Singer Chi Pu to open second branch of pho restaurant in China

Chi Pu, a 31-year-old pop singer and actress, gained recognition on Forbes’ Asia Pacific’s 100 most influential digital stars list in 2020.
Being active in Vietnam and China, she frequently travels between both markets. On her visits to Shanghai, she often stops by La Ganh, which she co-founded with two friends and opened in October last year.
The restaurant’s launch in Shanghai bolstered Chi Pu’s presence in the Chinese market, following her successful participation in the popular reality show “Sisters Who Make Waves,” where her performances drew significant attention, leading to a sixth-place finish.

The singer recently revealed plans to open another branch of La Ganh in Shanghai, following the first one’s successful business performance.

Although the new branch’s exact location hasn’t been disclosed, La Ganh’s social media has teased it with photos, hinting at a possible location on Dongyu Road, a major business area in Shanghai. The new branch is reportedly expected to open in early 2024. Chi Pu’s fans have expressed enthusiasm on Weibo, suggesting further expansion in cities like Guangzhou, Beijing, and Hunan.

Meanwhile, La Ganh’s first branch recently introduced pho ga (chicken pho) to its menu.
The Vietnamese singer expressed her fondness for the dish on Instagram on Dec. 27, 2023, writing: “The weather in Shanghai is cold, but my stomach is warm as it is filled with a delicious bowl of Vietnamese pho.”
“Welcome to La Ganh to try our new Chicken Pho.”

A serving of the new dish is similar to that of pho bo (pho served with beef) that La Ganh has been serving, containing a bowl of pho, two Vietnamese twisted bagels, and a poached egg. Kumquat and chili sauce are presented along with the dish for seasonings.

The restaurant is also known for its meticulous takeaway service, which is commonly-used in China.

Chi Pu personally served La Ganh’s customers on its opening day. A crowd of her fans were also drawn to the place to show their support despite rainy weather.

La Ganh has received numerous positive reviews on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin, particularly for its flavorful, meat-rich dishes. The house’s pho broth is reportedly prepared by simmering ox bones with herbs and spices for 12 hours.

Given the limited seating capacity of about 10 in the first La Ganh, fans are hopeful for a larger space in the new branch.

Several of Chi Pu’s celebrity friends, including actress-singer Celina Jade, supermodel Qu Ying, and Thai influencer Sono Nui, have visited the restaurant.