Renowned chef Kevin Tien is set to debut a thrilling new Vietnamese American counter dining spot this month. Chao Ban will open its doors on the top floor of Tysons Galleria on Tuesday, March 10.
According to Tien, the highlight of the menu is an array of innovative banh mi sandwiches, featuring po’ boy-inspired fillings and flavors that pay homage to his Louisiana roots. Diners can expect choices like lemongrass chicken, Nashville hot (reflecting Tien’s experience at Hot Lola’s in Arlington), and buttermilk-fried catfish spiced with curry. Tien emphasizes the importance of the po’ boy bread, stating that they procure crispy French loaves from Leidenheimer, a bakery celebrated in New Orleans for over a century. The concise lunch and dinner menu will also feature labor-intensive pho, Vietnamese coffee, and variations on some of his personal favorite dishes. For example, one of the banh mi options is inspired by the famous fried salt-and-pepper shrimp from NewBigWong in Chinatown.
For Tien, launching a relaxed Vietnamese dining establishment has been a long-cherished dream. The concept has been brewing for about ten years, originating during his time at Himitsu, a highly praised restaurant in Petworth. In recent times, Tien has gained recognition through D.C.’s upscale Vietnamese culinary scene, particularly with Moon Rabbit, which earned him a nomination as a finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award in 2024.
The Galleria is now managed by the same company overseeing the Ballston Quarter, where Tien’s successful fried chicken establishment, Hot Lola’s, is located. He finalized the deal for the Tysons location a year ago. Tien mentioned, “While I have a deep affection for Lola’s—it’s my creation—I’m excited to see how this new venture fits within the mall environment.” His managing partner, Alan Vo, shares a similar background, being a first-generation Vietnamese raised in Louisiana.
Plans are underway for a liquor license that will allow the restaurant to utilize its adjacent bar while showcasing a thoughtfully curated coffee menu.
“Vietnamese coffee culture is trending right now,” he states. “I’m taking the time to determine how our unique version will unfold.”
One of Tien’s favorites on the menu is the sesame rice milk, which is subtly sweet with a distinctive nutty flavor. “I find myself enjoying more coffee than I probably should lately,” he admits.
The pho offerings include lemongrass-roasted chicken and beef, with the latter featuring brisket that is slow-cooked overnight. An eye of round steak from Philadelphia adds a regional touch to the dish, reminiscent of the classic Philly cheesesteak.
“We are being quite intentional in how we develop our dishes,” Tien explains.
In terms of appetizers, one dish channels honey walnut shrimp, a popular Chinese food favorite but reimagined with candied pecans—a nod to Louisiana culinary influences. He notes that the unexpected star of the menu might be the vegan lemongrass meatball, which offers a plant-based alternative to pork xiu mai, slow-cooked in a sauce of tomato and Thai basil, replacing fish sauce with a fermented pineapple sauce.
Chao Ban, which translates to “hello, friend,” embodies a welcoming atmosphere and reflects themes of migration. The 36-seat layout has been beautifully revamped with green tones and wooden elements, giving it the vibe of a trendy café from Vietnam. Interior designer Michelle Bove drew inspiration from Tien’s recent travel photos to create the inviting space. Tien plans to revisit Vietnam later this year after the monsoon season.
This hybrid dining concept allows patrons to choose between full-table service and counter-ordering options. Tien explains, “We’re experimenting with a new approach. A few other restaurants are trying something similar,” referencing places like Rye Bunny, which is set to replace Tail Up Goat in Adams Morgan.
With the opening of a two-story Louis Vuitton flagship store next door this year, Chao Ban is sure to have some high-profile neighbors.
“I’ve never seen an elevator constructed from scratch,” he reflects. “It’s an exciting moment to be adjacent to such a landmark. For my grandmother and mother, owning a Louis Vuitton bag symbolized status, embodying hard work and achievement.”
There may be plans for more Chao Ban locations in the future. “We’ll assess the success of this venture and explore opportunities for expansion,” he adds.
Chao Ban will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday), extending hours to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (2001 International Drive, McLean, Virginia).
