Laos may not be as famous for its food as its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, but the country’s cuisine is unique, tasty, and worth trying. With its heavy use of fresh herbs, fermented ingredients, and sticky rice, the food in Laos is a great blend of exciting flavors and textures.
Lao Cuisine Basics
Lao food is all about balance. You’ll find a perfect combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in many dishes. A typical Lao meal includes sticky rice (called “khao niao”) and a variety of dishes like spicy dips, grilled meat, and fresh salads.
Rice plays a big role here. In fact, Laos is one of the highest consumers of sticky rice per capita in the world. Most meals are served with some form of rice, and locals often eat with their hands by forming the sticky rice into small balls and dipping it into sauces.
Must-Try Dishes in Laos
1. Laap (Larb)
Laap is a minced meat salad, made with either chicken, beef, pork, duck, or fish. It’s mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, chili, and toasted ground rice. Paired with sticky rice, it’s considered Laos’ national dish and something you have to try.
2. Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad)
While this salad is popular in Thailand (known as Som Tam there), the Lao version is a bit different. It’s spicier, saltier, and can be quite funky due to the use of padaek, a fermented fish sauce. If you love bold flavors that wake up your senses, this is a must-try dish.
3. Khao Piak Sen (Lao Noodle Soup)
Khao Piak Sen is a comforting noodle soup made with rice noodles, meat (usually chicken or pork), and a broth seasoned with fragrant herbs and sauces. It’s Laos’ answer to pho, and you’ll find it at many street-side eateries.
4. Mok Pa (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves)
Mok Pa is freshwater fish that’s mixed with herbs such as lemongrass, lime leaves, and fresh dill, among others. The fish is wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed. The dish is fragrant and the fish is incredibly tender.
5. Sai Oua (Lao Sausage)
Sai Oua is a flavorful sausage made from pork, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. It’s usually grilled and served with sticky rice or as a snack. The herbal flavor combined with the smoky grilling is just something you need to experience.
Street Food in Laos
1. Mee Kati (Coconut Noodle Soup)
Mee Kati is a noodle dish made with a rich coconut milk base, rice noodles, and minced pork or chicken. It’s often topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and chilies. You can find it at street food stalls, especially in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
2. Khao Jee Pâté (Lao Baguette Sandwich)
The Lao version of the banh mi, Khao Jee Pâté is a delicious baguette stuffed with pâté, meat, fresh herbs, fish sauce, and a mix of vegetables. It’s a remnant of the French colonial influence and can be found at street stalls all around the country.
3. Grilled Meats (Ping)
From skewers of chicken and pork to whole grilled fish, grilled meats are a popular street food in Laos. These are often marinated in lemongrass and other herbs before being grilled over charcoal. They’re typically served with a spicy dipping sauce and sticky rice.
4. Kanom Krok (Coconut Pancakes)
Kanom Krok are small, sweet coconut rice pancakes. They are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. Sold by street vendors, this popular snack is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Regional Specialties
Northern Laos
Northern Laos has some unique culinary specialties influenced by the surrounding hill tribes. One of the standout dishes is Or Lam, a spicy stew originally from Luang Prabang. It’s made with buffalo, wood ear mushrooms, and spiced with sakhaan, a peppery vine that gives the stew some heat.
Another Northern dish to try is Jeow Bong, a sweet and spicy chili paste made with shallots, garlic, and Buffalo skin. It’s served as a dipping sauce with sticky rice and vegetables.
Southern Laos
The Southern region has different specialties because of its proximity to waterfalls and rivers. Some of the most famous dishes include Pa Dek, a fermented fish paste that is a key ingredient in many local meals.
Another dish popular in this region is Khao Poon, a spicy noodle soup made from rice vermicelli, fish, and red curry paste. It’s rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
Dining Spots Around Laos
Local Markets
To get an authentic Lao food experience, visiting a local market is a must. Markets like Vientiane’s Morning Market or Luang Prabang Night Market are packed with food stalls selling everything from grilled meats to fresh noodles and sticky rice. You can eat cheap and taste a wide variety of local dishes.
Casual Eateries
If you’re looking for something a bit more comfortable but still want to stick to local dining, don’t miss the basic khao nio shacks found almost everywhere in Laos. These are small stalls or restaurants serving sticky rice, laap, and grilled meats at low prices.
In Luang Prabang, a popular casual spot is Tamarind Restaurant. It’s an excellent place to try local dishes in a cozy setting and learn more about Lao food culture.
Fine Dining
For a more upscale experience, you can head to fine dining establishments that are popping up in bigger cities. Manda de Laos in Luang Prabang offers a wonderful ambiance with lotus ponds while serving high-quality traditional dishes like Or Lam and Laap.
In Vientiane, La Signature offers a mix of French and Lao fusion in a more refined atmosphere, giving you a chance to enjoy both countries’ culinary influences in one place.
Etiquette and Tips for Dining in Laos
Meals in Laos are often shared, family-style. It’s customary to order several dishes that everyone at the table can enjoy together. Sticky rice will be the base, and there’s always a dipping sauce alongside. Don’t be shy about using your hands, especially when eating sticky rice.
Laos is still developing its tourism infrastructure, so many markets and street stalls won’t have English menus. Don’t worry—just point and ask. Lao people are friendly and happy to explain the dishes to you. And, like many places in Southeast Asia, it’s polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or a small restaurant.
Final Thoughts
Laos may not yet be known as a foodie destination, but its cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and full of surprises. Whether you’re trying spicy Laap, smoky grilled meats, or enjoying a bowl of Khao Piak Sen, the flavors in this country will leave you wanting more.
If you’re in Laos, make sure to eat like a local. Dive into the markets, try some street food, and savor the bold, unique flavors this underrated country has to offer.
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