Top 5 Best Food Recommendation in Laos
Embark on a gastronomic journey in Laos with our top five food recommendations for travelers. From savory delights to unique culinary experiences, discover the essence of Lao cuisine in these must-try dishes.
1. Khao Soi Luang Prabang
There is some friendly competition with northern Thailand regarding the origin of this well-known dish made of fermented flat rice noodles, minced pork, fermented soybeans, and numerous herbs and spices. The variation from Northern Laos is distinct because it is very thick—almost like a Bolognese sauce. Even though most people in Thailand eat khao soi for breakfast, it’s fine to eat it at any time of the day.
2. Kaipen
A bowl of dried Mekong river weed is simple to eat while drinking a local beer as the sun sets. Kaipen is dried directly on the banks of the river before being cooked and garnished with sesame seeds for some texture, tamarind water for a hint of sourness, and thin tomato slices, primarily for decoration. The best way to eat kaipen is to fry the sheets until they are crispy and serve them with jaew bong, a dipping sauce made of thin slices of roasted buffalo skin.
3. Sai Oua Sausage
This kind of sausage resembles its famous Thai brother, Chiang Mai, quite a bit. Citronella, chili, and galingale are added after the pork has been softly ground and then tightly wrapped in a layer of skin. Observing how many sausage chains are sold or dried based on various markets is fascinating. Sticky rice and Nam Cheo chili sauce are typically served with this dish.
4. Minced Meat Salad (Larb)
This dish, a kind of salad with minced meat, is frequently referred to as the national dish of Laos. Chicken, beef, duck, fish, or pork are all used to make larb. Fish sauce, lime juice, fermented fish juice, ground rice, and fresh herbs frequently flavor it. It usually comes with chili peppers, which you can skip if you are sensitive to spice. Sticky rice must always be paired with larb.
5. Wet Noodles (Khao Piak Sen)
Khao Piak Sen is a chewy noodle soup made with rice. It is usually prepared with chicken or pork, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, garlic, chopped coriander leaves, and sprouts, and served with freshly squeezed limes in Laos. The most critical component is the broth, which should be slowly cooked with bones for the best flavor. In many restaurants, you’ll be urged to add sugar, chili sauce, dried chili powder, fish sauce, or soy sauce.
TOP 3 Street Foods to Try in Laos
Street food, available in most cities and towns, is one of the best ways to experience Laotian cuisine. Street food vendors in Laos are known for serving simple but tasty dishes that are made right there. Every traveler should experience Laotian street food for a unique culinary experience.
1. Barbecued Meats
The best Luang Prabang street food is the meat sold at the night market. It’s real meat, free of the organs that make Westerners queasy, and it tastes great! Night markets typically sell grilled chicken, pork, and buffalo jerky, though you may still come across unusual sights like barbecued pigs. If the meat you order isn’t fully cooked when you get it, the stall owner will finish it while you get a salad and use it if you want to.2. Khao jee – grilled sticky rice on a stick
In Laos, sticky rice is a staple food, and the locals eat more of it than anyone else. Sticky rice is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine because it can be eaten with the hands and does not require utensils. Sticky rice is a staple in Laotian cuisine because it is more filling and takes longer to digest than regular rice. Delicious and convenient, khao jee can be eaten as either breakfast or a quick snack. When cooking on a grill, it’s easier to flip food if you make small patties out of cooked sticky rice and wrap them around sticks. The egg wash or dipping process makes the exterior crisp and golden while the interior remains tender.3. Pla Pao – Salted barbecued fish
In Luang Prabang, people also like to eat fish and barbecued meats on the streets. You’ll see a variety of salted and marinated fish that range in size, ready to be grilled for a delectable meal. Depending on the size, a whole fish costs between 30,000 and 50,000 kips ($4 and $6), a fantastic price for an entire delicious fish. The spices seep into the fish’s flesh during cooking, giving it a delightful and tender texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dishes and street foods on the above list are just a few of the most well-known Laotian specialties. You can find various menus with regional flavors and dishes in Laos food, which is as complex and distinctive as its people. Although Laotian cuisine shares many flavors and ingredients with Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, including fresh herbs, spices, noodles, and rice, it still has a unique identity. It turns into a culinary adventure for tourists from all over the world.