Kualao Restaurant
ຮ້ານອາຫານຄົວລາວ
An established Lao restaurant set in a French colonial villa opened in 1994, featuring traditional music and dance performances during dinner, ideal for a first taste of Lao food.
Established in 1994, this restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored French colonial villa at the intersection of Samsenthai Road and Setthathilath Road. Common dishes include green papaya salad, handmade Lao sausage, fried Mekong fish, and spring rolls, with river weed and purple sticky rice also frequently mentioned by diners. Traditional music and dance performances start around 19:00 nightly, creating a background-performance atmosphere that can get noisy when fully booked; rooms without performances can also be requested. It is often packed for dinner, so reservations are recommended; it frequently hosts tour groups, making lunch relatively quiet. Multiple 2026 reviews note that prices are on the higher side for Vientiane, with mixed feedback on the food. Located in the city center, it is within walking distance of the Nam Phou Fountain area.
Opening hours
Daily 11:00–14:00, 18:00–22:00 (performances approx. 19:00–21:00)
Nearby sights
- That Dam
- Wat Si Saket
- Presidential Palace (Haw Kham)
- Nam Phou Fountain
- Haw Phra Kaew
- Talat Sao (Morning Market)
- Mekong Riverside Night Market & Chao Anouvong Park
- Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan