Laos Food

Laos Food and Drink

Dishes are a blend of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese in flavor and presentation but Lao food lacks the variety that many of the cuisines from surrounding countries offer. The cheapest and easiest way to sample Lao food is from the stalls in the markets, as long as the food is fresh and hot it will be safe to eat. Traditionally, Lao food is very spicy for Lao people often add chillies by the fistful and use heavy seasoning. Fish sauce is often used to flavor dishes.

There are several fairly good French restaurants inVientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community, and Luang Prabang, which has recently seen something of a culinary revival. In touristy areas the usual traveler fare will be available, so expect to see menus offering muesli, chow mien, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, curries, pancakes and fritters. Green tea is usually served weak and free in most restaurants, water tends to be filtered and providing it is, it will be safe to drink.

Specialities:

• Sticky rice (best eaten with fingers, simply roll it up to the size of a golf ball and pop in your mouth).

• Pho (white rice noodle soup, usually served with beef and/or pork although vegetarian versions are available). This is the typical food ofLaos. If it’s a little plain Lao people will add in fish sauce, dried chillies, etc. to give it a kick.

• Laap (minced meat, fish or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, onions, powdered rice and chillies, accompanied by sticky rice).

• Tam maal hung (Lao-style spicy salad of shredded papaya with lots of chilli, garlic, lime, fish sauce and palm sugar.).

• Khai phaan (weed from theMekongRiver- a Luang Prabang speciality).

Things to Know:

Lao breakfast is generally rice noodles. If noodles and meaty broth is not your thing for breakfast, French baguettes with sweet Lao coffee and khai (eggs) is possible in most places that cater to tourists, as are the ubiquitous traveler pancakes, cornflakes and takes on western cooked breakfasts. Eating out, unless at the very top restaurants, is very good value. Cappuccinos and lattes are increasingly available and are often made with pasteurized milk that has travelled fromThailand.

Regional Drinks:

Lao lao (rice whisky) is popular and there are two brands available.

Beer Lao is very popular.

Drinking Age: Above 18 years old.