Crystal Jade to open first outlet in Laos in Q4 2025, with over 10 others in pipeline
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Crystal Jade currently has over 80 outlets in more than 10 countries and regions worldwide, including China, Vietnam and South Korea.
PHOTO: ST FILE
SINGAPORE - Restaurant chain Crystal Jade will open its first outlet in Laos in the fourth quarter of 2025 as part of its plans to expand into the South-east Asian country, where a rising middle class and urbanisation present opportunities for the group, it said on March 3.
The Singapore-based dining brand has plans to open five outlets there in the next few years, and more than 10 locations across the country eventually, it added in a statement.
The first Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen in Laos will welcome diners at Kokkok Mega Patuxay mall, in the city centre of Vientiane, in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The mall is slated to open later in 2025.
The main outlet of the contemporary Hong Kong-style restaurant chain will distinguish itself from traditional casual dining places by offering private dining rooms specifically designed for families, business gatherings and special celebrations, said Crystal Jade in its statement.
The restaurant’s menu will feature signature Cantonese classics, including dim sum selections such as siew mai, char siew pau and har gow (shrimp dumplings), complemented by barbecue specialities, including Crystal Jade’s signature pork belly, Peking duck and soya sauce chicken.
“We see strong demand for premium international dining experiences in the market. The country’s rising middle class, urbanisation and increasing consumer spending power present a great opportunity for high-quality Chinese cuisine,” said Mr Peter Cheong, chief executive officer of Crystal Jade Group.
He added that Laos has been attracting international brands and foreign investment, signalling a growing appetite for diverse and premium food and beverage offerings.
Crystal Jade restaurants in Laos will be operated under a franchise partnership with Kolao Group, a well-established conglomerate in Laos, with interests in the automotive, real estate, hospitality, and food and beverage sectors.
The collaboration allows Crystal Jade to leverage Kolao Group’s local market expertise, Mr Cheong said.
Crystal Jade currently has over 80 outlets in more than 10 countries and regions worldwide, including China, Vietnam and South Korea.
Rosalind Ang is a business journalist who has been with The Straits Times since 2021. She covers e-commerce and stories on retail businesses.
