Sabaidee! Welcome to Sep Lai! We serve traditional Laotian food using many local ingredients to create unique and authentic dishes. As is the norm in Laos, all our dishes are made to be shared! Although you may find similarities with other Southeast Asian dishes such as Thai or Vietnamese dishes, Lao cuisine is a distinct cuisine with its own complex and exciting flavors. Full of fresh herbs, raw vegetables, flavorful meats and always accompanied by a basket of sticky rice, we are proud to share this cuisine with everyone, including vegans, vegetarians and those sensitive to gluten! We hope that the dishes of our parents and grandparents will inspire you with the same comfort and joy as they do us, and that you will exclaim: "Sep lai! It was delicious!"
Details
Our Specialties
Spring rolls, Imperial rolls, Khao Poon soup, Papaya salad, Laap, Som Pak, Lao burger & Winter melon noodle soup.
Sep Lai is widely appreciated as a cozy, welcoming gem in the neighborhood, celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Laotian cuisine. Many guests enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the beautiful backyard terrace, which provides a perfect setting for sharing a variety of fresh, well-presented dishes. The tasting menu is frequently highlighted as a fantastic way to explore the diverse textures and bold, aromatic spices of the food, with popular items including the Khao Poon soup, crispy Nem Khao, and the pandan crème brûlée. While experiences with service speeds and dish seasoning can vary, many diners value the thoughtful, friendly staff and the convenience of the bring-your-own-wine policy, making it a popular destination for casual gatherings and group events.
If you are looking for an incredible introduction to authentic Laotian cuisine in Montreal, the family-style tasting menu at Sep Lai in Pointe-Saint-Charles is an absolute steal at $54 a person. The pacing splits the meal into beautifully balanced stages, prioritizing fresh herbs, bright acids, & complex textures over standard takeout tropes.
Fried Rolls with Vegetables: Crisply fried wrappers with a savory vegetable filling, made even better by the signature, tangy Dao sauce. A good start to a great meal ahead.
Broth Khao Poon: A standout comfort bowl. The red curry & coconut milk broth manages to be incredibly rich & aromatic without feeling heavy. So much flavour bringing us back to our Tom yums we got in Thailand.
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Tam Mak Houng (Papaya Salad): Bracingly vibrant, funky, & packing a sharp, spicy punch. It cuts beautifully through the richer items on the table.
The Chicken Laap: A beautiful execution of the national dish of Laos. It is incredibly fresh, finely minced, & heavily perfumed with fresh Laotian Herbs. So freaking good & light!
Nem Khao (Crispy Rice with Pork Sausages): A textures-driven masterpiece. The crunch of the seasoned rice mixed with the savory, sour pork sausage creates the ultimate bite.
Sai Oua Balls: Perfectly spiced lemongrass porkballs. The herbal notes shine through, especially when dunked in the accompanying jeow som (a sour, spicy dipping sauce). One of the favourite of the meal.
Ping Kai: Simple but flawlessly executed grilled chicken skewers. They arrive juicy, smoky from the grill, & are served with a savory jeow for dipping.
We also got the giant shrimp Mok PA! So delicious, perfectly cooked & tender & accompanied with that herbaceous sauce!
The Verdict: For $54, this is easily one of the best-valued tasting menus in the city. Because Sep Lai is a cozy, intimate spot, the food feels deeply personal & home-cooked, offering a massive variety of bold Southeast Asian flavors without breaking the bank.
Jun 14, 2026
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Wow! What a little gem of a place.
Right by Charlevoix metro, it's super accessible either by public transit or by cycling from the nearby canal bike path.
We decided to order the tasting menu for 2, which had most of the items we wanted anyways. Plus, our server modified some items for similar ones that we preferred!
The spring rolls were incredibly fresh & tasty, & the peanut butter sauce was pure goodness. Same thing for the soup!
I'd say it's not the ideal place for vegetarians as there's a lot of fish & oyster sauce in most of the meals, but it's perfect for pescatarians.
They also use local mushrooms & shrimps from Gaspesie.
The mini crème brûlée was the perfect ending to the night.
They're a shared-table style of restaurant, but the tables are very big so you wouldn't feel much different than at regular tables that are close to each other.
I can't wait to come back for the terrasse!
We were really looking forward to trying Sep Lai for authentic Lao food, but unfortunately, it was a huge disappointment. Every dish we ordered was dominated by an overwhelming artificial lime flavor that tasted anything but authentic.
The sai oua (Lao sausage) was far too salty, & both the papaya salad & mango salad were nearly inedible. The nem khao & laab gai (chicken) didn't fare any better. In fact, we barely finished the dishes we ordered - which says a lot.
When a place advertises as authentic, you expect freshness & balance, but this was the opposite. I do not recommend Sep Lai & will not be back.
Great neighborhood treasure ...creative, delicious Laotian cuisine. Dinner last night was so good I thanked the chef. Everything she prepared was delicious & fresh, with great combinations of flavors. The tapioca & taro pudding with coconut cream & black sesame seeds is one of the best desserts I've ever had. Charming terrace out back in the summer.
