Laos Food: One Of The Best-Kept Secrets Of Southeast Asia

Lao cuisine is as nuanced and unique as their people. Visitors will experience many regional variations in cuisines across Laos. Characterized by spicy, citrus, and vibrant flavors, Laos food is a palate adventure for visitors. In addition, Laotians love to share traditional dishes with curious visitors. 

Let’s look at with some of the distinguishing characteristics of Lao gastronomy.

The Names Of Laos Foods Are Among The Things That Remind Tourists Of Lao Cuisine.

Laos food not only attracts people with the freshness of its ingredients but also impresses them with the name. For example, "Lao tom yum" is a Thai style of salad, and "bitter banana" is made from a banana that has been peeled, soaked in water, and boiled until dry. It can be said that Laos food names are very appealing, so when people see it on the menu, they will be attracted by the name of the dish and will want to try it. 

Laos Food Names Are Among The Things That Remind Tourists Of Lao Cuisine.

Must-Try Delicacies In The List Of Traditional Laos Food When Visiting Laos

Laos food is not only a reason for travelers to visit Laos, but also a reason to stay longer. A treat for the tongue, the flavors of traditional Laos food bring people together to share in delicious regional delicacies. The highlight that brings a unique flavor to Lao dishes is the combination of many different spices. Each recipe demonstrates the cultural importance of the herbs, chiles, and ingredient combinations that will tantalize your palate. The freshness and the unforgettable taste of Lao dishes definitely be something tourists can't forget when leaving Laos.

Khao Niao (Sticky Rice)

Sticky rice is one of Laos’ national cuisine also known as “Khao Niao” (khao means ‘rice’ while niao means ‘sticky’). Khao Niao is traditionally steamed in a cone-shaped bamboo basket, and placed in a covered basket where it is eaten alongside many dishes. In Laos, whether you are eating grilled meat, fish dishes, salads, or even omelets, there is always sticky rice for you to enjoy all day. It is commonly said that Lao citizens eat more sticky rice than anyone else in the world. Therefore, the Lao people are identified as "descendants of sticky rice". Besides, according to the common concept of Lao people, sticky rice is considered both the main food and the glue that connects Lao communities with their culture. 

Khao Niao (sticky rice) is a Laos national food.

Khao Poon (Soup With Fermented Noodles)

A well-known spicy rice noodle from Laos is called Khao Poon. Vermicelli noodles used in Khao Poon are created from rice that has been fermented for a number of days, thickened by boiling, and pressed through a mold shaped like a noodle. The rice that has been fermented gives this meal a distinctively somewhat sour flavor. Khao Poon is cooked with chicken, pork or fish combined with spices such as fish sauce, lime leaves, etc. Currently, Khao Poon is available in Laos in a variety of forms on the country's streets, at night markets, restaurants, and curbside cafés.

Khao Poon (Soup With Fermented Noodles) is a popular food in Laos.

Naem Khao (Crispy Coconut Rice)

Naem Khao is a specialty of Vientiane, Laos’s capital and largest city, which a crispy coconut rice salad tossed with naem and enjoyed with a lettuce wrap. Naem Khao is a combination of salted ground pork, pork skin, steamed and dried white rice and shredded coconut for extra richness. At the same time, soak the meat in fish sauce and lemon juice to enhance the flavor and make the dish more attractive. People often eat Naem Khao with Bibb lettuce leaves, Bibb lettuce leaves are considered as a side dish and as a garnish.

Discover The Culinary Paradise Of Laos Through Laos Popular Food

When traveling around this beautiful country, we highly recommend visitors take time to try a variety of Laos popular food here. Not only is it about experiencing new dishes with new flavors, but it also helps you better understand the cuisine of Laos!

Read more: The Best Restaurants In Laos: Indulge In A Gastronomic Delight

Tam Mak Hoong (Green Papaya Salad)

A day in Laos without eating Tam Mak Hoong is almost a challenge in its own right when traveling in Laos. Tam Mak Hoong was a dish imported to Bangkok by Lao immigrants. Tam is made with unripe shredded papaya, fish sauce, chili peppers, salt, sugar, other herbs, and vegetable. This is practically a mainstay of Laotian cuisine and is frequently consumed with sticky rice and ping kai (grilled chicken). Especially to add more flavor to this dish, Pa Daek is a perfect dipping sauce. The fermented fish sauce is a favorite in most local Lao dishes, showing its presence nowhere else in this dish.

Tam Mak Hoong (Green Papaya Salad) is a food that cannot be ignored when traveling in Laos.

Khao Niaow Mak Muang (Mango Sticky Rice Dessert)

Sticky rice and mango may no longer seem like an unexpected combination, but trust me when I say that this Khao Niaow Mak Muang is still delectable. With "Khao Niew" meaning "sticky rice" and "Mak Muang" meaning "mango," this dish's name reveals a lot about its constituent parts. Due to its unique flavor, Khao Niaow Mak Muang has become a common street meal in Laos. Laotians often eat sticky rice with fresh mango to add a slight sourness and sweetness to the fruit to make the experience of the dish perfect. However, if you don't like mango, you can ask for other fruits like durian or Lao plum (mak gawk).

Khao Niaow Mak Muang (Mango Sticky Rice Dessert) is one of the dessert foods in Laos.

Lard (Raw Meat) 

Another Laos food that visitors must try when coming to Laos is Lard. Originating from Chinese cuisine, Lard is one of the most popular street foods. Larb is a spicy mixture of thinly sliced meat or fish with a variable combination of herbs, greens, and spices. There is also a vegetarian larb that includes tofu, mushrooms, and veggies. The rice noodles are covered in a sweet and sour sauce, which gives this meal its distinctive flavor. You have the option of serving this meal cooked or uncooked. Especially, Larb is an essential dish to pair with sticky rice.

It can be said that, in the midst of the Southeast Asian culinary paradise, Laos food has become more special than ever by the combination of many spices and ingredients in each dish. All create a culinary culture with its own identity, giving visitors unforgettable experiences when arriving in the land of a million elephants. The more visitors discover what makes Laos food unique, the more famous Laos food is around the world.

Useful information:

• Applying for a Laos visa online
• A Guide To Obtaining Laos Tourist Visas