Official visit Laos Embassy to Boi Boi

11 May 2026 we had to honor to welcome the Laos PDR embassy at our restaurant. It’s not everyday that we get the opportunity to talk about our country of origin with fellow nationals. But to talk with such mutual respect and joy about the country of Laos and moving to the Netherlands with our own embassy was very special.

As the Netherlands gets served by the embassy in Brussels they made a real journey. First they visited Keukenhof to see some of the most colorful blooming flowers you can find in Holland. After that they all came to our restaurant to get served by Kay and Toe, both from Laos, with food that was made in a traditional way. They only thing lacking was Beerlao. We mainly drank tea, also from the birth town of chef Kay in Laos.

It’s very special to speak in our native tongue and also have a natural understanding of our movements and cultural sensitivities. We shared some presents. The ambassador gave us a golden plated pen holder and authentic Laotian coffee. We handed him a compilation of the art of Karel Appel who grew up in the Dapperstraat and portrayed himself on an elephant, the national animal of Laos. It was all very much appreciated.

The best thing of the day were the compliments by the ambassador, his wife and all the staff from Brussels that thanked us for the most Laotian experience they had had since coming to Europe. The food tasted like home, and they almost felt homesick. A bigger compliment could not be communicated to Kay, it was heartfelt.

As a big surprise we also did the premiere of the mini documentary that Max van Nievelt made about Boi Boi and especially Kay the chef in the presence of the embassy staff and some other Laotian friends that have migrated to the Netherlands. We subtitled the entire movie in English and Laotian. It got a warm reception and we will gladly show the mini documentary to all of you on our website.

For all of us this was a day to remember. We’re looking forward to more get-togethers and help for each other to bring the people of Laos and the Low countries closer together. If you ever visit us and would like to have the most authentic dishes from Laos, please let us know in advance. We serve now dishes that western people will easily embrace from the Lao kitchen. But the varieties are way bigger. If you want to expand your taste galaxy, let us know.