The nam kao appetizer — deep fried rice mixed with ground pork and coconut, served with lettuce and mint leaves — is not to be missed at Vientian Café in Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso
The nam kao appetizer — deep fried rice mixed with ground pork and coconut, served with lettuce and mint leaves — at Vientian Café in Oakland. Photo: Emilie Raguso

Come along with Nosh as we explore the East Bay food scene in photographs. This week we focus on Vientian Café in East Oakland.

Vientian features a mix of Lao, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable prices in a casual atmosphere. The combination of fresh, unique flavors at budget prices make this a neighborhood favorite, but also worth a special trip. Parking is easy. “Angel wings” and papaya salad are other menu favorites. 

Find Vientian Café at 3801 Allendale Ave. in Oakland. See reviews on Yelp. If you’ve tried the spots we feature, please let us know about your experience in the comments below. (Photographs by Emilie Raguso.)

Do not miss the baked Laotian sausage ($2.50). You'll likely want to order more than one.
Do not miss the baked Laotian sausage ($2.50 each). You’ll likely want to order more than one.
Do not miss the baked Laotian sausage ($2.50 each). You’ll likely want to order more than one.
Deep-fried egg rolls with silver noodles, black mushrooms, carrot and ground pork are served with sweet and sour sauce, noodles and lettuce ($7.95).
Deep-fried egg rolls with silver noodles, black mushrooms, carrot and ground pork are served with sweet and sour sauce and lettuce ($7.95).
Chicken in rich coconut milk broth comes with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, galangal, and lemon grass ($9.50).
Chicken in rich coconut milk broth comes with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, galangal, and lemon grass ($9.50).

See more restaurants featured on Nosh on the Town.

Related:
Nosh on the town: Bourbon & Beef on College Ave. (01.09.14)
Nosh on the town: Barkada Bakery in Oakland (12.31.13)
Nosh on the town: Bleecker Bistro in Berkeley (12.24.13)
Nosh on the town: FuseBOX launches Sunday brunch (12.10.13)
Nosh on the town: Desco in Old Oakland (12.03.13)

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Emilie Raguso (former senior editor, news) joined Berkeleyside in 2012 and covered politics, public safety and development until her departure in 2022. In 2017, Emilie was named Journalist of the Year...