Khaiphaen

Named for a crispy riverweed snack that’s popular throughout Laos, Khaiphaen serves excellent regional dishes like chicken-and-mint laap, spicy green papaya salad, and cashew-crusted banana fritters. More so than being a delicious restaurant, however, Khaiphaen is an impressive social enterprise, offering vocational training to often disadvantaged youth. Here, teenagers can learn all about the hospitality business, from how to cook and interact with diners to the ins and outs of running a restaurant.