Vientiane Bistro: Authentic Thai & Laotian Cuisine in Philadelphia, PA

Vientiane Bistro Introduce

For residents and visitors in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania, Vientiane Bistro stands as a culinary beacon, offering a unique and authentic taste of two distinct, yet related, Southeast Asian traditions: Thai and Laotian cuisine. Located in the vibrant Kensington neighborhood, Vientiane Bistro is more than just a restaurant; it is a cultural and community fixture, tracing its roots back to a family business established over two decades ago. This gem offers an incredible array of dishes, each bursting with the rich, complex flavors of the region, and crafted with care by chefs who have a deep, personal connection to the food.

The bistro successfully blends popular Thai favorites—which the American palate is often familiar with—alongside traditional Laotian specialties that represent a growing "Lao Food Movement" across the country. Diners are encouraged to explore the differences: where Thai dishes often feature the richness of coconut milk and a balance of sweet, spicy, and sour, the Laotian side of the menu often leans on savory and salty flavors, with a focus on fresh herbs, lime, and the traditional Laotian fermented fish sauce, known as "padek," and the staple of sticky rice. The atmosphere inside is described as beautifully designed, casual, cozy, and trendy, creating an inviting space perfect for solo dining, a family meal, or a cozy dinner date.

Location and Accessibility

Vientiane Bistro is conveniently located at 2537 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA. Situated in the East Kensington area of Philadelphia, it is easily accessible for many city dwellers. The location is known for its strong community roots, providing a warm and welcoming destination despite its gritty surroundings under the Market-Frankford El.

For patrons planning a visit, accessibility is made easier with both free street parking and dedicated on-site parking available, which is a major convenience in a busy city neighborhood. The area is also well-served by public transportation. The bistro is highly inclusive, notably advertising a gender-neutral restroom and being explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, ensuring a comfortable environment for all members of the Pennsylvania community. Inside, the dining area offers seating and is good for kids, with high chairs provided.

Services Offered

Vientiane Bistro offers a variety of services designed to provide convenience and flexibility for its diverse customer base in Philadelphia. These services ensure you can enjoy their exceptional food wherever you prefer:

Dine-in: Enjoy the full, enchanting ambiance of the bistro, complete with comfortable seating and table service. The space is perfect for both casual visits and special evenings out.
Takeout: A quick and easy option for patrons to pick up their food. Orders can be placed by calling the restaurant directly to ensure prompt service.
Delivery and No-contact Delivery: The restaurant utilizes third-party apps like UberEats and Grubhub for convenient local delivery, including no-contact delivery options.
Onsite Services: This includes full counter service and a welcoming environment for all, including being family-friendly and a place where locals gather.
Catering: Providing options for larger events and gatherings, bringing the unique flavors of Thai and Laotian cooking to any Pennsylvania occasion.
Reservations: The bistro accepts reservations, which is highly recommended for planning group dinners or weekend visits.

Features / Highlights

The distinct combination of Laotian and Thai cuisine sets Vientiane Bistro apart, making it a must-visit destination. Highlights of the experience and the menu include:

Dual Cuisine Menu: Offering classic Thai dishes (Pad Thai, Panaeng Curry) alongside authentic, traditional Lao Specialty Dishes such as Laab, Khao Poon (King Soup), and MOK Casserole.
Focus on Laotian Authenticity: A true champion of the Lao Food Movement, emphasizing dishes typically served with Sticky Rice (a Laotian staple) and offering the option of Lao Green Papaya Salad made with padek (fermented fish paste) for those seeking traditional, funkier flavors.
Diverse Dietary Accommodation: The menu features extensive Vegan options and Vegetarian options, including dishes like Tofu Vegan Pho, Vegetarian Green Papaya Salad, and a variety of tofu-based stir-fry options. They also offer Healthy options and have a significant number of Gluten-Free dishes available upon request.
Unique Appetizers and Small Plates: Highlights include the Homemade Lao Beef Jerky, Sticky Tamarind Crispy Tofu, and the crowd-favorite CRISPY GARLIC BRUSSEL SPROUTS, perfect for a Quick bite.
House-Made Retail Sauces: The bistro sells its signature flavor enhancers, such as SUNNY’S HOT CHILI OIL and SUNNY’S HABANERO GINGER SAUCE, allowing customers to bring the Vientiane flavor home.
Specialty Soups and Noodles: Beyond standard curries, the menu boasts unique items like KOW PIEK (rice porridge), LAO STYLE BEEF PHO, and specialty fried rice options like SPICY TOM YUM FRIED RICE.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or place an order, the contact information for Vientiane Bistro is as follows:

Address: 2537 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA

Phone: (267) 703-8199 (For general inquiries and direct takeout orders.)

Mobile Phone: +1 267-703-8199

For payments, the bistro accepts major Credit cards and Debit cards, ensuring a hassle-free transaction.

What is Worth Choosing

For any food enthusiast in Pennsylvania, Vientiane Bistro is worth choosing primarily because it offers a truly unique and diverse culinary experience that goes beyond the standard "Thai restaurant." It provides a chance to explore the often-undiscovered flavors of Laotian cuisine right here in Philadelphia.

The menu's depth is its biggest strength. While a delicious Pad Thai or a creamy Green Curry is always available, the opportunity to try dishes like Khao Poon AKA King Soup—a rich, crimson-tinged soup with rice vermicelli in a red curry coconut broth—or the savory, herb-packed Laab (minced meat salad) is a compelling reason to visit. Customers frequently highlight the quality and artistry of the cooking, noting the exceptional balance of flavors, such as in the Steamed Tilapia which is delicately covered in a luscious red curry sauce.

Furthermore, the bistro excels in its commitment to dietary needs. Diners with specific preferences can comfortably choose from a plethora of plant-based options, knowing they are not limited to just one or two choices, but can explore different stir-fries, curries, and soups that are clearly marked as Vegan or Vegetarian. The fact that the restaurant is also Family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and operates with a focus on community makes the dining experience welcoming and inclusive for everyone in the Pennsylvania region. By choosing Vientiane Bistro, you are choosing an authentic, flavorful, and culturally rich dining adventure.

Vientiane Bistro Vibe

SOUPS
SPICY TOM YUM SOUP
Kalanga root, kaffir lime, mushrooms, peppers, carrots and tomatoes in a spicy chili lemongrass broth. Gluten free.
COCONUT SOUP
Coconut milk soup with kalanga root, kaffir lime, lemongrass, onions, peppers and carrots. Gluten free.
KOW PIEK
Rice porridge. Served with scallions, beansprouts, cilantro, fried garlic and black pepper. Choice of crispy tofu, chicken or pork.
MISO SOUP $5.00
Seaweed and tofu in a soybean broth.
WONTON SOUP $8.00
Stuffed with shrimp in a clear broth.
TOM SAAP SOUP
Serves 2-4. Spicy lemongrass hot pot. Recommended medium spicy.
SPICY SEAFOOD TOM YUM $18.00
Crab, mussels and shrimp in kalanga root, kaffir lime, mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers spicy chili lemongrass broth.
LAO STYLE BEEF PHO $18.00
rice noodle soup with basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, scallion and lime
TOFU VEGAN PHO $16.00
Rice noodles mixed vegetables, scallion, cilantro basil beansprouts and lime
CHICKEN PHO $16.00
rice noodle soup with basil, scallion, bean sprouts, cilantro and lime
SHRIMP PHO $20.00
rice noodle soup with cilantro scallions basil bean sprouts fried garlic ginger
BISTRO SPECIAL SOUP
A hidden secret mix of half coconut soup with half tom-yum, don't miss this one of a kind!
*NEW ITEM* KOW PIEK SEN
LAO STYLE HANDMADE RICE NOODLE SOUP TOPPED WITH BEANSPROUTS, CILANTRO, SCALLION AND FRIED GARLIC

APPETIZERS
FRESH SUMMER ROLLS
Soft rice paper with herbs and vermicelli, served with tangy tamarind and sweet chili sauce topped with crushed peanuts.
STEAMED DUMPLINGS $12.00
Stuffed with onions napa cabbage carrots leeks serve with garlic soy sauce.
GRILLED MIX VEGETABLES $14.00
Tossed in olive oil and serve with peanut sauce.
CRISPY SPRING ROLLS
Filled with silver noodles, cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, deep-fried until golden. Served with sweet chili orange sauce.
HOMEMADE LAO BEEF JERKY $14.00
Seen haang. Marinated beef with steam vegetables. Served with chili peanut paste. Peanuts.
FRIED TOFU $9.00
Deep-fried tofu triangles. Served with chili sauce. Gluten free.
BANH XEO
Asian crepe stuffed with beansprouts, onions and carrots, scallions and served with house sauce. Please allow some additional cooking time. Vegan and gluten free.
FISH CAKE $14.00
Seasoned with mixed herbs and serve with cucumber salsa.
ANGEL SHRIMP $14.00
Wrapped in wonton and fried crispy golden with sweet citrus chili garlic sauce.
EDAMAME $6.00
Fresh steamed soybean pods. Vegan and gluten free.
MUSSELS $18.00
Steam in your choice of sauce, basil or curry. Recommended medium spicy.
STICKY TAMARIND CRISPY TOFU $12.00
Tossed in sweet and tangy sauce along with chili, lemongrass and kaffir leaves.
CRISPY GRILLED WINGS $16.00
tossed in your choice of sauce
CRISPY GARLIC BRUSSEL SPROUTS $12.00
deep fried brussels tossed in a fish sauce vinaigrette and topped with chili flakes, scallions and cilantro
SPICY GINGER HABANERO $12.00
CRISPY FRIED AND TOSSED IN OUR SIGNATURE SPICY SAUCE
MOO KROB $14.00
Crispy pork belly serve with ginger habanero sauce
*NEW* SUNNY’S HOT WINGS $16.00
Crispy wings tossed in chili oil and honey glazed fish sauce
* NEW* PRAHOK KATI $18.00
Ground pork dip with coconut curry fermented crab fish sauce serve with crudite

SALADS
VEGETARIAN GREEN PAPAYA SALAD $14.00
Thum-muk-hoong. Topped with peanuts. Shredded papaya with tomatoes, garlic, chili and lime juice. Gluten free.
THAI GREEN PAPAYA SALAD With Dry Shrimp $14.00
Thum-muk-hoong. Fish sauce and dried shrimps topped with peanuts. Shredded papaya with tomatoes, garlic, chili and lime juice. Gluten free.
LAO GREEN PAPAYA SALAD $14.00
Thum-muk-hoong. Served with padek sauce. Shredded papaya with tomatoes, garlic, chili and lime juice. Gluten free. Add fermented crab for an additional charge.
CRISPY VEGETARIAN NAAM LETTUCE WRAP SALAD $15.00
Marinated rice with coconut flakes tossed with scallions, cilantro, lime leaves and chill topped with crush peanuts served with lettuce to wrap.
SPICY YUM SALAD
Choice of meat serve with Asian herbs, lemongrass, kaffir leaves, crushed peanuts and a spicy lemon dressing over fresh spring mix. Recommended spicy.
CURED SOUR PORK CRISPY NAAM LETTUCE WRAP $16.00
Marinated rice with coconut flakes tossed with scallions, cilantro, lime leaves and chill topped with crush peanuts served with lettuce to wrap.
SPICY MANGO SALAD
tart mango tossed with cabbage, mint, crispy garlic, crushed peanuts in our house fish sauce vinaigrette

STIR FRY
SWEET BASIL
Saute with garlic, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots and onions in a spicy sauce. Recommended medium spicy.
GINGER SAUCE
Saute with garlic, ginger, peppers, zucchini and onions in a spicy sauce. Recommended medium spicy.
TAMARIND SAUCE
Saute with mushrooms and chili sauce, steamed spinach and vegetables. Recommended spicy.
TRIPLED FLAVORED
Sweet, spicy and tangy. Served with steam broccoli and carrots. Recommended spicy.
EGGPLANT BASIL
Saute with garlic, bell peppers, carrots, onions and eggplant in a spicy sauce. Recommended medium spicy.

CURRY DISHES
YELLOW CURRY
Potatoes, onions, bell peppers and carrots in a coconut broth. Recommended spicy. (NOT GLUTEN FREE)
RED CURRY
Onions, bell peppers, basil, carrots and green beans in a coconut broth. Recommended medium spicy.
GREEN CURRY
Onions, basil, green beans, Thai eggplant, carrots and green chili in a coconut broth. Recommended very spicy.
PANAENG CURRY
Peanut based coconut curry with seasonal herbs and spices. Served with steamed vegetables. Peanuts and recommended medium spicy.

FRIED RICE AND NOODLE
HOUSE FRIED RICE
Soy sauce base with snow peas, bell peppers, onions, carrots and beansprouts.
SPICY BASIL FRIED RICE
Spicy chili garlic base with snow peas, carrots, onions, bell peppers and beansprouts. Recommended medium spicy.
FRIED RICE YELLOW CURRY
Yellow curry powder with carrots, onions, bell peppers, snow peas and beansprouts.
PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE
Yellow curry base with cashew nuts, snow peas, bell peppers, onions, carrots and beansprouts. Recommended spicy.
PAD THAI
Thai rice noodles stir-fried with broccoli, carrots, beansprouts and topped with ground peanuts.
PAD SEE EW
Stir fry rice flat noodles with broccoli, onions, peppers, snow peas and carrots in a sweet soy sauce.
PAD KEE MAO
Stir fry flat rice noodles with broccoli, peppers, onions, carrots and bean sprouts in spicy basil garlic sauce.
LADNA
Stir fry flat rice noodles topped with hoisin gravy sauce and mixed vegetables.
SPICY CURRY RICE NOODLES
Choose your favorite curry over rice noodles
GREEN CURRY FRIED RICE
(contains fish sauce) saute with mixed vegatables, basil and beansprouts
SPICY TOM YUM FRIED RICE
Tangy lemongrass and tamarind flavored sautéed with mix vegetables

LAO SPECIALTY DISHES
SAI GAWK $20.00
Grilled lao sausage. Stuffed with chopped pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves. Served with cabbage salad and spicy roasted chili garlic sauce. (Jeow muk phet) sticky rice. 3 links. Gluten free.
GANG NAW MAI
Shredded bamboo shoots, pumpkin and mushrooms in a stew. Served with sticky rice. Recommended spicy.
KHAO POON AKA KING SOUP
Served over vermicelli rice noodles with bean sprouts, shredded lettuce, carrots, mints, cilantro and scallions with a curry coconut broth. Gluten free and recommended medium spicy.
MOK CASSEROLE
Napa cabbage, clear noodles, sweet basil, eggs, chili, coconut milk and lime leaves. Gluten free, recommended medium spicy.
LAAB
Marinated with roasted rice powder, lime juice, kalanga, mint, cilantro, beansprouts and served with sticky rice. Served room temperature. Gluten free. Recommended medium spicy.
AW LAO
Stew lemongrass, shallots, chili, Asian eggplants, dill and served with sticky rice. Gluten free and recommended medium spicy.
PUN PAA
Lettuce fish wraps with lemongrass, cilantro, ginger, cucumbers, scallions, tomatoes and vermicelli noodles with spicy tamarind sauce.
STEAMED TILAPIA $18.00
Stuffed with mushrooms, carrots and silver noodles in a red curry sauce. Served with steamed vegetables.
THOM KHEM $19.00
Braised pork belly and tofu in five spiced sweet soy serve with egg, cucumber and rice ( Gluten-Free )
PAD KRAPOW
spicy stir fry with peppers, onions and crispy basil chips topped with a fried egg serve with chili pepper fish sauce
PRINCE SOUP
Green curry broth with rice vermicelli noodles mints cilantro purple cabbage scallions bean sprouts carrots lettuce

BEVERAGES
THAI ICE COFFEE $6.50
Add coconut milk for an additional charge.
THAI ICE TEA $6.50
Add Coconut milk for an additional charge.
MANGO JUICE $6.00
HOT TEA $2.00
COKE $3.00
DIET COKE $3.00
GINGER ALE $3.00
SELLO $6.00
Thai sweet syrup choice of red or green flavor with half and half.
ICED PASSION FRUIT TEA(HERBAL) $6.00
tangy and sweet perfect for summer!!!
GREEN THAI ICED TEA $6.50
made with green and jasmine tea leaves
ICED MATCHA MILK TEA $6.50
THAI TEA ARNOLD PALMER $6.50
Half thai tea half lemonade over ice

DESSERTS
FRIED BANANA TEMPURA $9.00
drizzled with honey and coconut flakes
BANANA CHOCOLATE SPRING ROLLS $10.00

RETAIL STORE
SUNNY'S HOT CHILI OIL $15.00
6 oz jar of crispy garlic chili oil. Put this on EVERYTHING!!!!! Vegan and Gluten-free
SUNNY'S HABANERO GINGER SAUCE $15.00
12 oz jar of all natural fresh ginger, garlic and habanero. Great with seafood and chicken. Gluten-free & Vegan ( PLEASE KEEP REFRIGERATED)
SWEET CHILI ORANGE SAUCE $8.00
Our most popular dipping sauce is now available in a 12oz bottle! Sweet and tangy! GLUTEN FREE & VEGAN
SWEET TANGY TAMARIND SAUCE $8.00
12OZ bottle VEGAN
DUMPLING SOY SAUCE $8.00
12oz Of our homemade sweet and tangy dumpling sauce VEGAN

EXTRA SIDES
2oz HOT CHILI OIL $0.75
vegan and gluten free
2oz GINGER HABANERO SAUCE $0.75
vegan and gluten free
2oz SWEET SOY DUMPLING SAUCE $0.75
vegan
2oz ORANGE SWEET CHILI SAUCE $0.75
vegan and gluten free
2oz TANGY TAMARIND SAUCE $0.75
vegan
2oz PEANUT SAUCE $0.75
vegan and gluten free
ROASTED GREEN LONG HOTS AND GARLIC $0.75
contains fishsauce
PICKLED CABBAGE SALAD $0.75
PICKLED CUCUMBER SALAD $0.75
EXTRA STICKY RICE $4.00
EXTRA WHITE RICE $4.00

Vientiane Bistro Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Locals
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
On-site parking

Vientiane Bistro Photos

Vientiane Bistro Location

Vientiane Bistro

Pennsylvania Philadelphia County Philadelphia East Kensington Kensington Avenue

2537 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA

Vientiane Bistro Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 169 user reviews.

spicylaotianpricescurryphogemsalmontamarindduck larbcountry

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

If you're seeking an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Vientiane Bistro! This gem offers an incredible array of Laos and Thai dishes, each bursting with flavor and crafted with care. The menu is a delightful journey through the rich culinary traditions of both countries, showcasing an impressive variety that caters to every palate.The ambiance inside the bistro is nothing short of enchanting. With its beautifully designed interior, soft lighting, and tasteful decor, it creates a romantic atmosphere that's perfect for a special evening out or a cozy dinner date.One dish that stands out for me is the steamed tilapia. It’s simply exquisite—tender tilapia delicately covered in a luscious red curry sauce, prepared with such artistry that it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The balance of flavors in this dish is remarkable, making each bite an absolute delight.Overall, Vientiane Bistro is a culinary treasure that combines exceptional food with an inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the vibrant flavors of Laos and Thailand. Vientiane Bistro is the bomb diggidy!!! Check it out!!!
October 11 · Maneth Pan
Paneng Curry with sticky rice, spicy, Chicken and Extra Vegatables.Ordered at 4:12 and order arrived at 4:35 :). Very fresh chicken without grizzle and nice thin slice. Vegetables were carrots cucumbers and beans maybe steamed lightly. Very esthetics and tasty. Sticky rice is popular there so I tried it. Fun to eat and went well with the peanut sauce. Uber eats delivered with no drama.
March 06 · Jamie Neshkoff
Just got take out from here. The people working here are super friendly, the dining room was clean and pleasant and the Basil chicken and Yellow curry chicken were both delicious. Very fresh twsting, good flavors and well seasoned. Love this place!
July 15 · Josh Vogel
I had lao food and it was good. Baan Xeo was on a little dryerside. It should be crispy on the outside and soft in the center. Bamboo soup was good. Green papaya was spicy which i love but they over pounded it. Did not try their Thai dishes but maybe next.
October 19 · Deth Khaia
So so so so so good. Had the Brisket Pho and the pork belly appetizer. They could not have been friendlier and service was ultra fast. They were super accommodating of a friends vegan needs too. Total hidden gem 💎
September 24 · George Brooks