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Meet fellow Vegans near you! Come to a local Vegan Meetup and discuss living a healthy vegan lifestyle. Have delicious meals, share your favorite vegan recipes and make new friends!
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out vegan events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the vegan events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find vegan events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Vegan Events Today

Join in-person Vegan events happening right now

(Free only for forigners)Real Conversations&Friends: Meeting K-Chingu in Dajeon!
(Free only for forigners)Real Conversations&Friends: Meeting K-Chingu in Dajeon!
## **Stop Living the Typical Expat Life! Meet Real Local Friends at Culcom** 🍻✨(Free only for forigners) Are you tired of the "Home → Work → Home" routine? Finding Korean friends who actually vibe with you in English isn't always easy. That’s why we’re here. At **Culcom Daejeon**, we’re not about boring textbooks. We’re about **real connections.** Since 2004, we’ve been the go-to spot for expats and locals to hang out, share stories, and build a "second family" in Korea. 🌉🤝 *** ### **What’s Waiting for You?** 📋 * **Real Talk:** Skip the "How are you?" and dive into dating, culture, and life with 40\~70 people every night. * **Small Groups:** You'll be placed in a cozy team (5-7 people) so everyone gets a chance to speak. * **Free Perks:** Enjoy **unlimited self-service beer**, snacks, and a super chill vibe. 🍺🥨 * **Beyond the Cafe:** We don’t just sit and talk. We do ski trips, kimchi making, casino nights, and wine parties! 🎿🍷 ### **When & Where?** 📍 * **Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) * **Place:** 5F, 487, Daejong-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon (Right in the heart of the city!) * **Inquiry:** 010-8268-1638 ### **What Happens When You Arrive?** 🕒 1. **Welcome:** Chat with our friendly staff and get to know the Culcom vibe. (Don't forget to say you came through **Meetup**! 😉) 2. **1:1 Matching:** If you want, sign up for a personal language exchange partner. 3. **The Main Event (2 hours):** Meet a bunch of new Korean friends and chat away in English! ### **FAQ** 💬 * **Is there any hidden charge?** Nope, not at all. * **What if I’m late?** No worries! You're always welcome, but coming on time is more fun for everyone. 🏃‍♂️💨 * **Can I bring a friend?** Please do! We’ll give you a big hug if you bring your crew. XD 🤗 ### **Check Our Vibe!** 🎥 Curious what we actually do? Check out these clips: * [Beerpong Night 🍺](http://vimeo.com/101484635) * [Kimchi Making 🥬](http://vimeo.com/57131651) * [Casino Night 🃏](http://vimeo.com/136714567) **"Come for the English. Stay for the people."** See you at the 5th floor! 👋✨
Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)
Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)
✨❣️🎆🎇🧡🌟Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)❣️🌟🎇🎆🧡 Time: 11:00AM-13:00PM // 18:00PM - 20:00PM every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:00AM-13:00PM every weekend on Saturday, Sunday 👉 We are the awesome language exchange cafe with warm and great mood, you can learn language, and culture, meet new people, and make friends a lot( Foreigners & Korean) 🎷Free drinks, snacks and parties // Learning Korean for language exchange are available. 🌆🌌❣️ ❣️Please do not judge availability by current RSVPs through Meetup cause we’re much more active on other platforms as like Instagram and generally only receive a few RSVPs via Meetup. You can make many wonderful friends here!! Let’s make great moment altogether!!🎷🍻 Place: 1066 3rd floor, Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon our map [https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1](https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1)

Vegan Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

(Free only for forigners)Real Conversations&Friends: Meeting K-Chingu in Dajeon!
(Free only for forigners)Real Conversations&Friends: Meeting K-Chingu in Dajeon!
## **Stop Living the Typical Expat Life! Meet Real Local Friends at Culcom** 🍻✨(Free only for forigners) Are you tired of the "Home → Work → Home" routine? Finding Korean friends who actually vibe with you in English isn't always easy. That’s why we’re here. At **Culcom Daejeon**, we’re not about boring textbooks. We’re about **real connections.** Since 2004, we’ve been the go-to spot for expats and locals to hang out, share stories, and build a "second family" in Korea. 🌉🤝 *** ### **What’s Waiting for You?** 📋 * **Real Talk:** Skip the "How are you?" and dive into dating, culture, and life with 40\~70 people every night. * **Small Groups:** You'll be placed in a cozy team (5-7 people) so everyone gets a chance to speak. * **Free Perks:** Enjoy **unlimited self-service beer**, snacks, and a super chill vibe. 🍺🥨 * **Beyond the Cafe:** We don’t just sit and talk. We do ski trips, kimchi making, casino nights, and wine parties! 🎿🍷 ### **When & Where?** 📍 * **Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) * **Place:** 5F, 487, Daejong-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon (Right in the heart of the city!) * **Inquiry:** 010-8268-1638 ### **What Happens When You Arrive?** 🕒 1. **Welcome:** Chat with our friendly staff and get to know the Culcom vibe. (Don't forget to say you came through **Meetup**! 😉) 2. **1:1 Matching:** If you want, sign up for a personal language exchange partner. 3. **The Main Event (2 hours):** Meet a bunch of new Korean friends and chat away in English! ### **FAQ** 💬 * **Is there any hidden charge?** Nope, not at all. * **What if I’m late?** No worries! You're always welcome, but coming on time is more fun for everyone. 🏃‍♂️💨 * **Can I bring a friend?** Please do! We’ll give you a big hug if you bring your crew. XD 🤗 ### **Check Our Vibe!** 🎥 Curious what we actually do? Check out these clips: * [Beerpong Night 🍺](http://vimeo.com/101484635) * [Kimchi Making 🥬](http://vimeo.com/57131651) * [Casino Night 🃏](http://vimeo.com/136714567) **"Come for the English. Stay for the people."** See you at the 5th floor! 👋✨
Real Conversations&Friends: Meeting K-Chingu in Dajeon!
Real Conversations&Friends: Meeting K-Chingu in Dajeon!
## **Stop Living the Typical Expat Life! Meet Real Local Friends at Culcom** 🍻✨ Are you tired of the "Home → Work → Home" routine? Finding Korean friends who actually vibe with you in English isn't always easy. That’s why we’re here. At **Culcom Daejeon**, we’re not about boring textbooks. We’re about **real connections.** Since 2004, we’ve been the go-to spot for expats and locals to hang out, share stories, and build a "second family" in Korea. 🌉🤝 *** ### **What’s Waiting for You?** 📋 * **Real Talk:** Skip the "How are you?" and dive into dating, culture, and life with 40\~70 people every night. * **Small Groups:** You'll be placed in a cozy team (5-7 people) so everyone gets a chance to speak. * **Free Perks:** Enjoy **unlimited self-service beer**, snacks, and a super chill vibe. 🍺🥨 * **Beyond the Cafe:** We don’t just sit and talk. We do ski trips, kimchi making, casino nights, and wine parties! 🎿🍷 ### **When & Where?** 📍 * **Time:**11:00 AM – 13:00 PM (Every Weekend) * **Place:** 5F, 487, Daejong-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon (Right in the heart of the city!) * **Inquiry:** 010-8268-1638 ### **What Happens When You Arrive?** 🕒 1. **Welcome:** Chat with our friendly staff and get to know the Culcom vibe. (Don't forget to say you came through **Meetup**! 😉) 2. **1:1 Matching:** If you want, sign up for a personal language exchange partner. 3. **The Main Event (2 hours):** Meet a bunch of new Korean friends and chat away in English! ### **FAQ** 💬 * **Is there any hidden charge?** Nope, not at all. * **What if I’m late?** No worries! You're always welcome, but coming on time is more fun for everyone. 🏃‍♂️💨 * **Can I bring a friend?** Please do! We’ll give you a big hug if you bring your crew. XD 🤗 ### **Check Our Vibe!** 🎥 Curious what we actually do? Check out these clips: * [Beerpong Night 🍺](http://vimeo.com/101484635) * [Kimchi Making 🥬](http://vimeo.com/57131651) * [Casino Night 🃏](http://vimeo.com/136714567) **"Come for the English. Stay for the people."** See you at the 5th floor! 👋✨
🤗Free Korean class (for foreigners)
🤗Free Korean class (for foreigners)
Korean Class at Culcom Eunhaeng! Want to learn Korean for free? Join our Korean Class for Foreigners at Culcom Daejeon! Schedule: Every Thursday 7-8pm & Saturday 1-2pm Fee: FREE! Location: Culcom Eunhaeng A Korean class taught by a **professional Korean language instructor** for foreigners living in Korea. This class starts from the **beginner level**, so even if you don’t know Hangul or basic grammar, you’re totally welcome. We focus on real-life Korean, practical expressions, and speaking confidence not just textbook Korean. **Class Schedule** Thursday 7:00–8:00 PM Saturday 1:00–2:00 PM Small group classes, friendly atmosphere, and plenty of chances to speak and ask questions. If you want to feel more comfortable living in Korea and communicate more naturally, this class is for you. How to Join? Text 010-8268-1638 to book a consultation and get started!
Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)
Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)
✨❣️🎆🎇🧡🌟Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)❣️🌟🎇🎆🧡 Time: 11:00AM-13:00PM // 18:00PM - 20:00PM every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:00AM-13:00PM every weekend on Saturday, Sunday 👉 We are the awesome language exchange cafe with warm and great mood, you can learn language, and culture, meet new people, and make friends a lot( Foreigners & Korean) 🎷Free drinks, snacks and parties // Learning Korean for language exchange are available. 🌆🌌❣️ ❣️Please do not judge availability by current RSVPs through Meetup cause we’re much more active on other platforms as like Instagram and generally only receive a few RSVPs via Meetup. You can make many wonderful friends here!! Let’s make great moment altogether!!🎷🍻 Place: 1066 3rd floor, Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon our map [https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1](https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1)
Sunday Tea Club Regular Meetup
Sunday Tea Club Regular Meetup
Sunday Tea Club was founded in Daejeon in 2023. Created as a quiet alternative to Korea’s typical drinking and nightlife culture, the club offers a calm, meaningful way to spend your Sunday afternoons. If you’ve ever wished for a slower, more mindful space to enjoy afternoon tea and gentle conversation — you’re more than welcome to join us! Participant fee 15,000won+order 1drink(The participation fee is only paid once — at your first visit. All fees are collected and reinvested into the club to purchase new teaware, high-quality teas, or ingredients for future gatherings.)
Daejeon Langauge Exchange
Daejeon Langauge Exchange
**What to Expect** Weekly in-person language exchange meetups in a relaxed café setting. Meet locals and internationals, practice languages, and make new friends. Every round, groups rotate so you can talk to different people. **Who Comes** A mix of locals and internationals learning each other's languages. Most conversations are Korean–English, but everyone is welcome. **How It Works** 1. Join our open chat: [https://open.kakao.com/o/gLvLBEai](https://open.kakao.com/o/gLvLBEai) 2. Book your spot 3. Show up and start talking You can come alone or with friends. \-\-\-\-\- 편안한 카페 분위기에서 진행되는 주 1회 오프라인 언어 교환 모임입니다. 한국인과 외국인이 함께 만나 언어를 연습하고 새로운 사람들을 만날 수 있습니다. 매 라운드마다 그룹이 바뀌어 여러 사람과 대화할 수 있습니다. **참여 방법** 1\. 오픈채팅 참여 https://open.kakao.com/o/gLvLBEai 2\. 모임 신청 3\. 모임 참여하고 언어교환 시작 혼자 오셔도 좋고 친구와 함께 오셔도 됩니다.

Vegan Events Near You

Connect with your local Vegan community

VSDC Board Games Gathering
VSDC Board Games Gathering
Join the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) for board games in person! (We are capping the event at 16 people.) **SNACKS**: light vegan snacks will be provided by the host. This is an all-vegan event. **WHO**: All VSDC and Meetup members are invited; space is limited to the 1st 16 to sign up. **Note: you must include your first and last name and a valid phone number / email when you RSVP - only the hosts can see this additional info.** **WHEN**: Sunday, Apr 26th, from 3 pm to 6 pm. * **WHERE**: Derwood MD. For the exact location, **text or call the host** (Caroline) at least 24 hours in advance of the event: 240-261-3732. Note: Do not share the address with anyone else. **PARKING**: There is plenty of free parking in the residential neighborhood. Please read and follow all parking signs. **METRO:** This location is accessible by public transport. It is 1.5 miles from the Shady Grove Metro station (Red line). Once at Shady Grove, take Ride-On Bus 64 to Shady Grove Rd.& Briardale Rd; walk less than 0.5 miles. **WHAT TO BRING**: Your favorite game. You do not have to bring food. The host has Taboo; Chess; and Take 5. 3-4 pm: social hour 4-6 pm: games **REMEMBER: *You must include your first and last name and a valid phone number / email when you RSVP - only the hosts can see this additional info.*** **CONTACT THE HOST:** If you need to contact the organizer, call or text Caroline at 240-261-3732. ***Please plan in advance and understand that questions on the day itself may not receive a reply.*** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**
Poplar Spring Animal Santuary's 5K Run for the Animals!
Poplar Spring Animal Santuary's 5K Run for the Animals!
Join Team Rockville Vegan's for the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary's Run for the Animals 5K!! This annual event is a great way to run in a fully vegan race (that means no worrying about the post race snacks... you can eat ALL of them!) and hang out with local vegans! The race has options for both runners and walkers! There is also a virtual event if you are unable to be there on a Sunday morning. You can join our team here: [https://pro.gofundme.com/team/818034](https://pro.gofundme.com/team/818034) **Please note that you must join the team and register for the race in order to participate.** RSVPing to this event only lets us know that you are interested. **We will not be at the entrance off of Arcola, please make sure you use this address for your GPS:** Wheaton Regional Park 2000 Shorefield Road Wheaton, MD US 20902 (Shorefield Road is off Georgia Avenue.)
Indian Cuisine Veggie-Style@ Woodlands
Indian Cuisine Veggie-Style@ Woodlands
If I could eat veggies like this every day, I'd become a joyful vegetarian! You won't believe how good their food is. Don't need any meat. They have a couple of plates that have a variety of dishes to taste for $17.95 or $19.95. And of course, you can order just one dish that you prefer, and we can also have a taste of each other's food or share if you want to (but you don't have to). Kootu is excellent and so is Bhel Puri. (I'll get both next time!) Curies are all excellent. And the breads are wonderful and so are the desserts. Once you go, you'll keep going. Have a look at their menu: [Woodlands - Pure Vegetarian Cuisine Menu](https://woodlandsrestaurants.com/our-menu-woodlands/) Put this address in your GPS because Meetup doesn't know this restaurant and might not give good directions so use phone GPS. 555 Quince Orchard road, Gaithersburg, MD All aboard mates!
VSDC Volunteer Day at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary - Saturday
VSDC Volunteer Day at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary - Saturday
Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link [https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/) The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and VSDC! Stick around at the end for a group photo behind the barn. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward. We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. Rosie's Farm Sanctuary is always in need of volunteers. If you want to volunteer with them outside of VSDC's volunteer days, make sure to visit [Rosies Farm Sanctuary ](https://rosiesfarmsanctuary.org/volunteer/) to sign up. By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**
Teen/Tween Vegan potluck park day!
Teen/Tween Vegan potluck park day!
Families with teens &/tweens - bring a snack & come play/hang out! The Teen/Tween potluck meetup is normally monthly. We meet for eating, playing, conversation... I'm mom to 11 & 15 year olds. We've been vegan since 2012. This meetup is for vegan or vegan-curious youth & their families. All are welcome. If your family has a food allergy, please let me know & I'll share with the group. Make or buy vegan food to share and hang out/play. Bring: -vegan snack to share -your own drink -outdoor games/balls -chairs/blanket Please make sure the snack you bring to share is vegan. I'll provide paper towels. There is a basketball court, a small playground and a field. We'll have some frisbees. Please attend if your child is age 10 or older. Please note that there are no restroom facilities in the park. There is a church across the street. Turn into the parking lot between the small, white, Waves of Glory Church & the Norbeck-Muncaster Park sign. Event will be held in all weather. In case of inclement weather, we will hold the event at our home, 1 mile away, on our large covered patio.
Sip and Learn: Taste Fresh Herbs & Learn Indoor Gardening with LED Grow Lights!
Sip and Learn: Taste Fresh Herbs & Learn Indoor Gardening with LED Grow Lights!
Calling all foodies and gardening enthusiasts! Join us for an exclusive **Sip and Learn** event where you'll get to taste fresh, live herbs while learning how to grow your own food indoors year-round. 🌱 **Clift** will demonstrate how easy it is to grow more than **75 pounds of food** every year using **LED grow lights**—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, this event will show you how you can maximize small areas to grow delicious, pesticide-free produce. ### **What to Expect**: * **Live Herb Tasting**: Sample fresh herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, and discover their flavorful uses in your favorite dishes or drinks. * **Grow 75+ Pounds of Food**: Learn how you can grow your own fresh food year-round indoors with minimal setup. * **Indoor Gardening Benefits**: From saving on grocery bills to having pesticide-free herbs and vegetables at your fingertips, we’ll cover the perks of indoor gardening. ### **Why Attend?** * **Perfect for small spaces**—no backyard needed! * Gain expert tips on indoor gardening and sustainable food production. * A fun, engaging way to explore the benefits of fresh herbs and veggies for your meals. * Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about urban farming and sustainability. **How to Join**: Simply RSVP here to secure your spot! Bring your favorite drink or meal to pair with our live herbs. 🌿 Don’t miss out on this chance to sip, taste, and learn! Visit **[indoorgardenmarket.com](https://iwantagreenthumb.com)** to learn more, and RSVP now for a fun afternoon of herbs, learning, and indoor gardening! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com
Cheffy Vietnamese Street Food at Chao Ban!
Cheffy Vietnamese Street Food at Chao Ban!
Join us for some cheffy Vietnamese Street food from Moon Rabbit's chef, Kevin Tien, at his new conept - ***Chao Ban*** in Tysons Galleria! ***Washingtonian:*** At his upscale restaurant Moon Rabbit, chef Kevin Tien and his team reimagine Vietnamese food with modern dishes like mochi beignets with fresh eel or green-curry sponge cake. But at his new fast-casual spot, Chao Ban, in Tysons Galleria, Tien is focusing on more familiar staples like pho and banh mi—albeit with some of his usual cheffy twists. “If you want super traditional Vietnamese food, definitely go check out the original mom and pop places,” says Tien, citing Eden Center and standbys like Pho 75. “We’re just trying to do what our version is.” At Chao Ban—meaning “hello, friend”—Tien has teamed up with Alan Vo, his partner in Hot Lola’s fried chicken joint and a longtime friend from his early restaurant days in Louisiana. One of the banh mi at Chao Bun features Hot Lola’s Sichuan-chili-oil-spiked Nashville hot chicken. Other sandwiches come stuffed with salt and pepper shrimp—a nod to the chef’s late nights at New Big Wong in Chinatown—or crispy pork belly rubbed in pho spices. All of them come on bread that arrives par-baked from Leidenheimer Baking Company in New Orleans. “When you take a bite, there’s like a million crumbs everywhere, with a super soft interior,” Tien says. The toasted bread also accompanies a couple bowls, such as a lemongrass beef short rib stew or a lemongrass chicken coconut curry. Other snackier dishes include fried spring rolls, nuoc cham chicken wings, and honey pecan shrimp (a riff on honey walnut shrimp) with yuzu kosho mixed into the condensed milk drizzle. Tien expects a sleeper hit to be the shrimp chips and dip with a Vietnamese “salsa” made from charred tomatoes, chipotles, shallots, lime, and fish sauce. On the more traditional end of the menu is pho, including a beef version with 12-hour brisket and another with halal lemongrass chicken. (All the chicken on the menu is halal, and Tien is hoping to expand the offerings soon.) “We’re toasting all our spices by hand for the pho, so it’s like the freshest all our spices could be,” Tien says. Check out Chao Ban menu [here](https://www.eatchaoban.com/menu) **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. In the future, we will vary the days of the week, geography and the cost of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO GO WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding.Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will have their own tab to avoid any confusion. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with Meetup platform ($360/year) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate attendees. Thank you in advance for your understanding!\*\* If you are unable to join us in May, we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to seeing you at Chao Ban in Tysons Galleria!