Conveyor belt shabu brings fresh twist to Vientiane’s dining scene

In the heart of Vientiane, a culinary innovation is turning heads and tantalising taste buds. The country’s first conveyor belt shabu restaurant owned and operated by Lao entrepreneurs, not a franchise, has officially opened its doors, introducing a fresh, interactive dining concept to the capital.
Blending the traditional Japanese hotpot experience with the distinctive flavours of Lao cuisine, the restaurant offers food lovers a unique place to dine, where convenience meets creativity and quality.

Ms Anith Sivisay, owner of the Khopchai Shabu restaurant.

The restaurant, known as Khopchai Shabu, derives its name from the Lao word for “thank you” - a heartfelt expression of gratitude to customers.
“Khopchai shabu refers to a hotpot dish, and our family decided this was an appropriate name to thank customers who come to eat at our restaurant,” the owner Ms Anith Sivisay said. The first branch opened in 2017 at the Vientiane Center shopping mall.
What distinguishes this establishment is its conveyor belt system. Plates laden with premium meats, fresh seafood, vegetables, and other side dishes circulate throughout the restaurant, allowing diners to select their preferred items directly from the belt. The result is an engaging and efficient approach to hotpot dining, offering variety and speed in every bite.
Ms Anith shared how the idea was born from international experiences. “Having visited many restaurants in other countries, we saw the popularity of conveyor belt shabu in other countries and we wanted to bring something and innovative to the dining scene here in Laos.”
“This style of dining allows guests to have full control over their meal. It adds a modern flair and pleasure to an important occasion or beloved tradition,” she added.
At the heart of the concept is a dedication to quality and freshness. “From fresh meats like thinly sliced beef, fish, and pork, and a wide variety of fresh vegetables, the ingredients are sourced locally, ensuring that every dish is fresh and full of flavour,” Ms Anith said.
Certain premium items, including shrimp, fish, and squid, are imported to maintain a diverse selection of flavours.
“Some meat and seafood options such as shrimp, fish, and squid, which are imported, have been carefully selected and also make their way around the conveyor belt, adding an extra layer of flavour to the experience,” she added.

Food is dispatched on a conveyor belt.

A signature feature of the restaurant is its soup base and dipping sauces, including a beetroot-based sauce that contains no monosodium glutamate (MSG). Customers can choose from spicy, herbal, or mild broths, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and flavour preferences.
“We also use some Lao-made noodles and some fresh vegetable to include Lao identity in the conveyor belt. It’s a good selling point and attracts more foreign customers,” Ms Anith said.

Colourful plates of premium meats, fresh seafood, vegetables, and other side dishes.

More than just a place to eat, the restaurant aims to create a memorable and enjoyable experience. Diners are greeted by a colourful array of plates moving past them, turning every meal into a playful, interactive event.
“This type of dining is very sociable; it encourages sharing and trying different things. It’s perfect for families, friends, and even corporate gatherings and we have a VIP zone available where people can engage and talk while enjoying the food,” Ms Anith said.
For those who prefer something specific, the restaurant also provides an à la carte menu to complement the conveyor belt offerings, ensuring flexibility for all guests.

Happy customers enjoy their food.

The launch of the conveyor belt shabu restaurant is a significant milestone in Laos’ evolving culinary landscape. As Vientiane grows and diversifies, the appetite for modern dining experiences continues to expand.
“We didn’t just open the restaurant because we wanted to serve quality, fresh, clean and safe food. We also wanted to provide local people with jobs and boost farmers’ incomes,” Ms Anith said.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of shabu or new to the concept, this restaurant offers a delightful way to enjoy a cherished tradition in a contemporary setting.
With three branches now open at the Vientiane Center (tel: 021 228 999), the Lao-ITECC Mall (tel: 021 456 222), and the View Mall (tel: 021 716 555), Khopchai Shabu invites you to celebrate Lao New Year or any special occasion with family and friends in a truly unique way.

By Lamphone Phasanthong
 (Latest Update April 11, 2025)