525 The Terrace, Luang Prabang
Words: Alison Christ
Photos: Monica Tindall
Monica and I are filled with enthusiasm and pleasure from all the wonderful things Luang Prabang and its people offer. On our second day here, after we had a magical meditation in a temple filled with golden buddhas, a walk through the very local morning market, and a lovely traditional lunch on the Mekong, we made a quick stop at Lu La Lao coffee, where we have some exceptionally well roasted local beans. Mine is poured into a beautiful black coffee and a latte with art for Mon. As I am smelling and sipping my brew, I look up and see a smiling man coming in for his coffee pleasure of the day; of course, he knows Monica and gives her a big hug as we are introduced. He is Andrew, a local business owner and long-time Laos resident. Andrew has awesome positive energy flowing from him, and in my head, I say, man, I hope we get to hang out with this guy.
525 The Terrace, Luang Prabang
My wish is answered, and Monica tells me Andrew is the owner of 525 The Terrace, where we are to have cocktails tomorrow afternoon. Sweet! Sometimes, rarely, but sometimes, when you meet someone, in the very first few seconds, you know you are going to be friends. This is what happened with me and Andrew (or maybe it was just me because this is my brain talking right now). Anyway, I can’t wait to see him again tomorrow.
Monica and I are on our way to see Andrew and his team over at 525 The Terrace to visit their new spot in Luang Prabang, located on the riverside overlooking the Mekong. They will be serving up classic cocktails, plus new 525 creations, a nice selection of wine, beer and authentic Luang Prabang snacks. I can think of almost nothing better than spending a sunny afternoon sitting under an ancient gigantic tree shading you from the otherwise killer sun enjoying delicious cocktails with friends along the Mekong River.
Monica has already enjoyed spending time with Andrew in his previous business pre-Covid, 525, on the other side of town. After we met at Lu La Lao coffee yesterday, Monica told me the story of the name 525. A long time ago, in a faraway land called London, there used to be a guy named Andrew and a friend/ co-worker who would every day at five minutes to 5:00 pm grab his jacket and hit Andrew on the arm and say, “Man, it’s five to five, let’s get the heck out of the office and into happy hour.” I loved this story so much, I knew we were going to get along great. It reminds me of a friend I follow on socials who posts almost every day – a selfie with something delicious in his glass. The quote always says “Hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!”
And yes, it is! Today just happens to be rolling towards 5 pm as Monica and I are literally baking in the Luang Prabang sun. It’s afternoon and not the rainy season in LP, and that means one thing… sunshine, like fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk, powerful sunshine. We take a quick right off the main sidewalk and find ourselves in a lush, green, magical garden, fully stocked with wine on ice (I’m really thirsty now), the coolest mini-bus-bar set up ever, comfy lounges and a few romantic tables for two, along with Andrew and Charles’ radiating smiles, one of the warmest welcomes ever.
All shaded by this epic-hundreds-of-years-old Samsa tree (as the locals call it). This amazing beast of a tree literally has changed the temperature by 15 degrees. It’s unreal. Andrew tells us to pick our spot… oh, I’m good at picking our spot. Mon, are you okay here? I point to a lounge under a long branch of this tree. Mon says of course. I get comfortable, and I can see myself sitting here all day and all night long. The vibe is vibing; it’s a sidewalk, but it’s more like The Secret Garden, a book I read as a kid about a girl who wanders off behind a tree and finds a magic place. This is my magic place, 525 The Terrace (where it’s always 5 o’clock), and I haven’t even had a drink yet.
525 The Terrace Menu & Prices
Andrew and Charles are wasting no time and pass me the list. I know what I want… Jungle Boogie (USD 8 or Kips 176 in local currency). Yes, you hear it, too, right? Jungle Boogie… GET DOWN, GET DOWN, GET DOWN, GET DOWN. This one is long, refreshing and fun, and it makes you wanna get down with Havana 3-year-old rum, fresh pineapple and a splash of Campari. I am 100% satisfied and would be happy to continue on the Jungle Boogie if not for the sake of writing and sharing our experiences.
If I must twist my arm, I will choose another. My other favourite spirit besides rum is anything agave (mezcal and tequila) so here I go with the Spicy Margarita (USD 8). I have always liked a bit of spice in my life, and this one is a fiery riff on the classic with tequila, fresh chilli, cucumber, lime, and sugar, as well as a chilli salt rim. I love a chilli salt rim job along the Mekong under this amazing tree!
Monica, as you may have noticed, loves two things. Well, she loves many things, but when it comes to cocktails, it’s two things, Gin and Negronis. Mon’s first choice is the Asian G&T (USD 8), which is uplifting and relaxing at the same time, with Tanqueray Gin, lemongrass, Thai basil, tonic and pepper wood. This is my first time trying or even hearing about pepper wood. It is used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine and aromatherapy to add a unique flavour profile to food and drinks. It has a citrusy, peppery character. Monica is pleased. I have a sip, and this could almost pull me over to the G&T side, with all the Asian flavours we love and the intriguing pepper wood.
Can you guess Mon’s next drink? It was also a favourite of Anthony Bourdain, who used to spend a lot of time, probably drinking Negronis, along the Mekong. Whenever I see this river, I think of him. We toast in his honour with Monica’s classics Negroni (USD 10) made with Tanqueray No. 10, Campari, Miro Rojo Vermouth, and an orange twist. Equally as important as its counterparts is the quality vermouth and the Miro Rojo is fine and I’d quite enjoy just sipping on that on ice alone.
Wine-by-the Glass Luang Prabang
As I get older, I have a hard time mixing alcoholic beverages – like if I start with wine, I need to stick with wine, etc. Monica suggests we switch to wine to get a complete story on 525 The Terrace. Andrew says, “If you do that, I will start drinking,” so I happily oblige the mixing of cocktails and wine, so our gracious host may join us for a glass. Charles, 525’s manager, has been with Andrew for a long time, many years. You can see their comradery is genuine, and Charles happily serves us each a different wine.
The list has an impressive selection of whites, reds, rosé and bubbles with a few by the glass starting at USD 7 a glass. The by-the-glass selection changes daily. You can pop on over to the “bus,” where they have the bottles chilling on ice, to have a look yourself, or of course, if you don’t feel like moving, Charles will be happy to tell you what’s open today. We are offered a few to choose from, which I love because typically, in Asia, you get one white and one red and zero rosé options, so drinking wine by the glass is usually no fun. Here at 525 The Terrace, it’s all about options and fun!
I go for the Gabia Classico Vinho Verde from Portugal (USD 7)… and Monica gets the Borsao Bodegas Campo de Borja, Spanish Rose (USD 7). Andrew says, we can’t have wine without snacks. Yes, please. We love snacks! Out comes some perfectly wine-friendly nibbles… toasted local Cashews (USD 4) and Peanuts (USD 4) with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves (a Mekong staple). We also munch on Lao Pimentos (USD 3), local de-seeded and seasoned chillies. These are not too spicy and are full of flavour, making the wine go down all too smoothly. Andrew tells us he’s working on adding some more substantial food options; literally, being located on a sidewalk with no kitchen is the challenge, but I am sure he will figure out some yummy dishes.
It’s not easy getting wine here in Luang Prabang. First, it comes from its place of origin, say Italy or Australia, and then it usually goes to Bangkok, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang. It’s a long, expensive journey, and the wines must be temperature-controlled along the way. So, to find a nice selection of affordable wines like this, with even some organic wines, is no easy feat. I’m impressed. I am also grateful for everyone along the supply chain, including Andrew, who has made this possible so we can enjoy my favourite beverage along the mystical Mekong under the shade of this spectacular Samsa tree.
Zero-proof & Low ABV Drinks Luang Prabang
If you happen to have been born a Millennial or Gen Z and participate in a phenomenon called teetotalling or abstinence from alcohol, or you prefer low-ABV options, fear not. You too can sit here in the glorious garden and not get drunk and hopefully enjoy every second of it. 525 The Terrace offers a selection of mocktails, fresh juices and interesting sodas, also some low ABV choices like a 5% Mimosa with freshly squeezed OJ (USD 6).
525 The Terrace
We are having a glorious time chatting and working our way through the non-alcoholic beverages (just kidding, seeing if you’re paying attention). I love hearing Andrew’s COVID-19 success stories. I know how impossible it was for restaurateurs. He also tells us that every member of his staff is a part owner, and they reap the benefits of profit sharing. Talk about giving back to the community. This is awesome. Most F&B staff in Asia work hard and get paid low wages. There are a few exceptions, of course, like working with Andrew at 525 The Terrace in Luang Prabang or 525 Eat & Drink in Vientiane.
Monica reminds me that we have a dinner to get to and we must be on our way. I don’t want to leave and I would happily stay for a glass of Primitivo from Puglia, Italy, but I understand, we must depart. Seriously though, If I lived in Luang Prabang, I would be here every day. I’m definitely coming back, hopefully soon, we might even do a wine event together in the near future (stay posted to The Yum List to find out). We have a quick photoshoot and many hugs. I’m sad to leave but so happy to have been here at 525 The Terrace and to get to know Andrew and Charles. Until next time.
Reasons to visit 525 The Terrace: Awesome place for day drinking, sunset drinking or evening drinking, support a business that gives to the local community, smiling faces, great hospitality, awesome cocktails, a nice selection of eclectic, affordable wines, the tree and the magic garden, enjoy the Mekong like Bourdain used to.
525 The Terrace
Khem Khong, Luang Prabang,
Laos, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 0000
+856 20 5666 5046
https://525eatanddrink.com/reserve
525 The Terrace Opening Hours
Daily: 1 pm onwards
Find more gourmet travel recommendations for Laos here, and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Asia via The Yum List on Instagram and The Yum List on Facebook.