Vientian Cafe

Vientian Cafe is located in a residential neighborhood and street parking may be hard to find, but it is worth the extra effort. This is a no-frills restaurant catering mostly to locals, and as such the food is outstanding and the prices are very reasonable. Vientian Cafe has a vast menu and features Laotian/Thai/Vietnamnese items. You have to try the Laotian specialties. I first tried Mok Pla, a steamed fish curry wrapped in banana leaves, in Orange County Cambodian restaurants, and it is rare to find this in the Bay Area. The Mok Pla at Vientian came in nice portion for the price. The fish was tender, and the taste was delicate and aromatic, not fishy at all. We also tried the bamboo shoot stew. I think this dish is a bit fermented so the taste may be strong for some people, but I loved it. Both the Mok Pla and bamboo shoots stew were so good with rice. We also enjoyed the Laotian sausage, kao soy noodles and Nam Khao. Some reviewers said the service can be rude, but fortunately for us, that was not the case. The owner and server were cordial and helpful. We will come back for sure to this neighborhood gem.

I was finally passing through the neighborhoos so we ordered ahead online for takeout, we got the gang deng pak (vegetables with red curry). It doesn't come with tofu, I do wish that this as a vegetarian dish had some proteins as a default.I tasted cabbage, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers in it. It was mildly spicy (at least for me as someone with a low spice tolerance; I only realized this because I coughed a little from eating it) but it was tasty. The online ordering site doesn't let you set a spiciness level.When I went to pick up, I saw that they require a photo ID when paying with credit card. They only had indoor seating unfortunately. It is indeed located in the midst of a residential neighborhood, parking on Friday evening so we could pick up the food wasn't too hard thankfully.

I've been going here since middle school days with friends and family... and let's just say those days are loooong behind me. Lol. But I'm so happy that they're still around and that the food is still always on point! Its atmosphere is nostalgic for me because it reminds me of Auntie's house. A house full of tough love, but booooy would you be fed! Haha. Love this place. You gotta check it out for yourself.

This is a neighborhood restaurant. Looks like it was a garage converted to a small restaurant. This is a hole in the wall spot. Not in the best location in Oakland but their food is very good. Located at a corner and only has street parking. Tip: do not leave anything valuable in your car. Let's talk food! They have an extensive selections on the menu. I came for the Laos food. I looked at what others have and ask them what they ordered since this is my first time here. Jeow Bong (fermented dip) - salty but very flavorful. Must eat with sticky rice and/or veggies like cucumbers. This is my new fave dip!Kao Poon - very flavorful and delicious. There was a good amount of chicken but I wished there were more bamboo shoots. Nam Kao - this came with a plate of lettuces and fixings. I used it as a lettuce wrap. Lao sausage - mild spicy. It was good with sticky rice Angel wings - my least fave. It was too sweet and dried. It was like having candy chicken wings. Don't think I will order again. Overall, food was very good and would def come back again but skip the chicken wings.

Fast service, food came out fast, prices are reasonable, and it's kid and wallet friendly. My kids loved the chicken noodle soup. We enjoyed the sticky rice with the catfish appetizer, chicken larb, and the nam kao which comes with lettuce wraps. It's a casual spot that doesn't have a lot of tables but the food comes out quickly so the turnaround is fast. Great local spot for flavorful food kids can eat too. Came here after a visit to the Oakland Zoo.

Warning: the parking situation is bad due to its residential location. The inside looks dated, but that's part of the character. I'd say the main selling points are their authenticity and prices. We came here Sunday night and was able to get seated right away. The food orders and water refill took awhile, but the food came very quickly. Highly recommend the angel wings! Super delicious albeit kinda small. Wasn't impressed with the combination noodle soup though. Thought it was leaning towards the bland side.

A true hole in the wall spot in Oakland. There's basically nothing else nearby, but Vientian was PACKED on a weekend lunch. I've never had Laos food before, so I was super excited to try Vientian with my Thai friend!We ordered Tom Saap, Fried Pork, Gang Nor Mai, Laos style Papaya Salad, Thai Iced Tea, and sticky rice. Everything was insanely flavorful and SPICY despite getting mild so beware! This was my first time trying Laos style papaya salad and it's definitely an acquired taste since it's very fishy.The prices are so affordable and portion sizes are good. I'd definitely come back to try other dishes!!

I've been here plenty of times, but first time reviewing. I took my boyfriend here and he loved it! He said the red bull is better than the American one. Can't go wrong with Thai iced tea. On to the food!Angel wings: fire! Get it! Super flavorful 5/5Papaya salad (Laos): my favorite always and it was demolished. We did medium spicy which can be too much for some 5/5Nam Kao: we did appetizer portion. Loved wrapping it with lettuce and taking a bite of the chili 4/5Kao piak: my boyfriend loves this and it was really good with pork blood 5/5 Everything was delicious! Parking is street and overall pretty safe. Such a popular restaurant. Staff are attentive. Come here if you're craving some amazing Thai/Laos cuisine.

I recently got into Laos food since dating my boyfriend , and he said this place reminded him of home. I love trying new foods, and every laos dish I've tried has been spot on.The broth of the Khao Piak was light and so perfect, there was so much flavor but it wasn't overbearing. Don't mind my small bowl vs my boyfriends, he loves spicy LOL. The quail and angel wings were so yummy too and fried to perfection and eating it with sticky rice was a great combination. But honeslty I think the Mok Pa was my favorite out of the spread. I've had it a couple times before and thought it was alright but this spot had it steamed and made to perfection. It paired well with the sticky rice, and washing it down with the fresh coconut water made this spread so yummy. I will be coming back!

I went with my friend at opening time. The menu is extensive, and the staff is nice. The kao soy was incredibly flavorful and spicy; I was sweating through the meal and enjoying every bite. The angel wings were perfectly crispy and covered with a sweet glaze. We were lucky with street parking but during busier hours, you may have to look for a parking spot. I will have to come back and try their other menu items.