Laos - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 652

is particularly proud of his bargain cocktails, so consider dropping by for a sundowner be-
fore dinner.

Khemkhong View Restaurant
MAP
(Th Khem Khong; meals 15,000-35,000K; 7am-9pm) Split-level Khemkhong View has an ex-
tensive menu with choices such as spicy prawn and coconut soup, squid làhp (or intestine
làhp for the more adventurous) and steamed, fermented fish.

LAOTIAN $

Saffron
MAP
(Th Khem Khong; mains 20,000-35,000K; 7am-9pm; ) Perfect for breakfasts, this stylish
cafe, hung with lush black-and-white photography, turns out great pasta dishes, serves ex-
cellent coffee and has warm service. There's also a choice of interior and al fresco dining.

CAFE $

Tamarind
( 071-213128; www.tamarindlaos.com ; Th Kingkitsarat; mains 25,000-60,000K, set dinners
100,000-150,000K; 11am-10pm; ) Chic Tamarind has created its very own strain of 'Mod
Lao' cuisine. The à la carte menu boasts delicious sampling platters with bamboo dip,
stuffed lemongrass and meuyang (DIY parcels of noodles, herbs, fish and chilli pastes,
and vegetables).

LAOTIAN $$

Drinking
Mercifully, the ancient city is insulated by an 11.30pm curfew. That said, the following do
their valiant best to squeeze as much hedonistic juice from the restrictions as possible.

Ikon Klub
MAP
(Th Sisavang Vatthana; 5pm-late; ) Ikon is true bohemian, from its shadowy 1930s decor
hung with objets d'art and prints of old Hollywood starlets, to the charming Hungarian
poetess who runs it. The best mojitos are mixed here, the Bloody Marys are full of vigour,
and it makes for a great spot to meet others while listening to cool tunes.
If Bukowski and Bergman were bars and sired a lovechild, it might have looked
something like this. Surely the best bar in Laos.

BAR