Explore the Vibrant New Vietnamese Restaurant, Lai Rai, in Peckham, Boasting Surprisingly Colorful Decorations that Mirrors the Zest of Its Dishes
A vibrant Vietnamese restaurant named Lai Rai has made its mark on Rye Lane in Peckham, London. Known for its lively, neon-lit atmosphere inspired by Vietnam's bia hoi culture, Lai Rai offers a unique blend of Blade Runner-esque decor and a seductive red glow after dark[1][2].
The restaurant's menu is a delightful mix of innovative dishes, including tofu whip with turmeric oil, prawn lollies, bánh mì, sugarcane prawn skewers, and cold Saigon beers, along with creative cocktails like the Ca Phe Martini[1][4][5].
Lai Rai offers a casual yet dynamic dining experience with a "devilish energy" that hums after dark, making it a notable new addition to Peckham's food scene with a focus on fresh, flavorful Vietnamese street food reimagined for London diners[1][2][5]. Reviews highlight the freshness of the food and recommend dishes such as the crispy chicken leg, swimming in a lake of tangy garlic and basil sauce, and the betel-leaf beef patties placed on a coffee BBQ sauce[3].
The restaurant's aesthetic appeal is equally remarkable. Celebrated as one of London's prettiest spots for dining and afternoon tea, Lai Rai reflects its design-driven approach to creating an immersive experience rooted in Vietnamese culture[2]. The interior features elements of Parisian style decor, a subtle Y2K theme, and whimsical, tongue-in-cheek visual branding. The top floor boasts a James Turrell-inspired porthole window[1].
Rye Lane, where Lai Rai is located, is a bustling area with family-run food stalls, butchers, fish shops, pubs, restaurants, clubs, and cocktail bars, attracting people of various ages and backgrounds[6].
Lai Rai serves fragrant bánh mì baguettes and smaller treats, along with Vietnamese coffee and tea in the morning. For dessert, Clingy Wrap's fish sauce caramel ice cream is available, breaking all prejudices[7].
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch spot or an evening out with a lively atmosphere, Lai Rai is a well-regarded, trendy Vietnamese canteen in Peckham, notable for its atmospheric space, inventive menu, and a modern take on traditional Vietnamese flavors[1][2][4][5].
[1] Time Out London. (n.d.). Lai Rai, Peckham. Retrieved from https://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/lai-rai-peckham
[2] Evening Standard. (2021, March 17). Lai Rai, Peckham: a Vietnamese canteen with a modern twist. Retrieved from https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/restaurants/lai-rai-peckham-a-vietnamese-canteen-with-a-modern-twist-b1990851.html
[3] Londonist. (2021, March 16). Lai Rai, Peckham: A New Vietnamese Restaurant and Bar. Retrieved from https://londonist.com/london/restaurant-reviews/lai-rai-peckham-vietnamese-restaurant-bar
[4] Design Boom. (2021, March 10). house of baby designs Lai Rai, a vibrant Vietnamese restaurant in London. Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/architecture/house-of-baby-lai-rai-peckham-restaurant-design-03-10-2021/
[5] Squaremeal. (2021, March 15). Lai Rai, Peckham. Retrieved from https://www.squaremeal.co.uk/london/restaurants/lai-rai-peckham-14691
[6] Visit London. (n.d.). Peckham Rye. Retrieved from https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/neighbourhoods/peckham-rye/8158782
[7] Clingy Wrap. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://clingywrap.com/about-us/
- The vibrant Vietnamese restaurant Lai Rai, located in Peckham, London, offers a lifestyle experience that blends art, decor, and food-and-drink, creating a unique atmosphere reminiscent of Vietnam's bia hoi culture.
- Lai Rai's aesthetic appeal boasts a trendy blend of Parisian style decor, a subtle Y2K theme, and whimsical visual branding, making it one of London's prettiest spots for dining and afternoon tea.
- The restaurant's menu features innovative dishes like tofu whip with turmeric oil, prawn lollies, bánh mì, sugarcane prawn skewers, and creative cocktails, such as the Ca Phe Martini, matching the modern take on traditional Vietnamese flavors.
- Known for its lively, neon-lit space, Lai Rai offers a casual yet dynamic dining experience with a seductive red glow after dark, setting it apart in Peckham's home-and-garden scene with a focus on fresh, flavorful Vietnamese street food reimagined for London diners.
- As Rye Lane, where Lai Rai is situated, is a bustling area filled with food stalls, butchers, fish shops, pubs, restaurants, clubs, and cocktail bars, Lai Rai stands out as a well-regarded, stylish canteen, offering fragrant bánh mì baguettes, Vietnamese coffee and tea in the morning, and even fish sauce caramel ice cream for dessert from Clingy Wrap.
