Welcome to My Lai Kitchen, where the lively spirit of modern Vietnamese cuisine meets the vibes of an elevated fast-casual experience. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of flavors, cultural fusion, and a spot to satisfy your cravings with goodness and zest. We were so eager to try this spot that has a dedicated following for its fresh bowls, wraps and sandwiches. They have 2 locations in LA, one at 7501 Sunset Blvd and the other at 12222 Venice Blvd. Both offer dine-in and take out options. Trust us, once you try this place yourself, you’ll be eager to tell everyone you know to meet you at My Lai Kitchen.
The Vibe
Our adventure at My Lai Kitchen kicked off in cozy haven amidst the hustle and bustle of Sunset Boulevard. The quick and friendly service instantly made us feel at home, and the bonus? It’s dog-friendly, adding an extra layer of warmth to the atmosphere. Right before we enjoyed our feast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Traci Phan Davis, the heart and soul behind My Lai Kitchen. Formerly working in the corporate world at Live Nation, Traci’s journey into the restaurant world was a heartfelt leap of passion. Her commitment to delivering a unique Vietnamese culinary experience stems from a love for her family’s recipes and a desire to bring Vietnamese cuisine to the fast-casual scene. Traci’s warmth and dedication shined as she shared insights into My Lai Kitchen’s inception all while getting ready to head to a catering event. It’s this personal touch that makes My Lai Kitchen not just a dining spot but a testament to a dream pursued and a culture celebrated.
The Menu
Diving into My Lai Kitchen’s menu, we discovered a lineup of signature dishes that showcased the culinary prowess and unwavering commitment to quality. First up was the Bomb Banh Mi Sandwich—a flavor explosion encased in a Vietnamese baguette. Stuffed with succulent pork belly (btw, you can pick your proteins in all of My Lai’s dishes) or, we also recommend the tofu, chicken, and beef, then piled with pickled carrots, daikon, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño. The Vietnamese mayo and a splash of soy sauce elevated the traditional banh mi to new heights, making it a generous portion perfect for sharing.
Next on the agenda were the Fresh Spring Rolls, brimming with pickled carrots and daikon, lettuce, cucumber, cilantro, vermicelli, and crispy onion. Each bite was a medley of textures and flavors, complemented by a peanut sauce that, we learned, is a cherished recipe from Traci’s aunt—undeniably out of this world. For a delightful crunch, we savored the Tofu Bites—bite-sized tofu cubes paired with a tangy green sauce, achieving a delightful pillowy perfection that left our taste buds wanting more.
Reminiscent of the Chipotle experience, the Build Your Own Bowl option allowed us to curate our culinary adventure. From bases to toppings, proteins, and signature sauces like My Lai Vinaigrette and Miso Sesame, the possibilities were endless. And yes, we couldn’t resist adding extra peanut sauce because, well, who can?
Beyond the delectable dishes, My Lai Kitchen champions sustainability. High-quality, natural, and organic ingredients take center stage, while a commitment to a minimal carbon footprint through recycling, composting, and recycled materials underscores the restaurant’s dedication to the planet. My Lai Kitchen is a flavorful journey, a cultural embrace, and a commitment to quality that leaves an indelible mark on your taste buds. Fun fact! My Lai also offers pick up and delivery on many of the food delivery apps. So, if you’re feeling like a night in with some great food, grab a pair of jammies – here’s our recent picks of cute pajama sets – and enjoy some tasty goodness from My Lai Kitchen.
