Today we’d like to introduce you to La Dinner Club La Dinner Club
Hi La Dinner Club, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
We’ve always believed that the most meaningful connections happen over food. Growing up, Vietnamese cuisine wasn’t just about flavors—it was about family, stories, and traditions shared around the table. But we noticed that many people only experience a small slice of it at restaurants, missing the warmth and depth that come with a true home-cooked meal. That inspired us to create a space where food isn’t just eaten, but experienced—where every dish tells a story and every gathering sparks a connection.
Through hosting dinners, we’ve seen firsthand how food brings people together in unexpected ways. Whether it’s introducing someone to a new dish, sharing memories tied to a recipe, or simply creating an atmosphere where conversation flows effortlessly, we’ve found our purpose: to celebrate Vietnamese culture, foster genuine connections, and turn every meal into something more than just dinner—it’s an experience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest obstacles we’ve faced with our dinner club has been working within the limits of small kitchen spaces. These compact kitchens naturally restrict what we can make and how we can prep. We’ve had to adapt our menu and preparation processes to fit within these constraints, often doing as much prep work off-site as possible. It’s a constant balancing act between maintaining the quality of our dishes and working within the physical limitations of the space.
Another challenge has been finding the right balance with kitchen staffing. Early on, it was difficult to gauge how many staff members were needed to keep everything running smoothly. Too few, and our team felt stretched too thin; too many, and the space became crowded, making it difficult to move efficiently. Over time, we’ve found a sweet spot with a lean, well-coordinated team that keeps service smooth without overwhelming the kitchen.
Like any small business, we’ve also had to navigate the typical growing pains—from refining our operations and logistics to enhancing the guest experience. Each event has been a learning experience, helping us build resilience and adaptability as we continue to grow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Lá Dinner Club, we do more than just serve food—we create experiences. Inspired by the role of lá (meaning “leaf” or “herb”) in Vietnamese cuisine, we focus on freshness, depth, and the way small details can transform a meal. Each month, we bring people together over homemade Vietnamese dishes, weaving in the stories, traditions, and cultural richness that make our food so special.
What sets our work apart is the atmosphere we cultivate. Every dinner is intimate, welcoming, and designed to spark meaningful connections. Guests don’t just come to eat—they come to share, learn, and feel at home. Through thoughtful storytelling and hospitality, we aim to turn every meal into something more: an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
For all of us, food has always been more than just nourishment—it’s a language of love, care, and connection. Growing up as minorities, our homes were filled with the warmth of family gatherings and the rich aromas of home-cooked meals, each dish carrying the essence of where we came from. Food wasn’t just about eating; it was about tradition, storytelling, and the deep bonds we shared with our loved ones.
Those experiences shaped who we are and inspired us to create Lá Dinner Club. We wanted to recreate that same feeling of warmth and belonging for others—a space where food is more than just a meal, but an invitation to connect, reminisce, and celebrate culture. Through each dish, we share not just flavors but the stories and memories that made us fall in love with food in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la.dinnerclub/
Image Credits
Huan Nguyen and Michelle Lam
