It seems Vancouver’s Vietnamese food scene just got a little more interesting.
Earlier this month, a new restaurant called Lá Chuối Cuisine quietly opened its doors on Kingsway.
They took over the former McKim Wonton Mein Saga location that closed in May after decades of service.
But Lá Chuối isn’t your typical pho joint.
This family-run restaurant specializes in chicken dishes, with a focus on regional Vietnamese favourites like Hội An Chicken Rice and Nha Trang Chicken Rice.
While both dishes offer boiled chicken, rice, and quail egg soup, the difference lies in the flavour and fat content: Nha Trang’s version is rich with a creamy egg-lard topping on the rice, while Hội An leans lighter, more herbaceous and a spicy sauce ontop of the rice.
You can choose your preferred cut, too.
Shredded chicken, leg and wing, quarter leg, or chicken breast.
We tried the Nha Trang Chicken Rice and were impressed by the depth of flavour and tenderness of the chicken.
The creamy rice topping, though, might be a bit heavy for some, so opt for the Hội An style if you’re looking for something lighter.
Beyond the signature chicken dishes, Lá Chuối’s menu offers everything from dry chicken pho and bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) to beef luc lac and fresh smoothies.
Harry, the 17-year-old who is the co-owner of the restaurant with his brother Jerry, mentioned that their family has already opened 10 restaurants in Vietnam.
Apparently, their dad trained under a world-renowned chef as well.
The hospitality here is undeniable.
Harry personally walked us (we went anonymously) through the menu and encouraged us to call his name if we needed anything.
It’s that kind of earnest, attentive service you don’t always get at your average mom-and-pop.
The space itself is clean and warmly lit, with wooden tables, leafy green plants, and cozy booth seating along the walls.
The space now gives a relaxed, homey atmosphere that matches their comfort-first menu.
Lá Chuối Cuisine joins a wave of new food openings in Vancouver like Red Wasabi, Nin Nin Ramen, and Bento Cafe.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 2780 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC