Makphet, not for profit restaurant, Vientiane Laos
Sunday, 27 September 2009
The other night we had our dinner at a restaurant called Makphet, which means hot chilli pepper. It is a restaurant/cooking school just off Chao Anou Road, Vientiane and is supported by UNICEF, AUSAID and numerous other organizations to help Lao street youth by providing them with hospitality and cooking training so that they may engage in something productive and learning new skills. This will enable them to gain employment elsewhere or become trainers themselves. During our meal, there were many staff and youths in training, all very attentive and keen to learn. The traditional Lao food was delicious and the serves, generous. To make the meal even more enjoyable, 100% of the profits go towards funding training for other youths. It also has a gift shop, which sells local wares made from recycled and sustainable materials. There you will find awesome gifts, bags and jewelery made from recycled paper, plastic and containers. We have stayed near this restaurant twice now but have just discovered it towards the end of our stay. If you make it to Vientiane, Laos, please visit and enjoy a meal here to support a worthwhile cause and to help sustainable community growth. It is worthwhile mentioning that there are also two of these not for profit restaurants set up to help street youth in Phnom Phenh, Cambodia. Please visit www.streetfriends.org for more information.
Tired from a blistering hot day out walking and taking in the sights, we arrive for dinner at Makphet below, greeted by an army of training staff and nasty mosquitoes. Tropical strength repellent with a high percentage of deet is a must! Below is my nephew who came with us from Australia. He has an endless supply of energy and it is tiring being with him from about 5.30pm onwards when all you want to be is – very still (Yes, I was half-asleep here!). Watching him eat in Laos is a funny sight. He has an aversion to foods such as tomatoes and milk, yet has been trying all sorts of things like boiled pig’s blood and marinated, grilled chicken intestines. Want a tomato? Yuck! How about blood and guts? No problem.
