In the media

Kualao has been widely featured in the local, as well as the international, media. We have been reviewed in newspapers, magazines and online blogs and featured on television, social media and well known branding campaigns. Below are excerpts and snippets of what some of the media have said about us.

The New York Times

"Some colonial gems have also reached an international standard, like Kua Lao, a restaurant in an old mansion named by many residents as one of the capital's best places to eat local cuisine...serves intensely flavorful Lao food in an old house hung with woven silks."

"The Centuries-Old Allure of Laos’s Relaxed Capital" by Daniel Altman

1000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler’s Life List

“For an authentic dinner with a refined touch, Kua Lao is a favorite among travelers and adherent locals. In addition to providing excellent service and already flavorful Lao specialties…”

Fodor’s Travel

“In a fading mansion one block southeast of Nam Phu Square, this is one of Vientiane’s best Lao restaurants. The food is quite good, and the vast menu ranges from mok pa fork (banana-leaf wrapped in steamed fish cooked with eggs, onions, and coconut milk) to gaeng panaeng (a thick red curry with chicken, pork or beef). Servings are small, so most people order several entrees or set menus with seven to nine dishes, plus dessert and coffee. Photos and English descriptions facilitate the ordering process.”

Frommer’s Southeast Asia

“Kua Lao serves excellent Lao fare in a traditional atmosphere. This restaurant, set in a restored colonial mansion, offers music and Lao dancing each evening. It’s a bit of a tourist kitsch, but the staff is very kind, and their desire to infuse your dining experience with Lao culture is quite genuine. Nowhere else will you find such an extensive menu of Lao food with English descriptions (and pictures), and many will appreciate the numerous options for vegetarians, not to mention a whole page of tempting Lao desserts. Try the laap (or larp), a mince of fish, chicken or beef mixed with spices and mint; it’s excellent when accompanied by a basket of sticky rice and eaten by hand. If you’re going upcountry or heading out to the boondocks, this is a good place for a primer on Lao cuisine.”

NOTEWORTHY PEOPLE AT KUALAO RESTAURANT

Kualao Restaurant has played host to many high-ranking dignitaries and state officials from Laos and beyond. These have included, among others, Japanese Prime Ministers Yoshihiko Noda and Junichiro Koizumi and Japan’s Imperial Highness Fumihito, Prince Akishino, Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Václav Klaus, the President of the Czech Republic. High-ranking Laotian officials and members of the Vientiane business elite and foreign diplomatic community make up a significant proportion of the restaurant’s regular clientele. In addition, many regional celebrities also frequent Kualao Restaurant, including Thai entertainment superstars Nune Woranuch, Ploy Cherman, ‘Pancake’ Khemanit Jamikorn, Jooy Warattaya and stand-up comic Note Udom.

LAO

  1. Famous Lao actor Khamhou Phanludeth (Tou), best known for his role as the mute in Lao New Wave Cinema's "At The Horizon," visits Kualao.
  2. Talented singing sensation Sam Volachit Intharaphithak amazes Kualao guests with his irresistible, one-of-a-kind voice.
  3. Sanva Saephan (left most), the first Mienh writer from Laos, visits Kualao Restaurant.
  4. Celebrity actress, singer, model, Aly Shawty, from the movie Hak Aum Lum poses for Mahason Magazine at Kualao Restaurant.
  5. Female Pop Group, Genni films music video at Kualao.
  6. Somchan (Gabriel Kuperman) poses next to Athira, Managing Partner-to be of Kualao Restaurant, along with Kualao’s iconic wild honey and fried tapioca.

THAI

  1. Best known for her antagonist role as the feisty Sainampeung from the series Samee Thi Thra, Thai Superstar Actress Jooy Warattaya stands elegantly with our Kualao hostesses.
  2. Thai superstar actress Nune Woranuch (famous for her portrayal of the feisty Lamyong) stands next to Kualao veteran hostess Naly Daravong.
  3. Ploy Cherman visits Kualao for the second time and was highly impressed by the warm welcome.
  4. Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn appreciates Kualao’s warm welcome.

The Rough Guide to Laos

“If you want to have a nice Lao meal with traditional music and dance performances in a beautiful, restored antique house, this is the only choice in town.”

Champa Holidays Recognizes the Xiengkuang Factor In Kualao’s Cuisine

“With its reputation for authentic Lao food, in a special atmosphere, dining is always a great experience. Its spacious multipurpose interior is ideal for large functions. The excellent food is accompanied by Lao traditional music and dance.”

108Jobs Magazine Highlights Kualao’s 20th Anniversary

108Jobs Magazine, the country’s premier job seeking magazine, took the opportunity to interview Manola Daravong, Founder & Chairwoman of Kualao Restaurant on the establishment’s journey through 20 years of serving Lao food

Lankham Magazine Reveals Kualao’s Proudest Achievement

Lao Family & Culture Quarterly Magazine, Lankham, interviews Manola Daravong, Founder & Chairwoman of Kualao Restaurant on her thoughts on being the nation’s first choice for foreign guests, both high-ranking dignitaries and tourists.

Mahason Magazine Features Kualao On Cover Shoot

Kualao Restaurant received the honor of appearing as the cover shoot setting for Laos’s #1 variety magazine (also the most followed Lao magazine on Facebook), Mahason Magazine. Lao actress, singer, model Alee Shawty poses as the cover model for this gorgeous photoshoot aptly entitled “Memoirs of a Lady.”

Mercedes-Benz Equates Kualao With International Brand

Auto Lao, the nation’s leading Mercedes-Benz distributor, employs the stature and heritage of Kualao in its new Mercedes-Benz C-Class ad campaign, “For The Mind and Soul.”