Lai Rai Restaurant Blends Vietnamese Family Traditions with Modern Calgary Flair
Hannah Chu carries restaurant blood in her veins. Growing up immersed in her family's culinary enterprises, including the beloved Pho Dau Bo on International Avenue and the contemporary Mot To banh mi bar, Chu felt destined to continue this legacy of feeding Calgarians. In late 2025, she realized her vision by opening Lai Rai, her first independent restaurant concept, in collaboration with her father, chef Long Thai.
From Coffee Shop to Full-Service Dining Destination
Initially conceived as a vibrant Vietnamese coffee establishment, Lai Rai quickly evolved into a comprehensive dining experience. The restaurant's name, translating to "little by little", perfectly captures its philosophy. In Vietnamese culture, "lai rai" describes the joyful practice of leisurely eating and drinking over extended periods, continuously ordering small plates to prolong the communal experience.
Located on 10th Avenue S.E. in Calgary, Lai Rai reflects Chu's energetic personality and passionate approach to Vietnamese cuisine. While Calgary boasts numerous pho and banh mi establishments across its neighborhoods, Chu aimed to elevate the offering by introducing dishes she deeply craved following recent travels to Vietnam.
A Personal Culinary Journey
"I'm second generation. My parents immigrated here from Vietnam, and I wanted this place to be an ode to that heritage," Chu explains. "We're paying tribute to classic street foods I grew up eating at home and during my trips to Vietnam, while incorporating modern elements that reflect our Calgary context."
The restaurant's casual yet thoughtful design enhances this personal narrative. Family photographs and mementos adorn the walls, while short red stools recreate the authentic atmosphere of Vietnam's best snack and noodle shops, transporting diners to the bustling streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Menu Highlights: Tradition Meets Innovation
Lai Rai's menu successfully bridges family tradition with contemporary creativity. For devotees of Pho Dau Bo's signature broth, the restaurant offers substantial soup bowls priced between $17 and $19. The popular grilled cheese from Mot To makes an appearance, served with a shot of pho broth for dipping at $14.
However, the restaurant truly distinguishes itself through unique offerings that extend beyond family restaurant staples:
- Banh Khot ($15) – Crispy turmeric cakes shaped like cups, filled with prawns, coconut milk, and green onions, accompanied by chili fish sauce and lettuce for wrapping
- Hue Platter ($14) – A generous assortment of central Vietnamese rice cakes and rolls
- Banh Mi Chao – Sizzling beef and eggs served with fresh baguette
- Ca Phe Trung – Traditional Vietnamese egg coffee
A charming menu feature involves dishes marked with an illustration of chef Long Thai's face, indicating "must-order" items selected by Chu to honor her father's enduring popularity with customers.
Continuing a Family Legacy
Through Lai Rai, Hannah Chu not only establishes her own culinary identity but also strengthens her family's multi-generational commitment to Calgary's dining community. The restaurant represents more than just another Vietnamese eatery—it embodies a personal journey of cultural preservation, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality that promises to enrich Calgary's diverse food landscape for years to come.
