Ottawa food enthusiasts have a new Vietnamese term to learn: 'nhau.' Pronounced 'n-yau,' it refers to gathering with friends over drinks, food, and conversation. This concept is embodied at La Nhau Viet Kitchen & Bar, a four-month-old eatery on Murray Street in the ByWard Market, which took over the space formerly occupied by Yaari Indian Kitchen and Bar.
A Modern Vietnamese Dining Experience
Owner-operator Johnny Tran, who moved from Niagara Falls to Ottawa six months ago, aims to offer something different in the city's Vietnamese dining scene. 'We saw that it’s all old-school Vietnamese, family restaurants, especially in Chinatown,' Tran says, noting his own experience with pho-centric restaurants in Niagara Falls. La Nhau, he explains, is 'more Toronto-style. It’s all modern.'
The restaurant seats about 60 indoors, with a relaxed, white-walled ambiance adorned with numerous lanterns. A back patio, set to open soon, will accommodate an additional 40 guests. The menu features a small selection of pho, including notable and flavorful bowls, but the highlight is the array of small, shareable plates that are hard to find elsewhere in Ottawa. Most dishes range from $20 to $30, with cocktails priced between $14 and $16.
Signature Dishes and Chef's Picks
Several dishes are designated as 'chef's picks' with stars, aligning with the most intriguing options. A standout is the beef carpaccio ($24), a full-flavored Vietnamese preparation called Bò Tái Chanh, energized by lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and crispy shallots, served with shrimp chips. This dish is similar to one at Lunch Lady, a renowned modern Vietnamese restaurant in Vancouver and Toronto, but at a more accessible price point.
Other notable dishes include crab fried rice and a variety of soups that celebrate Vietnamese flavors. The bar offers a nice mix of Asian-themed cocktails, complementing the dining experience.
Comparison to Lunch Lady
Tran draws inspiration from Lunch Lady, which has locations in Vancouver and Toronto, with the Vancouver outlet earning a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation. Having dined at Toronto's Lunch Lady in early May, the reviewer notes similarities but finds La Nhau's offerings equally compelling, particularly the beef carpaccio, which is not necessarily inferior despite the price difference.
Conclusion
La Nhau Viet Kitchen & Bar brings a modern twist to Vietnamese cuisine in Ottawa, focusing on shared plates and a convivial atmosphere. With its chef's picks and innovative cocktails, it offers a fresh alternative to traditional pho houses. Whether you're a longtime fan of Vietnamese food or new to the cuisine, La Nhau invites you to gather, eat, and drink in true 'nhau' style.
