Crab Hot Lau Vancouver

Crab Hot Lau: Vancouver's Best Vietnamese Restaurant for Northern-Style Crab Hot Pot

Crab Hot Lau has won Best Vietnamese at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards three years running (2024, 2025 and 2026). Owner and chef Cherry Pham serves the Northern Vietnamese home cooking of her hometown, Hai Phong, and its signature rice field crab hot pot has become one of the city's must-try dishes.

Here's what to order at Crab Hot Lau.

About Crab Hot Lau

Pham immigrated to Canada about a decade ago and could not find food that matched her memories of Northern Vietnam. She opened Crab Hot Lau on Kingsway in late 2021 with no restaurant experience.

Its success led to new locations at UBC and on Granville Street in South Granville, which adds Vietnamese-style barbecue.

The Menu

How It Works

Soups and noodle dishes are served all day. The signature hot pots are the main event; at UBC they are served after 5 p.m.

What to Order

• Rice field crab hot pot (lẩu cua đồng): with seasonal vegetables, house-made fish cakes, pork in piper leaves and red rice noodles.
• Square crab spring rolls (nem cua bể): made with special imported rice paper.
• Oxtail hot pot: with a broth simmered for more than 24 hours.
• Beef carpaccio salad: a judges' favourite.
• Vietnamese coffee and avocado smoothie: to finish.

Dietary Needs

Vietnamese menus use fish sauce widely. Ask staff about vegetarian, gluten-free or allergy-friendly options.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

Casual, bright and great for sharing.

• Best for: groups and hot pot nights
• Price: affordable
• Dress code: casual
• Locations: Kingsway, UBC and South Granville

Location: Kingsway (Little Saigon), Vancouver

The original Crab Hot Lau is at 2141 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T4, in the heart of the Kingsway Vietnamese corridor. Other locations are at 2993 Granville Street (South Granville) and 2192 Western Parkway (UBC).

Hours of Operation

Hours vary by location. Check before visiting.

Reservations

• Reservations are available and recommended for hot pot groups.

Price Range

Crab Hot Lau is affordable, with most mains around $30 or less.

Awards and Recognition

• Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards: Gold, Best Vietnamese (2024, 2025, 2026)

Contact Information

• Address: 2141 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T4
• Phone: 604-423-3633
• Website: crabhotlau.ca
• Instagram: @crabhotlau.vancouver
• Neighbourhood: Kingsway (Little Saigon), Vancouver
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crab Hot Lau known for?

Its Northern Vietnamese rice field crab hot pot.

Has it won awards?

Gold for Best Vietnamese from Vancouver Magazine three years in a row.

Who owns Crab Hot Lau?

Chef Cherry Pham, from Hai Phong.

Where is it?

2141 Kingsway, plus locations at UBC and on Granville Street.

What else should I order?

Square crab spring rolls and beef carpaccio salad.

Is it good for groups?

Yes, the hot pots are made for sharing.

Is it expensive?

No.

Does it take reservations?

Yes.