Don’t miss Top 10 Lao Dishes You Must Try! LAO FOOD
Lao cuisine is full of flavour and exciting culinary surprises. Get ready to explore some of the greatest plates of the region. Try the Top 10 dishes – from spicy Larb to the popular Luang Prabang Sausage – for a true taste of Lao culture.
Lao cuisine is a culinary delight waiting to be explored! Whether you’re a connoisseur or a novice in the culinary arts, Lao dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From soups to salads and shareable bites to classic mains, these Top 10 Lao dishes will show you why Lao food is one of the most beloved cuisines in Southeast Asia.
1. Tastes of Laos: Exploring the Top 10 Exotic Dishes
When exploring a Southeast Asian country like Laos, it’s no wonder that a plethora of unique and vibrant dishes can be found. From tasty main dishes to crunchy snacks, the food culture of Laos has something for everyone. Here is a list of the top 10 most popular and tasty traditional dishes that you can find when in Laos.
Khao Piak Sen:
- This deliciously fragrant and hearty noodle soup is the quintessential Laotian dish. It is a comforting bowl of noodles made from fermented rice flour and topped with pieces of chicken, pork, veg, and herbs.
Tam Mak Hoong:
- This classic green papaya salad is a firm favorite among the Lao people. The salad is bursting with flavor and textures, a combination of finely shredded papaya, fish sauce, peanuts, chilies and a selection of herbs.
Mok Pa:
- If you’re wanting a mild yet intensely flavorful steak, look no further! Mok Pa is a Laotian fish dish which is made with marinated fish, local spices and herbs and then wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.
Koy Pa:
- Another amazing steamed dish, this one has plenty of intense herbs and flavors. Delicately rolled marinated pork is steamed inside a banana leaf and served with a sour toping of spicy green chili and herbs.
Khao Soi:
- This dish is all about the sauce, having a complex and intense combination of flavors. Kao Soi is a traditional Laotian noodle dish, served with a thick and creamy coconut, lemongrass and garlic sauce.
Kaipen:
- This classic snack can be eaten as an appetizer, a side or as a dessert. Kaipen is made from sheets of pressed and dried algae which are wood-smoked and served with fermented crab sauce.
Ping Kai:
- For a tasty dinner option, try this popular grilled chicken dish. The chicken is marinated in an array of flavors and spices, grilled to perfection and served with a selection of local accompaniments.
Or Lam:
- This hearty, rustic stew is a popular main dish in Laos. It is packed with a unique combination of flavors and textures, including meat and vegetables, herbs, spices and local mushrooms.
Khao Jee:
- Also known as Laotian baguette, Khao Jee is a light, crusty sandwich lined with lettuce and tomatoes, and filled with a variety of meats or fish and a zesty selection of condiments.
Khao Niaw:
- Rice is a staple in Lao-Lao cuisine and Khao Niaw is the perfect example. A dish of steamed sticky rice served with a range of preserved meats and fish, and topped with Laotian-style chili paste.
2. Savoring Authentic Lao Cuisine: Local Recipes You Need to Experience
What’s the best way to spend your time in Laos? The obvious answer is to take in all the breathtaking sights, from majestic waterfalls to lush green hills. But for the most authentic experience in this small Southeast Asian nation, every traveler should also make a point to explore the unique cuisine here.
Laos is a country of exciting and exotic flavors, with many dishes that can’t be found in other areas of the world. From spicy noodle salads to aromatic curries and stews, these local recipes are worth trying out. Here are a few must-tries while you’re in Laos.
- Tamarind-soaked fish: A distinctive dish popular at Lao dinner tables, this tasty treat consists of steamed fish served over jasmine rice, then doused in a tart tamarind sauce.
- Larb: The national dish of Laos, this spicy salad is made with minced pork, fish, or beef mixed with shallots and herbs like cilantro and mint. It’s fragrant and fiery, and best paired with a generous helping of sticky rice.
- Mok pa: Another classic Lao dish, this fish stew is cooked in banana leaf packages, steamed in a flavorful coconut sauce.
For an immersive cultural experience, seek out traditional restaurants or street vendors and order the best the country has to offer. Bon appétit!
3. Delectable Discoveries: Sample the Finest Lao Dishes
When traveling to Laos, a culinary adventure awaits. Lao food is full of flavor and nuance that can satisfy any appetite. The nation’s love of food shines through in its traditional cuisine.
Some of the delectable delicacies on offer include:
- Mok Pa: This Lao fish dish is steamed in banana leaves and filled with lemongrass, fish sauce and other flavorful herbs.
- Khao Soi: A cross between a stew and a hot pot, this hearty dish consists of egg noodles, braised beef, pork rinds and a lightly spiced broth.
- Tam Mak Hoong: This classic dish includes shredded green papaya, crushed peanuts, chilies, lime juice, garlic and fish sauce. Perfect for those who like it spicy.
Restaurants across the country will provide visitors with plenty of opportunities to indulge in these and other local specialties. Plus, some of the most popular dishes can also be found in street stalls making the experience even easier. Be sure to sample the delicious flavors Lao cuisine has to offer!
4. Savoring the Flavour: Don’t Miss the Top 10 Lao Dishes
Tam Maak Hung – This is a dish you’re sure to find on the menu of any authentic Lao restaurant. A vegetable and herb medley of beans, carrots, and chilies are cooked alongside pork, beef, or tofu and garnished with crunchy peanuts and zesty lime juice. Tam Maak Hung is a refreshing yet flavorful meal.
Kai Him Candi – A popular chopped-chicken dish, Kai Him Candi is a delightful, complex combination of spicy, sweet and salty flavors. Cooked with lemongrass, palm sugar and galangal, and topped with an array of vegetables like chili peppers and papaya, this Laotian specialty is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Feeling hungry for delicious Lao dishes? Go out and give these Top 10 Lao Dishes a try! Whether for your next vacation or as a fun weekend project, sampling traditional Lao Cuisine is sure to give your palate an unforgettable experience. Bon Appétit!