Laos is known for its many delicious dishes made with simple ingredients and unique, unforgettable flavors. Visiting the “Land of a Million Elephants,” tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy rustic dishes that retain their authentic traditional flavors.
Let’s explore the distinctive features of Laotian cuisine and the must-try dishes when you visit with Vietnamtour.in.
Overview of Laos Food: History and Characteristics
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos is influenced by the cuisines of neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. However, Laos food still maintains its own distinct identity with unique flavors and ingredients.
How History Influences Lao Cuisine
Laotian cuisine is influenced by the rich history of cultural exchange and events that have shaped the country over the centuries. For instance, during the French colonial era, French cuisine was incorporated into the daily diet of the Laotians. This is why baguettes, pâté, and even the café culture are still common in Vientiane and Luang Prabang today.
Buddhist and cultural influences are also significant. Being a Buddhist nation, the cuisine reflects the simplicity and harmony that the religion promotes. Vegetables and herbs are prominent in many dishes, and vegetarian meals are common, especially around Buddhist temples.
Geographical location is also important in determining the dishes that are served. Since Laos is a landlocked country, seafood is not as prominent in Laotian cuisine as it is in Vietnamese or Thai cuisine. However, the Mekong River provides the country with plenty of freshwater fish, in addition to pork, chicken, forest herbs, and vegetables.
Key Features of Lao Cuisine
One of the most distinguishing features of Lao food is its sour and spicy taste. There is a lot of lime juice and chili in Lao food. Sometimes tamarind is added too.
Another distinguishing feature of Lao food is the abundance of fresh greens accompanying every meal. Mint, coriander, dill, lettuce, and other greens are not just for decoration; they must be consumed with the meal.
Fermented food is an important part of Lao food, too. Fish sauce and fermented fish paste (Padaek) are commonly used in Lao food to add depth and saltiness to the food. This is what gives Lao food its distinctive and strong taste.
Most importantly, sticky rice is the heart of Lao food. Sticky rice is consumed with every meal in Laos and is usually served in a small basket made of bamboo. Lao people roll sticky rice into small balls with their right hand and then dip them into food.
Why Laos Food Is Surprisingly Suitable for Indian Travelers
Initially, it may seem that the food of Laos and Indian food are quite distinct. Yet, many travelers coming from India find the food of Laos quite easy to consume and savor, due to its simple ingredients and the versatility of its cooking.
Rice forms the core of Lao food. Sticky rice, which is totally vegetarian by nature, is consumed every day and pairs well with almost every food. For Indian travelers who prefer rice-based food or are vegetarians by choice, the food of Laos would be easy to consume and savor.
With regard to taste, Laos food is characterized by fresh herbs, lime juice, chili, and other fragrant ingredients. The taste is robust yet fresh, often tangy and subtly spicy instead of rich and creamy. Although masalas are not used in Lao food as in Indian food, herbs and chili do impart a fresh and savory taste that is pleasant and satisfying.
Another advantage of Laos food is its flexibility. In cities such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang, restaurants are aware of international food habits. Meals can normally be made without beef if required, and vegetarian food is now becoming more accessible. With Buddhism an integral part of Lao culture, vegetarian food is readily available, and tofu or vegetable dishes are readily available.
In addition, Indian eateries are also available in major tourist destinations, providing familiar food for those who want traditional flavors during part of their trip.
In conclusion, the food in Laos is fresh, flexible, and relatively easy to understand. With easy communication about ingredients, Indian travelers can easily explore the local food while still observing their personal food preferences.
Top 10 Laos Dishes Indian Travelers Should Not Miss
If you are really interested in Laos food, you must begin with its traditional dishes. The following are the top dishes you must try to know the real taste of Lao cuisine, collected and chosen to suit Indians.
Laap (Larb)
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Price: 2 to 7 USD
- Best region to try: Luang Prabang (lighter, more balanced flavor, and less spicy compared to other regions. Recommended places are Tamarind Restaurant, Dyen Sabai
Laap is one of the most distinctive and traditional dishes in Lao cuisine. It’s made from finely minced pork, chicken, or fish (sometimes beef/buffalo, so you should note with the restaurant which kind of ingredient you can eat before ordering), mixed with spices such as lime juice, chilli peppers, galangal, lemongrass, basil, coriander, and roasted rice powder.
Laap is a simple yet delicious dish. It’s often prepared for festivals, celebrations, and other special occasions. Laap is also a popular street food in Laos; tourists can easily find it in markets and roadside stalls. Laotians typically eat laap with sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauce.
Vegetarian tip: Some restaurants also offer tofu or mushroom versions.
Tam Mak Hoong (Lao Papaya Salad)
- Best region to try: Vientiane (stronger, traditional, and authentic flavor)
- Price: 3 to 5 USD
To truly experience Laotian culinary culture, you absolutely must try Tam Mak Houng. Tam Mak Houng is a green papaya salad made from crunchy green papaya mixed with tomatoes, chilies, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and lime. It’s often served with grilled meat or laap (a type of sausage).
When traveling to Laos, you can easily find this dish at street food stalls and markets. Even in upscale restaurants, you can easily order a plate of Tam Mak Hoong, a signature dish of Lao food.
Khao Niaw (Sticky Rice)
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Price: 1 to 2 USD
- Best region to try: Nationwide, but especially enjoyable in Luang Prabang when paired with a grilled dish.
The sticky rice in Laos is referred to as “khao niaw.” It is considered the staple Laos food, especially during celebrations like parties and family get-togethers. Laotian sticky rice is made from glutinous rice grown in hillside fields, making it sticky in texture and ivory white in color.
It can be noted that sticky rice is considered an ethnic dish that has been passed down from generation to generation in Laotian culture. In fact, Laotian sticky rice is considered the tastiest variety of rice in the world.
Sticky rice is usually steamed in a bamboo basket and can be served with grilled chicken or dipped in Laotian sauce referred to as “cheo boong.”
Mok Pa (Laos Streamed Fish)
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Price: 3 to 9 USD
- Best region to try: Luang Prabang (most well-known version)
- Recommended places: Tamarind Restaurant, Manda de Laos
Lao culinary culture can be seen in its unique dishes and flavors, and among them is steamed fish. Steaming or grilling wrapped in banana leaves is a popular delicacy in most Asian cuisines. But the different ways each country prepares the dish are what give each dish its own distinct characteristics.
Mok Pa is a signature Lao dish in which white fish is finely chopped and seasoned with exotic spices such as chili, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, green onions, and salt; wrapped in banana leaves and placed in a bamboo basket for steaming. The soft and smooth texture of the fish, infused with various aromatic spices, melts in your mouth. You will love this delicious steamed fish with its fragrant spices and sweet, tender, melt-in-your-mouth fish. Mok Pa is often eaten with sticky rice.
This is another local dish in Luang Prabang that you won’t want to miss when traveling in this Land of a Million Elephants.
Sai Uah or Sai Gok (Lao Sausage)
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Price: 2 to 7 USD
- Best region to try: Luang Prabang Night Market. The night market version is freshly grilled and served hot, making it especially flavorful.
Lao sausage, also known locally as Sai Uah or Sai Gok, is a famous Lao specialty made from pork marinated in herbs, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, coriander, and other spices. After mixing the ingredients, the mixture is stuffed into casings and then grilled or smoked. At first glance, Lao sausage looks quite ordinary, but its rich flavor and aroma will captivate you and leave you wanting more.
Khao Jee Pa-Ta (Laos Bread)
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Price: 1 to 3 USD
- Best region to try: Vientiane (strong French colonial influence)
Also known as Lao bread. Vendors cut the bread lengthwise, then spread a thick, rich layer of pate on top, followed by grilled sausage, cucumber, scallions, carrots, pickled radish, and shredded pork, all topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. Many tourists say that, for them, the best version of this bread can be found at Khua Din Market in Vientiane.
Savanakhet Grilled Chicken
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Price: 5 to 10 USD
- Best region to try: Savannakhet (original and signature location), in some local grilled chicken stalls.
Savanakhet grilled chicken (from Southern Laos) is famous far and wide for its enticing aroma. However, you don’t have to go all the way to Savanakhet to enjoy it; visitors can find places selling this dish in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and many other locations. The chicken used for grilling is free-range, resulting in flavorful, tender, and firm meat. After cleaning, the chicken is skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over hot coals until cooked through.
Savanakhet grilled chicken is delicious at restaurants along the road from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. The charcoal used for grilling is also made from old, long-lasting wood, ensuring a strong enough flame to infuse the chicken skin and meat with a fragrant aroma. Savanakhet chicken is served with sticky rice balls, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, dipped in “cheo boong” sauce. The delicious flavor of the chicken melts in your mouth, combined with the aromatic, spicy, and sour dipping sauce, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Sindad
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Price: 6 to 18 USD
- Best region to try: Vientiane (widest variety and most popular spots)
Sindad is a special dish from Lao cuisine that combines hot pot and grilled food. In Laos, it is possible to eat both hot pot and grilled food at the same time through a special pot. The special pot has two special parts: one is raised in the center, and there are small holes in it for grilling food. The other part of the pot is hollowed out for broth.
Depending on your choice, whether you are a “hot pot team” or a “grill team,” it is possible to eat hot pot or enjoy the delicious flavor of grilled food simultaneously.
Ping Pa (Lao-style Grilled Fish)
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Price: 3 to 10 USD
- Best region to try: Mekong Riverside area in Vientiane and Vientiane Night Market
Ping pa is a Lao-style grilled fish, marinated with local spices and served with a popular sticky rice dish. The fish chosen is usually red snapper (or other whitefish), seasoned with salt and stuffed with a mixture of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, shallots, galangal, fish sauce, and lime juice. The fish is grilled until golden brown and fragrant, then served with sticky rice. To enhance the flavor, jeow (a dipping sauce) is often served alongside.
This dish is one of the local delicacies found in all food markets and eateries in the capital city of Vientiane. You can easily find grilled fish with kaffir lime leaves and coriander at almost any stall in Vientiane.
Kua Mee (Stir-fried Noodle)
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Price: 2 to 6 USD
- Best region to try: Vientiane (traditional preparation style), some recommended restaurants are Lao Kitchen and Lualao Restaurant
Kua Mee can be considered a Lao-style stir-fried noodle dish. In Lao, “kua” means to stir or agitate, and “mee” means noodles. What makes this stir-fried noodle dish special is its beautiful golden-brown color, balanced sweet and salty flavor, and distinctive caramel aroma. This is because the sugar is caramelized before the noodles are added.
This Lao-style stir-fried noodle dish can be served with pork and onions, and after being served, it’s topped with thinly sliced fried eggs and bean sprouts.
Kua Mee has a wonderful flavor and texture, a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The color and sweetness of Kua Mee come from caramelized sugar. It’s difficult to fully describe the taste of “kua mee,” but simply put, it’s delicious! So, if you visit Laos, don’t miss this Lao dish.
You’ll find this dish served at many Lao restaurants.
Top 4 Laos Desserts and Drinks
Besides savory dishes, Laos food also includes simple but enjoyable desserts and drinks. Here are some options that you cannot miss:
Khao Niaw
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Price: 1 to 2 USD
- Best region to try: Northern Laos (especially Luang Prabang), Roadside stalls along Route 13 (towards Vang Vieng)
Not only traditional food, but Khao Niaw is also considered to be one of the most traditional Lao desserts when changing the way we eat. As a dessert, it consists of sticky rice, fruit like mango, and coconut milk, as well as red beans in some cases, which are packed inside a bamboo tube and roasted over charcoal. The bamboo imparts a smoky flavor to the dessert.
The dessert is soft and chewy, with a light sweetness. It is usually sold at local markets.
Coconut Sweets
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Price: 0.5 to 2 USD
- Best region to try: Local markets in Vientiane
Desserts made with coconut can be found in Laos. Coconut jelly, coconut pancakes, or coconut custard can be found in the markets. Coconut jelly or custard is a sweet dessert.
Generally, they come in small portions. This is a good thing because you can try them without committing to a larger serving.
Beerlao (The Most Famous Lao Drink)
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Price: 1 to 4 USD
- Best region to try: Anywhere, but best enjoyed by the river
Beerlao is a national beer and one of the most famous drinks in Laos. It has won several international awards and is appreciated for its smooth taste. Beerlao is available in restaurants, bars, and even small food stalls on the road.
It goes well with grilled food such as Sai Uah or Ping Pa.
Lao Coffee
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Price: 1 to 4 USD
- Best region to try: Bolaven Plateau (origin), but best café experience in Luang Prabang
Laos is famous for growing excellent quality coffee, especially from the Bolaven Plateau, which is located in the south of Laos. Lao coffee is usually full-bodied and fragrant. It is normally served with condensed milk, similar to Vietnamese coffee, or black.
In cities such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang, you will also find coffee shops serving coffee drinks such as espresso, cappuccino, and iced coffee.
For coffee enthusiasts, this is one of the highlights of visiting Laos.
Where Indian Tourists Should Eat in Laos
Finding the right place to eat can make a difference in your whole food experience in Laos. Although Laos food is simple and easy to find, the choice between local food outlets and restaurants for tourists can be significant, especially for those who have specific food requirements.
Local Restaurants/ Market vs Tourist Restaurants
For authentic Laos food, local restaurants and street food stalls are the best options. These restaurants are affordable, vibrant, and full of local flavors. Food is freshly made, and the pricing is very reasonable. Besides, exploring night markets with street food and lively vibes is also an ideal way to experience nightlife in Laos. However, communication may be limited, and fermented fish sauce is often used unless you specifically ask for alternative flavors.
Tourist restaurants, on the other hand, are more used to dealing with international visitors. Food is often served in a variety of ways, communication is easy because everyone speaks English, and food can be adapted to suit your needs. If you are a vegetarian, don’t want to eat beef, or want milder flavors, tourist restaurants are probably a better option for you. Prices are a bit higher, but still very affordable compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
Recommended Laos Restaurants for Indian Travelers
Some popular restaurants in major cities in Laos that one may visit to comfortably explore Laos cuisine are listed below, as well as some restaurants for Indians to dine at:
Vientiane
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Khop Chai Deu: This is one of the most popular restaurants in the capital city of Laos. Khop Chai Deu has a wide variety of Laos traditional foods in a comfortable environment. The restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists.
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Makphet Restaurant: This restaurant is famous for its authentic Lao cuisine with a modern twist. Another feature that adds value to the restaurant is that it is a social enterprise restaurant. Vegetarian meals can be found on the menu as well.
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Jamil Zahid Indian & Pakistani Food: This is one of the oldest Indian restaurants in Vientiane. It is famous among tourists as well. They specialize in traditional North Indian meals like butter chicken, dal, naan, biryani, etc.
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Delhi Durbar Vientiane: This is another Indian restaurant that serves both veg and non-veg meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Luang Prabang
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Tamarind Restaurant: This is one of the best places in Luang Prabang to learn about Laos food. The restaurant serves traditional food and even offers food tasting platters, which is great if you wish to taste multiple dishes at once.
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Manda de Laos: This is a more luxurious restaurant that offers a beautiful garden setting. It is great for a relaxed meal of refined Lao food.
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Taste of Ceylon (Luang Prabang): Although this is a Sri Lankan restaurant, this food is often enjoyed by Indians due to its use of spices.
Pakse
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Dok Mai Lao Caffe Restaurant: This restaurant has good ratings and serves traditional Lao and Asian food in a casual atmosphere. It has good service and vegetarian food.
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Hasan Indian Restaurant (Pakse): This is a small but good Indian restaurant for travelers to find Indian food in Southern Laos.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the information about Laos food, including the most outstanding dishes and highly-rated restaurants compiled by Vietnamtour.in, will help plan your upcoming trip smoothly.
If you are still having difficulty researching itineraries, culture, food, or famous landmarks in this country, let the experts at Vietnamtour.in help you resolve it!
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