Lan Viet Market
About Lan Viet:
Lan Viet is a beloved North Market destination serving authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine. Known especially for its rich, aromatic pho and perfectly balanced banh mi, Lan Viet brings the fresh, delicate flavors of Hanoi to Columbus. Owned and operated by Khanh Le and his mother Lan Pham, the restaurant has been a North Market staple since 2010, consistently earning praise for its authenticity, generous portions, and consistent quality. Every dish is made from family recipes, crafted with fresh ingredients, and reflects a deep respect for Vietnamese culinary traditions. Lan Viet’s pho broth, simmered for 24 hours, is a standout—deeply flavorful, nourishing, and lovingly made from scratch. Their banh mi sandwiches are another favorite, known for their perfect balance of texture and taste: crisp bread, fresh herbs, and savory fillings that capture the soul of Northern Vietnamese street food. Today, Lan Viet operates at both the Downtown North Market and North Market Bridge Park, where the Le family continues to share their heritage through food.
How Did the Idea Come About:
Lan Viet’s story began when Khanh Le, then a college student at The Ohio State University, worked for the original owners of Lan Viet. When they decided to sell in 2010, Khanh encouraged his parents to purchase the business, recognizing its potential and its place within the North Market community. At first, the Le family kept the menu and operation exactly as it was, preserving what customers already loved. After graduating from OSU in 2012, Khanh began introducing recipes from his family’s home region in Northern Vietnam, combining his mother’s traditional dishes with his own culinary creativity. From there, Lan Viet evolved into what it is today—a reflection of family, authenticity, and growth. In 2020, they expanded to a second location at North Market Bridge Park, continuing to serve loyal fans while introducing new customers to their Northern Vietnamese flavors.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a Part of the North Market?
For Khanh Le, the North Market holds a special place in his heart. “I have a soft spot for the Market,” he says. “The energy here is infectious and nostalgic.” Having worked at the Market when he was younger, Khanh loves the sense of community, history, and connection that the space fosters. He thrives on interacting with customers, seeing familiar faces return week after week, and being part of a shared culinary experience that’s both personal and local. Khanh also values how the Market has allowed Lan Viet to become self-sufficient, giving him time to focus on his family and his passion for cooking—including designing his own custom kitchen at home.
What are Must Orders on the Menu?
- Hanoi Style Pho
- Traditional Bahn Mi
- Grilled pork in the rice/noodle bowl
- Summer Rolls
Story of Khanh Le and Lan Viet:
The story of Lan Viet is also the story of Khanh Le—a chef and entrepreneur who turned lessons, challenges, and family recipes into a thriving, respected brand. After college, Khanh opened another restaurant that didn’t succeed as planned, but he considers it one of his greatest teachers. “I learned a ton from that experience,” he says. That failure fueled his growth, helping him adapt and evolve Lan Viet through changing times and new challenges. Through it all, the heart of Lan Viet remains unchanged: it’s about family, authenticity, and passion for Vietnamese food. The menu today is rooted in Khanh’s mother Lan Pham’s recipes, with flavors true to their Northern Vietnamese heritage—clean, balanced, and deeply comforting. Khanh’s love for cooking, creating, and connecting through food continues to drive him forward. While Lan Viet remains a cornerstone of the North Market, he’s also exploring new culinary concepts for the future—all built on the same foundation of authenticity, community, and heart.
Phone:
614-805-6222
Website:
Merchant's operating hours:
Sunday & Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.