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Temple View Cafe: More Than Just The View

Temple View Food

By Jasmina


You may have heard the saying, “out with the old, in with new”. As we collect new things in life, we tend to shove the old towards the back of the closet, or in this case, our minds. The same can be said for some of our favorite eateries. As trendy new cafes and restaurants are popping up aplenty across our city, it’s easy to get lost with the newer, shinier shops.

I’m guilty of this, when my significant other asks the dreaded question, “so, what do you want to eat?’, I’ll rack my brain for what’s the newest or latest that has been hyped up on social media. But I’d like to take a step back to appreciate a quaint underrated eatery that has never disappointed me. Nestled behind the new EU building right in the middle of town, next to Haysok temple (did someone say temple parking?) sits a charming little cafe that has been with us since July of 2015.

The ambiance at Temple View cafe is cozy and peaceful, making it a great place to read or catch up with a friend while you wait for your food. The interior is decorated with soft cushions and throw pillows and feels as though you are lounging in a comfortable space at home or at a friend’s house (if your friend were serving you delicious food and you were paying them to do so). The tables are covered with pages from old literary books (sorry, bibliophiles), and you can appreciate how much love and thought has been put into building the place.

The owner, also the chef, has crafted a menu using his love for food and diverse palette. My partner and I are the ‘stick to what you know’ kind of folk, but this is the one place where we have been adventurous, since everything we’ve ever been served has been packed with so much flavor that we’ve never been left with the taste of regret in our mouths (not like too-much-tequila-the-night-before kind of regret, that’s a whole other type of regret). Their menu hosts an array of fusion dishes from Crispy Wonton Pad Thai to Steaks to Kapao Pizza Sandwiches. They have a short menu, but what they do do ( that’s right, I said do do), they do well.

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”19″ override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”0″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show slideshow]” template=”/home4/laotiantimes/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/gallery.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails”]On this sleepy Saturday afternoon however, we did order our usual. We started with the handmade shrimp and crab dumplings, (as suggested by the chef) and potato wedges with truffle sauce (as suggested by the fact that my partner does not share food, you can call him Joey). The dumplings were stuffed with a generous portion of filling, paired along with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. The first bite was an explosion of flavor in my mouth, if the chef makes a suggestion for you to try while you are there, my advice is for you to try it. The potato wedges with truffle sauce came next, and I have to tell you, I would eat cardboard if it was drenched in that creamy truffle sauce.

Our main courses followed, my partner had ordered his favorite chicken breast steak and I had the pork chop. As soon as he cut into the tender piece of meat, I could tell how juicy it was just by the clear juices running from it. This too, came with the truffle sauce (to be honest, I don’t know if all of his steaks come with the truffle sauce, or their own sauce because we only ever request it with this sauce) a side of potato wedges (I told you, Joey doesn’t share food) and a small side salad. My pork chop had the same juicy cook on it, along with the same sauce, wedges and side salad. There’s not a lot of fuss to his style of cooking, just simple and delicious, to-the-point flavors.

I finished with a  hot green tea latte, it was good I suppose. I’ve never been a coffee (or any type of hot beverage) connoisseur, so I can’t accurately rate the coffee at this establishment, coffee is coffee to me. I am a HUGE fan of his iced pumpkin latte, though. It’s not flavored with a pumpkin syrup, like most places, so it’s not like drinking a candle. He adds actual pumpkin puree to the coffee which thickens it and gives it a rich, creamy texture without leaving a heavy taste in your mouth.

The entire meal cost us just 173,000 LAK, which is reasonable for two starters, two main courses (both steaks) and a beverage. The portions are fair, it was too much for me to finish my pork chop for lunch but my partner had finished his chicken steak and my leftovers with ease. The downside to this cafe is that it does take awhile to get your food, so if you are on a lunch break or on a time crunch you may want to call ahead and place your order, otherwise the wait is well worth it.

Temple View Cafe is open daily Monday- Saturday from 9AM-4:30PM.

Please visit their Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/Temple-VIEW-CAFE-111609369181227/ or call 020 222 13122

Officials Take Action Against Illegal Fuel Imports

Fuel Imports

It is estimated that 45 to 50 percent of the fuel Laos imports are used in Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province.

At the January 24-25 Vientiane Government monthly meeting, an announcement revealed new requirements are to be imposed on companies anticipating to import petroleum.

During the two-day conference chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the government set forth guidelines for the reduction of fuel companies from twenty-two to five.

The Lao Petroleum and Gas Association warns that those who fail to meet the new requirements will be directed to cease their venture in petroleum and urged to explore other business opportunities.

Deputy Director of Lao State Fuel Enterprise and senior official from the association, Mr Phayboun Phomphaphi explained, that it is necessary to reduce the number of fuel companies to make it easier to manage and that there are currently several fuel companies that are too small and do not meet standard requirements.

“Over the past years, illegal imports of oil have been reported in Laos and I believe that the adjustment and improvements will contribute to address the problem,” he stated.

Further research and analysis must be made before determining the probability of the adjustment. If made, four state petrol companies could possibly be reduced down to just one or two.

However, it was not specified when the adjustment of the fuel companies be executed.

Last month, the government announced that three companies would no longer be able to transport imported fuel through Laos to neighboring countries.

According to Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Bounchom Ubonpaseuthm, the maneuver aims to eliminate loopholes that could result in illegally imported fuel and only companies that comply with the country’s laws and government’s obligations will be permitted to continue to operate.

Based on a government report, petrol must only be imported across officially recognised international border crossings. Fuel brought into the country at local border crossings will not be permitted.

Statistics taken from Lao Petroleum and Gas Association shows an increase of eight percent in petrol imports to Laos annually. The oil import figures for 2016 have yet to be concluded, though the association estimates the figure to be around 1,400 million liters of oil.

The demand for fuel in the country is at an all-time high due to the persistent expansion of the Lao economy, particularly in the industrial sector.

Clear Lands, Safe People: Illusion or Reality?

Clear Lands Safe People

Imagine a country of mountainous landscapes, lush green forests and quietly flowing rivers. Imagine its people, who sport their positive attitude like a national badge. Imagine their broad smile as they appreciate the peace they have enjoyed, for the best part of 40 years.

This country exists. A country with one of the kindest people I have ever met, a country rarely making international headlines.

In this mental image, however, we are immobile, taking our environment in from a stationary position. If we start walking, this pleasant experience may burst like a bubble, any second.

It did so for 58 people last year in Lao PDR. And it wasn’t a bubble bursting, but a violent explosion, in their face, under their feet, changing their lives forever. 58 is the number of persons injured and killed last year through exploding bombs, from a war that ended over 40 years ago. And although the number of casualties has dwindled in the past decade, the question is still out there: Will I be safe if I walk across this hill, thrust my shovel into the warm earth, throw my fishing net into this river, pick up from the ground what looks like a fruit, or start a fire in the undergrowth of this forest clearing? Who is there to ask? Who will be able to tell, with authority, that I will not experience the blast, the heat, the shock and the pain of a bomb going off, unchallenged for decades, but triggered by my unwitting action?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working to bring responses to these questions.

We already know that only an estimated 70% of the 270 million cluster munitions dropped on Laos between 1964 and 1975 exploded upon impact. We also know that as many as 14 of the 18 Lao provinces are affected, nine of them heavily. What is not known, however, is their exact location.

Clear Lands

In the past years, UNDP has worked with the Government and development partners to shift to a new, efficient technique to find areas where the number of unexploded bombs sleeping in the soil is the highest, and search these and surrounding areas thoroughly. This new method closely involves villagers, who point out places they fear hide bombs. Surveying teams then scan the area in question, and around it. Within the next few years, we should have a clear picture of which lands are safe, and which are not.

Surveying is, however, just one step towards clearing the bombs. So far, a total of 600 square kilometers have been cleared. For the last 20 years, since the establishment of the national clearance operator UXO Lao and the National Regulatory Authority, UNDP has been building national capacities within the two institutions to promote clearance work and contribute to an environment where the people of this country can enjoy the fulfillment of their basic rights to live without fear.

Our rationale at UNDP has been that with limited funding and capacity for clearance, we need to put a focus on telling villagers how to live a life together with the bombs. Mine risk education has contributed to the huge decrease in casualties over the years, from 302 in 2008 to 58 in 2016.

Lao PDR has, perhaps for the first time ever, enough well-trained teams to start the largest and most efficient clearance operation in the history of the country. Recent surveys are already supplying us with thousands of locations where clearance should be prioritized. The country continues to receive commitments from development partners to provide funding and technical expertise. Lao PDR’s own national 18th Sustainable Development Goal on unexploded ordnance, adding to the 17 global goals, aims to make Lives safe from UXO by 2030.

With the means, the timeline, the goal and commitment, the opportunity is unprecedented to scale up clearance across the affected provinces and target the areas most at risk.

We at UNDP are dedicated to continue our joint work with our partners so that a Laos free of bombs can be as real and tangible as the smile on the faces of its people.

by Kaarina Immonen

Kaarina-Immonen

Kaarina Immonen is the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Lao PDR. She began her career in the United Nations in 1990. Her most recent appointment before her arrival to Laos was as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic. She has also worked in Moldova, the Russian Federation, Georgia, Cambodia and Vietnam.

 

Lao Leaders Car Auction Delayed, Chinese Businesspeople Particularly Interested

Lao Leaders Cars Auction Delayed

The auction of cars reclaimed from Lao leaders has been delayed once again. Originally scheduled for Tuesday this week, the auction is now to take place next Tuesday, February 28, at 3pm. 

Preparations had been delayed after it was decided that the cars would be sold at auction instead of offering vehicles for tender as originally planned.

The first batch of fourteen cars remain on show at the National Convention Center, and have been in use since 2012.  One source reports that Chinese businesspeople have been particularly interested in the luxury vehicles.

There are seven BMW 730 models with up to 21,000km on the odometer, and seven Mercedes Benz S350 with up to 19,000km recorded on the odometer.

Take a closer look at the vehicles on offer below:

 

2012 BMW 730

BWM 7 Series
BWM 7 Series

A full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of by German automaker BWM.  The 2012 vehicles are 5th generation models, including V8 and V12 turbocharged engines.

Retail price (Laos): US$170,000
Auction starting price: US$100,000

 

2012 Mercedes Benz S350

mercedes-benz s350
Mercedes-Benz s350

The S-Class is a series of flagship vehicles produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz, and is ranked as the world’s best-selling luxury sedan. The engine includes V6, V8, and V12 powertrains and includes special interior features and safety systems.

Retail price (Laos): US$155,000
Auction starting price: US$60,000

 

Prime Minister Declares Land as Focus for Transport Development

Prime-Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

During the annual conference of the Public Works and Transport sector held this week, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith cautioned that decisions regarding water and air transportation projects must be thoroughly thought out in future.

The Prime Minister emphasized land transport to be the primary focus of transportation development in the country. He commended the sector for their accomplishments over the past forty years, noting that tremendous progress had been made in infrastructure development.

During the meeting, a number of leaders and officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, along with other participants including business professionals and retired officials, were reminded of the government’s efforts in converting the country from landlocked to land-linked and to create a transportation hub in the region.

A massive venture in this regard, PM Thongloun mentioned the expansion of the 3.5 km Laos-Thailand Railway to 7.5 km, a plan to build a railway to connect Khammuan Province’s capital to a port in Vietnam and the highly anticipated Laos-China Railway, among other projects.

Prime Minster Thongloun Sisoulith at the Public Works and Transport Sector Meeting

The Prime Minister has also disclosed information about a recent meeting with deputy prime ministers,  confirming a continued cooperation with Thailand and the development of a road system valued at 2 billion baht.

The PM stated,“From the geographic specification of our country, we have to focus on land transportation as key to the heart of transportation, travel and tourism.”

He urged the Ministry to improve the quality of road infrastructure by strategically planning and completing any road projects that had already been initiated, but to avoid the implementation of several projects simultaneously in fear of inadequate completion.

When referring to Build, Operate and Transfer projects, Prime Minister Thongloun specified that alternative options must be available aside from tollways.

The PM highlighted Lao civil aviation, stating that he appreciated the sector having received certification from the International Civil Aviation Organisation on Universal Safety, after scoring 73 percent in an audit.

However, Lao civil aviation services remain behind other ASEAN countries and need improvement in service quality. Detailed studies on any plans for airport construction were called upon, with the PM counseling against the construction airports in provinces that have no demand for passenger flights, such as Attapeu Province, where the airport was recently shut down.

When questioned whether water transportation could be an option for the country, the PM admirably reasoned with the Ministry to consider the matter thoroughly, wisely stating, “Do not do any unreasonable projects on the Mekong River. Let it be the river of life, it’s enough for small boats to float on it.” He continued making his case by referring to the Mekong River as the “Mother of property” and “Mother of life” to dependant citizens settled in the region.

Regarding the matter of urban planning and housing, Mr Thongloun proposed conserving old historic buildings while planning to develop more modern structures as well.

Prime Minister Thongloun is imploring the Ministry to be stricter on the rules and regulations to prohibit unregulated construction of residences and the violation of town and city plans.

Bo Nam Hiem: The Largest Hot Springs in Laos

Hot Springs of Hiem, Huaphan

Fancy a soak and a bite to eat at the same time? Head on up to Huaphan where the hot springs of Hiem offer a relaxing bath that you can boil an egg in (or any other food products!).

The legendary province of Huaphan is where the chilly northern climes meet the lukewarm air of the magnificent hot springs of Hiem. It is here that we can witness the largest and most majestic hot springs in Laos.

While Huaphan is known for its rugged terrain, with dense mountainous forests and historical significance as the strategic base of the revolutionary Pathet Lao, few know of the mysterious hot springs of Hiem, which would give any Japanese Onsen a run for its money.

The hot springs of Hiem hold the title of being the hottest springs in the country, with a water temperature reaching as high as 100 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the spring is so heated in that a common activity for eco-tourists is egg boiling (or simmering). In addition to indulging in a natural Jacuzzi session (and a protein boost), visitors of the hot spring can enjoy the various delicious cuisines of Huaphan and enjoy cozy, forest picnics!

The hot springs of Hiem are open from 7am to 7pm. The next time you take a trip to Samneau, make sure to check out this hidden gem of natural beauty. You’re guaranteed to have a hot time!

Source & Images: Kuanjai Magazine

Laos Only ASEAN Member To Give Up Luxury State Cars

By now you’ve probably heard about the extraordinary move by Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to reclaim all Lao leaders luxury vehicles and replace them with Toyota Camry model cars. The auctions of the reclaimed vehicles are actually currently ongoing, as leaders say goodbye to their luxurious Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles.

In honor of this event, here at the Laotian Times we thought it might be interesting to find out what types of cars other world leaders are driving. Did you know that the French president drives a Citroen? Or that the Malaysian official state car is a Proton? 

In a symbolic gesture of good faith to its people, Laos is the only ASEAN member to have given up its luxury state cars!  Check out the full list of state vehicles below (click to enlarge):

World Leaders Luxury Cars

Private Airline Lao Skyway Adds Airbus Helicopter to Its Fleet

Lao Skyway Buys Airbus Helicopter
Lao Skyway Buys Airbus Helicopter

Shepherd Media has announced that Lao Skyway has recently purchased a brand new H125 Helicopter from Airbus Helicopters for civil and parapublic missions, including domestic charter flights and search-and-locate operations. The Lao private airline is expected to receive a second H125 in May later this year.

The Laos-based airline made the order in August 2016.

Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia Managing Director Derek Sharples said: “We are honoured by Lao Skyway’s trust and confidence in us, as the H125 begins its maiden flight in Laos this year.”

Sharples believes that Laos is an important market for Airbus, and is delighted to see the company’s presence growing in the country, with helicopters serving the needs of the Laotian skies well.

“Airbus Helicopters remains committed to ensuring the fullest support to Lao Skyway, as it grows its fleet and operations in the coming years,” adds Sharples.

Previously known as Lao Air, Lao Skyway is a private airline with its headquarters at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos. It operates scheduled and charter services to airports in the country not served by Lao Airlines.

The company’s logo comprises 3 boomerangs, which together form a bird. This reflects the company’s commitment and priority of safety: Lao Skyway’s aircrafts will fly to their destinations and will always safely return to home base.

Source: Shepherd Media