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Chef Kevin Tien is blending Vietnamese street food with flavors from Louisiana, Sichuan and Nashville at Chao Ban, his new 36-seat counter-service restaurant in Tysons Galleria.

The Vietnamese-American concept opened in early March with a one-page menu spanning shareable snacks, banh mi sandwiches, noodles, rice platters, bowls and baguettes. Its playful dishes carry names such as “Piggy Stardust,” “Shrimply the Best” and “Don’t Curry, Be Happy!”

Tien said the casual atmosphere and cheeky names are intended to make the restaurant feel fun and approachable from the beginning of a meal.

The menu’s cross-cultural influences are especially clear in “Hot in Herre,” a hot chicken sandwich combining Sichuan and Nashville flavors. Honey Pecan Shrimp adds candied pecans, while the Rabbit Candy drink draws inspiration from Chinese White Rabbit candy. It mixes toasted sesame, condensed milk and oat milk into a lightly sweet beverage with creamy, nutty notes.

Tien is particularly enthusiastic about Saigon Salsa, a charred Vietnamese-style salsa served with fried shrimp chips. It brings together lemongrass, garlic, ginger, chipotle peppers and roasted tomatoes.

Tien said his years working for chef José Andrés, particularly at Oyamel, helped him learn the techniques behind making salsa.

Chao Ban means “hello, friend,” a name that reflects the restaurant’s accessible approach. The concept occupies the middle ground between Hot Lola’s, Tien’s fast-casual chicken sandwich business, and Moon Rabbit, his upscale modern Vietnamese restaurant.

Moon Rabbit reopened in Washington’s Chinatown neighborhood in January 2024, one year after closing at The Wharf. It was later recognized by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants organization, and Tien was a 2024 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

Chao Ban also continues Tien’s partnership with managing partner Alan Vo. The two previously opened Hot Lola’s together. At the new restaurant, Vo oversees daily operations and works on areas including menu development and the guest experience.

Chao Ban currently offers dine-in service, with takeout expected to follow. The restaurant is on the third floor of Tysons Galleria at 2001 International Drive in McLean.