Laos Cuisine
Dishes are a blend of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese in flavour 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 – Lao people will often add chillies by the fistful and use heavy seasoning - but this kick is often tempered for the western palate. Fish sauce is often used to flavour dishes.
There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community, and Luang Prabang, which has recently seen something of a culinary revival. In touristy areas the usual traveller 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.
This Lao creation is similar to Thai som tam, but it has fermented fish...
Sundried beef strips, good with Beer Lao or as a snack. Made from beef...
Lao noodle soup, made with long-simmered chili-and-meat-based soup...
Almost every street corner has a vendor selling this French-Lao fusion....
A popular snack, Kaipen is made of freshwater green algae, peppered...