucket? That’s exactly what’s in store for you at Smile Dee Vientiane, if you’re brave enough. The newly opened ‘chill bar’ and restaurant serves up their very own Smirnoff Giant Jam Fizz in brightly lit mega-tumblers full of vodka, fruit syrup, tonic, lemonade and jam. Yes, jam. Designed as a […]

You may not think of Laos, a developing country in Southeast Asia, as a place for wine lovers, but travelling oenophiles take notice. Its capital city Vientiane has a slew of sophisticated wine bars catering to a growing market. Don’t be surprised by the selection, reasonable prices and good value, especially for French wines (in a shop, you can find a decent […]

When it comes to ‘all you can eat’ buffets, Vientiane has always been in desperate need for a quality one. I tend to shy away from buffets, for two reasons. Reason number one: I am a picky eater and buffets tend to have a common theme- blandness. Reason number two: I have been REPEATEDLY told by numerous people, including my own mother, […]

Wine 95 is the newest wine bar in Vientiane and has opened up between Jazzy Brick and Jules Classic Bike Rentals. Coincidence? Not at all. Wine 95 is the latest creation of those behind Phimphone Market and Benoni Cafe as well as Vansom Wine Shop. The name is in celebration of the year that the owner first started his wine import business: 1995. Everything these guys do, they do well, and Wine 95 is no exception.

Recent studies have exposed the benefits of drinking red wine, as combating major health issues such as cancer, weight loss and even ageing! It has been said that drinking a moderate amount of red wine on a regular basis (no more than 2 glasses per day for men, 1 glass per day for women) can have significant health benefits.
Dark grapes contain flavonoids (antioxidants), which can improve the circulatory system, slow down the decline of the immune system as we age, and also prevent the likelihood of suffering a stroke or heart attack.

The Ansara Hotel, built in 2010 but designed to look much older, has added its own allure to the already charming Wat Chan Lane, home to many colonial era buildings and a nighttime stroll along this laneway is a wonderful precursor to your upcoming meal. When you arrive at Ansara’s big double-doors, expect to be greeted by attentive staff who’ll guide you to your table at La Signature, the hotel’s French restaurant.