Supper clubs in Dubai: Lisa Vo of Haus Of Vo on dreams, dishes and dumpling making 

The menu fuses together Chinese and Vietnamese influences. 

Lisa Vo is a corporate professional by day and a supper club culinary creative by night. Born in Schwarzwald, Germany, she is of Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. As her parents were restaurateurs, she gained a love of cooking from a young age. During COVID-19, she explored the passion and launched Haus of Vo in Dubai. As the host Madame Vo, she welcomes guests to her DIFC home and shares food from her family background. 

What was the inspiration behind Haus of Vo?

In 2020, amidst the peak of the pandemic, I made a personal promise that once the world returned to normalcy, I would pursue a secret dream. During the lockdown, it became clear that we need two things to survive and thrive: food and human connection. So, Haus of Vo came to life – a supper club with a mission to bring strangers together over cuisine and conversation.

Tell us about the cuisine at Haus of Vo.

Haus of Vo is a Vietnamese-Chinese supper club. Each dish is infused with my heritage and personal journey. It offers a chance to sample flavours from the two countries, and they have been created with a touch of the sophistication and global flair that can be found in Dubai. The seasonal menu is a testament to my roots, and it offers an array of dishes that are as authentic as they are innovative.  

Share something amazing that has happened at the supper club. 

One evening, two guests – who happened to be single – hit it off at the table. They were chatting and laughing like old friends. Not long after, I received a message that they had started dating. I was so inspired, so I started a monthly singles’ night. It’s about bringing together food lovers who are up for a bit of adventure. Fast forward 14 months later, the couple are now engaged. It’s incredible to think their journey from chance table mates to life partners started with a simple dinner at my humble table. 

If someone is thinking about visiting a supper club, share etiquette tips.

First and foremost, it’s important to arrive on time. Supper clubs often have a carefully curated flow to the evening, and being punctual means you won’t miss out on any part of the experience. I encourage you to be open to new experiences. Supper clubs are all about exploring culinary adventures and sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a dish you’ve never heard of or indulging in a dumpling masterclass, keeping an open mind is key.

Another essential aspect is to engage with others. These events are wonderful opportunities to connect with fellow foodies. You might find yourself seated next to someone with a fascinating story to tell or a shared passion for adventurous dining. 

What are your ambitions for the supper club? 

I am constantly looking for new ways to expand and evolve the supper club. In the near future, I will continue to explore new locations and collaborations. I am a firm believer in the unified voices of grassroots entities coming together, so expect to see more unique partnerships with small, homegrown businesses. Themed menus and immersive events are also in the pipeline. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.

GO: Follow @hausofvo on Instagram for more information.