A Culinary Journey Through Laos: A Comprehensive Food Guide
When you think about Southeast Asian cuisine, it’s likely that Thai or Vietnamese dishes come to mind first. But just a little further off the beaten culinary path, there’s a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered in the landlocked country of Laos. Prepare your taste buds for an incredible journey. I’ll be your guide as we explore the complex, diverse, and utterly delectable world of Lao cuisine.
The Basics of Lao Cuisine
Like its neighboring countries, Lao cuisine is a harmonious blend of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients. However, its unique geography and history give it a distinctive flavor profile. Traditional Lao food combines elements of Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French cuisine with indigenous ingredients and recipes, resulting in an eating experience that is both familiar and wonderfully new. A cornerstone of Lao cuisine is sticky rice or ‘khao niew’, which is often served in a small bamboo basket and is meant to be eaten with your hands. As a visitor, trying this local staple is a must!
Popular Dishes in Laos
Laap or Larb
Let’s kick off with one of the country’s national dishes – Laap (also known as Larb). Laap is a flavorful salad made from minced meat (often chicken, beef, or pork, but fish and duck are also used), combined with a mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, mint leaves, chili, and toasted rice powder. It is often eaten with sticky rice and fresh vegetables, providing a perfect balance of savory, sour, and spicy flavors in each bite.
Som Tam
Som Tam is a vibrant and tangy green papaya salad that packs a real punch. Unripe papaya is shredded and mixed with tomatoes, long beans, chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and often, a dose of fermented crab or shrimp paste. It’s a refreshing dish that wakes up the palate with its sharp, sweet, and spicy notes.
Khao Piak Sen
On the cooler days, nothing comforts the soul quite like a bowl of Khao Piak Sen. This Lao version of chicken noodle soup features thick, handmade rice noodles, shredded chicken, and is often garnished with spring onions, crispy fried shallots, and fresh lime juice. A perfect dish to warm up your day and introduce you to the subtler flavors of Lao cuisine.
Must-Try Snacks and Street Foods
Khao Jee Sandwich
A nod to the country’s French colonial past, Khao Jee Sandwich is a Lao-style baguette sandwich. The baguette is typically filled with pate, mayo, chili sauce, cucumber, cilantro, and your choice of meat – often pork or chicken. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack while you’re out exploring the city streets.
Mok Pa
Mok Pa is a unique delicacy that you should not miss. It’s a dish of seasoned fish steamed inside banana leaves. The fish is marinated with coconut milk, shallots, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and other herbs, then wrapped and steamed until tender. The result is an aromatic, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with sticky rice.
Tam Mak Houng
Another popular Lao dish is Tam Mak Houng, or Lao spicy green papaya salad. Much like Som Tam, this dish features shredded unripe papaya. However, Tam Mak Houng is often spicier and includes fermented fish sauce (padek) for a distinct, pungent kick. A refreshing yet fiery dish, it’s a must-try for spice lovers.
Laos’ Sweet Treats
Khao Niew Mak Muang
No gastronomic tour would be complete without exploring the sweeter side of things. Khao Niew Mak Muang, or mango sticky rice, is a beloved dessert throughout Laos. It’s a simple dish, featuring glutinous rice cooked in sweetened coconut milk and served with slices of ripe mango. This dessert is a perfect harmony of sweet and creamy flavors, and the freshness of the mango gives it a delightful tang.
Kanom Krok
Another popular sweet treat is Kanom Krok, a kind of Lao coconut pancake. The batter, made from rice flour and coconut milk, is poured into a special cast-iron pan to cook, resulting in small, round pancakes with a crispy outside and a soft, custardy center. It’s a delightful snack that’s often sold by street vendors and is absolutely worth a try!
Drinking in Laos
Beerlao
When it comes to local brews, Beerlao is the undisputed king. This lager-style beer is made with locally-grown jasmine rice, making it uniquely Laotian. Enjoy it ice cold, either on its own or paired with some spicy Laotian food – it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Lao Coffee (Cafe Lao)
Laos is a significant producer of robusta and arabica beans, and as such, has a thriving coffee culture. Cafe Lao, traditionally served thick and sweet in a glass, is a must-try. Whether you take it black or with a dose of sweetened condensed milk, Lao coffee is a delightful pick-me-up at any time of day.
Etiquette and Tips
When dining in Laos, there are a few cultural etiquette points to remember. Meals are often served family-style, with everyone sharing from common dishes. Always use your right hand when taking food or passing dishes, as the left hand is considered impure. Feel free to dig into your sticky rice with your fingers – it’s the local way!
Don’t worry too much about the language barrier. Many locals, especially in cities and tourist areas, can speak some English. Plus, food is a universal language. A smile and a point towards what you want to order often works wonders.
The vibrant flavors and textures of Lao cuisine offer a delicious way to explore the country’s culture and heritage. From the bustling markets of Vientiane to the quiet street-side stalls of Luang Prabang, a culinary journey through Laos is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a satisfied palate.
So, next time you’re planning a trip, why not give Laos a go? It’s an underrated foodie paradise waiting to be discovered. Just remember to arrive hungry!