Laotian cuisine, often overshadowed by its Thai and Vietnamese neighbors, is a hidden gem in Southeast Asian gastronomy. Known for its bold flavors, fresh herbs, and unique cooking techniques, Lao food offers an exciting mix of spicy, sour, and umami tastes.
Sticky rice (khao niew) is a staple of nearly every meal, making Laotians proud of their title as the “Children of Sticky Rice.” If you’re traveling to Laos, here are nine traditional dishes you must try and where to experience them.
Key Takeaways
- Laotian cuisine is a delightful mix of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique textures
- From the refreshing tang of Tam Mak Hoong to the hearty richness of Or Lam, every dish tells a story of Laos’ traditions and culture.
Laap (Larb): The National Dish of Laos
Laap, also known as Larb, is a minced meat salad made with chicken, pork, beef, duck, or fish, mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, cilantro, and toasted rice powder. It’s served with fresh vegetables and eaten with sticky rice. This dish represents prosperity and is often served at celebrations.
Where to Try It
Try the best laap at Khop Chai Deu in Vientiane or Tamarind Restaurant in Luang Prabang, where they offer a cooking class so you can learn to make it yourself.
Khao Niew (Sticky Rice): A Lao Staple
Sticky rice, or khao niew, is the heart of every Lao meal. It’s traditionally eaten with the hands by rolling small portions into a ball and dipping it into various dishes. Unlike regular steamed rice, this glutinous variety is soaked, steamed, and served in bamboo baskets.
Where to Try It
You can find sticky rice everywhere, from street food vendors to fine dining restaurants. Try it at Dyen Sabai in Luang Prabang for an authentic experience.
Tam Mak Hoong (Lao Papaya Salad)
Tam Mak Hoong is the Laotian version of papaya salad, similar to Thailand’s som tam but with a more intense umami kick. It includes shredded green papaya, fermented fish sauce (padaek), lime, chilies, garlic, tomatoes, and sugar, creating a spicy, salty, and tangy flavor explosion.
Where to Try It
Visit the Morning Market in Vientiane or Ban Anou Night Market for a freshly made plate. For a sit-down experience, Makphet Restaurant serves a refined version of this dish.
Or Lam (Lao Stew)
Or Lam is a slow-cooked stew made with buffalo meat or chicken, eggplants, mushrooms, lemongrass, and a rare spicy wood called sakhan, which gives it a peppery kick. This dish is thickened with mashed sticky rice, making it rich and hearty.
Where to Try It
Try Or Lam at Kualao Restaurant in Vientiane or Tamarind in Luang Prabang, both known for their high-quality traditional Lao dishes.
Khao Piak Sen (Lao Noodle Soup)
Khao Piak Sen is Laos’ version of chicken noodle soup, featuring thick, chewy rice noodles in a rich, aromatic broth made from slow-simmered chicken or pork. It’s often topped with fried garlic, bean sprouts, and lime for added freshness.
Where to Try It
Try it at Pho Zap in Vientiane or Noodle Soup Alley in Luang Prabang’s morning market.
Sai Oua (Lao Sausage)
Sai Oua is a flavorful grilled sausage made from minced pork mixed with herbs, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. It’s slightly spicy and is often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Where to Try It
You can find this dish at street food stalls in Vientiane’s Night Market or at restaurants like The Belle Rive Terrace in Luang Prabang.
Jeow Bong (Chili Paste with Buffalo Skin)
Jeow Bong is a famous Lao chili paste made with dried chilies, garlic, shallots, and fermented buffalo skin, giving it a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. It’s commonly eaten as a dip with sticky rice and vegetables.
Where to Try It
Find this specialty at Luang Prabang Night Market or try a homemade version at Tamarind Restaurant.
Final Word
Laotian cuisine is a delightful mix of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique textures. From the refreshing tang of Tam Mak Hoong to the hearty richness of Or Lam, every dish tells a story of Laos’ traditions and culture.
Whether you’re enjoying street food in Vientiane or dining at a riverside restaurant in Luang Prabang, each meal offers a taste of Laos’ warm hospitality and culinary heritage. So, when you visit Laos, be sure to bring your appetite and experience these traditional flavors firsthand. Sern saab! (Enjoy your meal!)
Check out a free itinerary to Laos here:
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