The Story

About This Place

KHAO LAO occupies a dining floor inside Vincom Center Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City's tallest tower, drawing shoppers, families, and curious diners looking beyond the Vietnamese and Western staples that fill most mall anchors. Laotian cuisine remains rare in the city, and the kitchen commits to it properly: sticky rice is a given, the papaya salad carries genuine heat, and the fried shrimp paste arrives crumbed and fried to a crisp shell over a soft interior — one of the more consistent crowd-pleasers across 1,000-plus Google reviews.

The set menu at 419,000 VND for two to three people is the clearest entry point. It covers four dishes, sticky rice, and a choice of two drinks — Coke or house artichoke tea, a sweet-sour brew with notes somewhere between hibiscus and blackcurrant. À la carte, the kapi fried rice draws particular praise for authenticity, and reviewers repeatedly flag the lemongrass chicken and pork preparations as highlights. Seafood is fresh; the oyster omelette takes a different form than the Taiwanese version, and the tom yam reads as distinctly Lao rather than Thai. The menu is in Vietnamese, so a translation app is useful for first-timers.

The room itself is composed and modern — noticeably more considered than a standard food court tenancy, with a calm atmosphere that holds up even on busy weekends. Service moves quickly even for larger parties, though seating options narrow for groups above six. One detail worth knowing: wet wipes are charged separately, which surprises some guests. The spice level across the menu is substantial; the kitchen offers a lighter-sodium option on request.

For diners working through Southeast Asian cuisines, Laotian food occupies a distinct register — earthier and more fermented than Thai, anchored by fresh herbs and glutinous rice. KHAO LAO is among the more accessible introductions to it available in the city.

fried shrimp paste with breadcrumb crustkapi fried ricelemongrass chickenartichoke tea (sweet-sour house drink)sticky rice set menu
calmmodernculturalwell-designedmall dining

Reviews

4.7(1104)
Jacques Luong
Jacques Luong
6mo ago

KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 – Authentic Lao Cuisine with a View KHAO LAO Restaurant at Vincom Center Landmark 81 is one of those places that instantly makes a strong first impression and then fully delivers on it. Located inside TTTM Vincom Landmark 81, 772 Điện Biên Phủ, Phường 22, Bình Thạnh, this restaurant offers a calm, well-designed dining space that feels both modern and culturally grounded. The menu focuses on authentic Lao cuisine, and the flavors are clearly prepared with intention and balance. Each dish feels thoughtfully crafted rather than rushed. The seasoning is clean, aromatic, and layered — not overly spicy unless requested, but still rich with herbs, fermented notes, and traditional Lao depth. You can tell the kitchen respects the original recipes while presenting them in a refined, contemporary way. What really stands out is the consistency of quality. From appetizers to main dishes, everything arrives hot, well-presented, and proportioned properly. Ingredients taste fresh, vegetables are crisp, meats are tender, and sauces feel house-made rather than generic. This is the kind of restaurant where you enjoy eating slowly, because every bite actually has something to say. The service at KHAO LAO Landmark 81 is another highlight. Staff members are attentive, polite, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are happy to explain dishes, recommend combinations, or adjust spice levels, which makes the experience welcoming even for first-time guests who may be new to Lao food. Service timing is smooth — not rushed, not slow — which is especially appreciated in a busy location like Vincom Landmark 81. The atmosphere is comfortable and elegant, making it suitable for many occasions. Whether you are having a relaxed lunch, a business meeting, or a quiet dinner with friends or family, the restaurant feels appropriate. Being inside Landmark 81 also adds convenience, with easy access and a clean, high-end environment. Overall, KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Lao cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City, especially in the Bình Thạnh area. It combines flavor authenticity, professional service, and a prime location into one well-rounded dining experience. Definitely a place worth revisiting, and easy to recommend to both locals and visitors.

Tyrell Silver
Tyrell Silver
7mo ago

The food here is very good, not to mention extremely spicy as well. Agood choice for those who want to expierence Lào cultural cuisine. 67/10

Al G
Al G
9mo ago

The food tastes average, but the strange thing is that they charge you money based on how many wet wipes you use. I've never experienced that in any restaurant before.

Luan Nguyen Minh (Luke)
Luan Nguyen Minh (Luke)
10mo ago

Good food at reasonable price, although the majority of the food options are more Thai than Lao. The Kapi Fried Rice was authentic and the best among a few other restaurants I’ve tried. The restaurant has a “light seasoning (less sodium)” option if you ask, so it’s quite nice.

Martin Ong
Martin Ong
11mo ago

Never had Laotian food until today. It was delicious! Similar to Thai but different based on my dish. Would go again to try other dishes if I had time.

Visit Tips

Visiting KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81

  • Reservations: Call +84 28 7301 1279 to book — recommended for weekend dining.

  • Best for: group dinner, family lunch, exploring lao cuisine, mall outing.

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Photos

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Other

KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 photo 1 in Thao Dien
KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 photo 2 in Thao Dien
KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 photo 3 in Thao Dien
KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 photo 4 in Thao Dien
KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 photo 5 in Thao Dien
KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 photo 6 in Thao Dien
KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 photo 7 in Thao Dien
KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 photo 8 in Thao Dien
Common Questions

Frequently Asked

What is the best dish at KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81?
The set menu (419,000 VND for 2–3) is the clearest entry point, covering four dishes, sticky rice, and a choice of Coke or house artichoke tea. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the fried shrimp paste, lemongrass chicken, and kapi fried rice as standouts.
Is KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 good for groups?
Service is fast even for larger parties, but one reviewer notes 'limited seats for big groups' when visiting with 7 people. Groups above six may find seating options narrow.
Is KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81 very spicy?
Multiple reviews flag the food as 'extremely spicy.' The kitchen offers a 'light seasoning (less sodium)' option on request.
What should first-time diners know before visiting KHAO LAO Vincom Center Landmark 81?
The menu is in Vietnamese, so a translation app is recommended. Wet wipes are charged separately, which has surprised some guests.
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