Thailand’s steamed-bun chain Phoenix Lava has erupted in Vietnam, opening with four stores in Ho Chi Minh City.

Its flagship store is in District 3 with the other outlets in Districts 1 and 5,  and one in the Vinhomes Central Park development in the Binh Thanh district.

Inspired by Japanese-style lava buns and cakes, Phoenix Lava offers seven flavours for its phoenix-shaped buns – Uji tea, bamboo charcoal, chocolate, durian, cheese/bacon, pork and salted duck egg.

Founded in 2013, the company has six branches in its homeland.