Lau Phan Review

Lau Phan seems to be an independent Vietnamese restaurant chain specializing in hotpot. Like many places like this one, the restaurant offers different options, including an all-you-can-eat buffet.

As an independent chain, this brand is fairly new and strictly implanted in Hanoi and Hai Phong for the moment.

The location

The restaurant we tried was located in Cau Giay on a fairly quiet street close to habitation. The one thing that is very easy to spot is the orange color scheme of the restaurant. I have to say the design is quite interesting and modern for this kind of joint.

It is reminiscent of flat design, the kind of design you would find in websites, especially those of startup companies.

The place was full and lively, mostly filled with young people and families. The rooms are large and spacious.

The menu

The menu is somehow very straight forward like most hotpot menus are. They have a buffet or all-you-can-eat option that is served at the table.

I feel like this place is really aiming at new generations of Vietnamese, since they really focus on meat and products that young people like compared to the traditional hotpot that you eat with your folks that focuses on veggies and traditional cut meat.

The menu offers some traditional but also some original soft drinks, which is a good thing and expected for younger generations. They have different offerings when it comes to tea, for example.

You can even order a huge self-serving soda dispenser for your table, which looks very cool, but you are limited to one type of drink.

The experience

Like most new concepts, stores, or restaurants aimed at a younger audience, the service is usually a bit more thoughtfully crafted.

The presentation is pleasing, and the restaurant offers some original starters before attacking the main course.

Video of the food coming to the table

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. Not that it is like truffles, caviar, or anything, but the quality and taste are very decent.

For example, the saucisse stuffed with cheese actually tastes like a real saucisse, which is honestly hard to find in Vietnam. The seafood menu offered Salmon or Cá hi, which is an expensive option in this town.

The meat and seafood were fresh. In terms of quality, this is close to something like GOGI, but for Lau. Ok, perhaps a bit underneath, but still very good for Vietnamese Standard.

For the price, I think this restaurant is much more interesting than the Lau chain you would find in a mall such as Aeon Malls.

Verdict

7.7 out of 10

Even if I am not a fan of hotpot, especially chain hotpot, I have to say this restaurant was more than decent. Everything, from the location to the design of the interior to the menu, was well made.

The food was fresh and of good quality. The menu offered some originality both in terms of broth and meat. The appetizers were original and well executed.