Chef Kevin Tien debuts new Vietnamese restaurant in Tysons
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Beef pho at Chao Ban, chef Kevin Tien's new Vietnamese concept at Tysons Galleria. Photo: Courtesy Rey Lopez
Chef Kevin Tien's Chao Ban, a casual new Vietnamese-American restaurant at Tysons Galleria, opens today.
Why it matters: Tien built a loyal following (and racked up Michelin and James Beard nods) for his modern Vietnamese cooking at Moon Rabbit. Now, he's going back to his roots — with a unique, wallet-friendly format.
State of play: The restaurant, which has its own dining room, debuts in the luxe mall's food hall. Service is hybrid — guests can have a full-service experience ordering from a QR code or server, or go fast-casual with counter orders.
- It's in partnership with Alan Vo, his Hot Lola's collaborator.
- Vo, like Tien, is a first-generation Vietnamese-American raised in Louisiana, and the menu pulls from their backgrounds.
On the menu:
- Snacks like nuoc cham chicken wings and honey-pecan shrimp.
- Pho, including a beef version with slow-simmered broth and braised brisket.
- Bánh mì stuffed with crispy catfish, lemongrass-grilled chicken and more,
- Rice platters and Vietnamese stews — served with a baguette for sopping up the rich lemongrass broths.
What's next: A Vietnamese coffee and tea program is coming soon, plus beer and wine when permits allow.
Zoom out: Galleria's food hall — originally home to the ill-fated Isabella Eatery — has cycled through a few identities. It's now filling up with tasty local ventures like Andy's Pizza and Birds Eye Thai.
If you go: Chao Ban. 2001 International Drive, 3rd floor. McLean, VA