If, like me, your parents used to live in Vientiane, they might have told you stories about Senglao, the cinema. One of them (different than the ones about my Dad bringing phou sao to watch a movie) was that every night, for the same movie, the story was different. The reason ? The translators were seating on the top of the screen and were reading a different text at every session. Believe me or not, but thi is what I heard.
More than 50 years later, and (re)located in Naxay Village, Senglao refers now to a Café restaurant, where you can enjoy a lunch or a dinner in a nice atmosphere, but wait ! What make it so special ? The cinema decor.
The place offers some seatings in the garden, when, during the evening, some old movies – like the classic Modern Times – are showed on the screen. During the day time, the veranda is probably the best option, where you can choose to be a movie producer with the iconic chair !
You will be welcomed with some complimentary pop corn while you will go through the menu. Senglao Café serves both Western and local recipes. I recently had the Pesto tagliatelles with grilled chicken, and it was really great. You actually have plenty of choices if you like pastas: pesto, kee mao, Carbonara… But also some burgers, including the Charcoal burger, and Asian dishes.
You’ll also have steaks, of Salmon or Beef.
I recommend the nam mark nao, which comes with lemon juice ice cubes, or the smoothie, either Raspberry or Strawberry. These are made with yoghurt and are fabulous. I personnally prefer the Raspberry, to balance sweet and sour.
Senglao Café
Naxay Vilage
Monday Saturday 11AM-10PM
Sunday 9AM-4PM
