Lai Rai

Located in Calgary's Beltline district, Lai Rai is a modern Vietnamese concept founded by the second-generation family members behind local staples Pho Dau Bo and Mot To. The restaurant is named after the Vietnamese phrase "Lai Rai," which embodies the cultural art of lingering over drinks and snacks with friends. Distinguishing itself from standard pho shops, Lai Rai focuses on rare regional street foods, offering dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere in the city, such as *Bánh Khọt* (crispy turmeric prawn cakes) and *Bánh Cuốn* (steamed rice rolls). The menu also features creative fusion highlights like the viral *Pho Grilled Cheese* and authentic specialty beverages like Egg Coffee, blending traditional Saigon flavors with a contemporary atmosphere.