Laos Cuisine: Traditional Food and Popular Dishes
Cuisine in Laos
The cuisine in Laos is a blend of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese in flavor and presentation. It resembles Thai food with lots of aromatic herbs and spices used to flavor the dishes. Sticky rice is the main ingredient in Lao cuisine, usually served with fermented fish and a fish sauce, and Lao people often refer to themselves as ‘the children of sticky rice’!
The people of Laos love fresh vegetables and herbs, and steamed or grilled low-fat dishes are quite popular. Try some soup served with noodles, bamboo shoots, and fresh vegetables, during one of our Laos tours, which are readily available all over the country. Chicken and pork dishes are also consumed, but beef is rare as it is expensive.
Top Laos Travel Tips – Cuisine:
- The cheapest and easiest way to sample Lao food is from the stalls in the markets.
- You can find good French restaurants in Vientiane and on Luang Prabang tours.
Cuisine in Laos – What to eat
Here are some of our top picks from the cuisine of Laos.
- Khao niao: sticky rice, which is best eaten sans cutlery
- Pho: noodle soup with meat and vegetables, similar to the Vietnamese favorite Laap – minced meat or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, onions
- Tam mak hoong: Laos-style papaya salad
- Khai phan: seaweed from the Mekong River and a specialty in Luang Prabang
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Popular Trips to Laos
Laos Travel Guide
ViewHistory
Dating back thousands of years, the history of Laos offers tales of invasions, raids, rebellions, and French colonization – all of which have the shaped modern day Laos. Discover the country through its fascinating heritage.
Culture
Explore the culture of Laos, from its isolated mountain kingdoms and fascinating Buddhist culture to UNESCO-listed sites. Discover the heart and soul of Laos on your tour, with advice from our experts.
Best Time To Visit
Laos experiences warm, tropical weather throughout the country. However, climatic conditions are mildly different in various parts. Make the most of your Laos tour with our expert tips on when to visit which region of Laos.