The Bouquet Oriental Lao Cuisine & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Vientiane Capital

Visited in November 2024. Laos. Vientiane. Finding a restaurant serving truly excellent Japanese and Chinese cuisine in Vientiane, or Laos more broadly, is no easy feat. We were therefore pleasantly surprised to discover this establishment, boasting a menu featuring high-end ingredients such as caviar, Wagyu beef, crab, and lobster. The restaurant itself is beautifully appointed, its round tables adorned with crisp white linens reflecting a classic Chinese aesthetic. An open kitchen provides a fascinating view of the chef at work.

The Food:

During two visits, we sampled a wide range of dishes. The ama-ebi (sweet shrimp) and otoro (fatty tuna belly) sashimi were both incredibly fresh and succulent. The plating, in particular, was noteworthy. While it's likely that the seafood is sourced frozen, the meticulous thawing process preserved both texture and flavor remarkably well. The hairy crab, however, felt slightly tougher and more fibrous than one would expect from freshly caught, non-frozen crab; the delicate, nuanced flavors of fresh crab are often lost in the defrosting process. The shumai dumplings with foie gras were a highlight; the succulent pork and shrimp filling was perfectly complemented by the richness of the foie gras topping, adding both succulence and a luxurious note to the otherwise lean filling.

The octopus carpaccio, unfortunately, was disappointing. The octopus was bland and chewy, its inherent flavor entirely overwhelmed by a heavy-handed sauce. The scampi, while well-cooked, lacked seasoning; its blandness was further compounded by an overly spicy accompanying sauce, which effectively nullified any subtle notes. The garlic flat prawns, however, were excellent. The prawns themselves were tender and juicy, the roasted garlic adding a subtle depth of flavour and a much-needed savory element to the relatively mild seafood.

Service:

While English proficiency among the waitstaff was limited (understandable in Laos), the manager's fluency proved invaluable. The service, though, was consistently friendly and welcoming.

Conclusion:

This restaurant stands out as one of Vientiane's finest. The elegant ambiance, complemented by an impressive selection of Japanese dishes and high-quality seafood, creates a memorable dining experience. While the unavailability of certain menu items on both occasions was a minor drawback (likely due to ingredient supply), this is a highly recommended...

🌿 A Culinary Surprise at The Bouquet Oriental Lao Cuisine & Wine Bar – Laos’ Hidden Gem 🌿

While visiting Vientiane , Laos. I had the pleasure of dining at The Bouquet Oriental Lao Cuisine & Wine Bar, located inside the serene Vanhseng Boutique Hotel — and it turned out to be a standout culinary experience I won’t forget.

The highlight? A beautifully prepared ostrich steak, flawlessly cooked and presented with finesse. This dish offered the richness and satisfaction of a high-quality steak, but with the lean, clean texture that sets ostrich apart as a premium alternative protein. The sear was perfect, and the interior remained tender, juicy, and precisely medium-rare.

Surrounding the steak was a thoughtfully selected array of seasonal vegetables — crisp asparagus, sweet roasted carrots, bright broccoli, and plump cherry tomatoes — creating a colorful and satisfying contrast in both flavor and texture.

Two sauces elevated the dish further:

A rich, smooth peppercorn gravy that added comforting depth A spicy, herbaceous Lao dipping sauce with chili, sesame, scallion, and garlic — bold, local, and deeply flavorful To finish, a refreshing lime-garnished cocktail cut through the richness and added a clean citrus note that paired perfectly with the savory main.

From its elegant plating to its balance of global technique and local flavor, this dish reflects a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. The Bouquet deserves recognition not just for its standout ostrich steak, but for its commitment to quality and sophistication in a relaxed setting.

⭐ 5/5 — A refined, unexpected treasure in Laos. Food lovers and fellow critics should absolutely put The Bouquet...

The food was good, but the extremely slow service and the lack of acknowledgement from management was unacceptable. Let me provide some context for my low rating, the day we were there (8/3/2022) the restaurant was appeared to be fully staffed and they weren't full housed and we weren't in a rush or impatient. But to wait for one hour to be served on dim sum what a different experience and to finally told us one hour later that the dishes we ordered was not available was also unnecessary. What a pity. So much potential, but...