Laos Food
In many ways, Lao food is typical of the South East Asian region. Specifically, Lao cuisine most strongly resembles northern Thai cuisine. Rice (Khao) and rice noodles (khao poon) are considered staples of Lao society, of which glutinous rice (khao nyao) is usually the most popular. The sticky rice is usually formed into balls which are then used to scoop up other food, or for dipping into sauce. It is assumed however that foreigners prefer non-glutinous rice (khao chao), so it is important to specify which you want when ordering in restaurants. Typical Asian ingredients, such as galangal, kaffir lime, lemongrass, tamarind, coriander, mint and Thai basil are frequently found in Laotian cooking There are also some aspects of Lao cuisine that are unique to the region. The use of dill as a spice is one, as well as the fact that cooked food is frequently eaten at room temperature, possibly to allow the use of hands in handling the rice as well as the sauces. Chopsticks are used for noodle soups and forks and spoons will be used for serving some vegetable dishes. More than other South East Asian countries, Lao food will be served raw. The traditional diet includes rice accompanied by a lot of raw vegetables and salads. Meat, fish and soup will sometimes accompany the main dishes. Laap, a very popular dish in Laos, comprises chopped and pounded meats that are spiced and mixed with lime juice and rice powder. The dish is often served raw, although in restaurants, it will also be made with cooked minced meat. The type of meat used in Laap varies from household to household, and can range from wild game such as deer or water buffalo to chicken, pork, and fish. Common roadside dishes include Tam Mak Houng, which is a green papaya salad similar in taste to the Thai version. Feu, a noodle dish imported from Vietnam is popular as well and can be found at roadside vendors at any time of the day, including breakfast. Pak dek, a lumpy and opaque condiment made of fermented fish chunks is frequently used in Lao cooking. Fsh sauce, called nam ba, is the clear liquid version. Som moo is a type of fermented pork sausage, that can be eaten raw or cooked. The consumption of dog meat does occur in some parts of Laos. Food is an important part of Lao culture. In fact a typical Lao greeting is “kin khao nyang,” meaning “Have you eaten yet?" Food is traditionally eaten communally and it is not uncommon to be invited by Lao locals in the sharing of food. Freshness of food is important since many villages lack access to simple appliances such as refrigerators. Daily trips to the market are important, and freshly killed game will be consumed immediately. Due to the hunting-gathering nature of some Lao ethnicities, the type of food consumed varies by region and availability. In the lowlands especially along the rivers, a lot of fish is consumed, but not much pork, chicken or buffalo. The Lao sing, the highlanders of Laos, usually do not consume much meat. The Lao do not prepare any types of special foods during special occasions such as New Year or festivals, but the quantity and variety of food prepared increases. There will be more sweets, dessert and alcohol. While males may drink rice whisky with snacks and during ceremonial occasions, females will refrain from alcohol except for New Year celebrations. In the countryside and in the mountains, fermented beer, a popular alcohol, is created by soaking jugfuls of rice with rice alcohol powder and bran for at least 15 days. This beer is drunk using bamboo straws. In the city, beer consumption is widespread, and Beer Lao, the only beer brand in Laos, is very popular. Lao beer is considered by some to be the best beer in Asia. Due to the French influence, coffee is widely consumed and this is typically served with condensed milk as well as a “chaser” of black tea or warm water. Tea is also served with condensed milk, though Chinese tea, which is served in teapots and often found in noodle stores, is not. Water is not potable in some parts of Laos, although water in restaurants is usually served from purified jugs of water. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country. Soft drinks are served throughout the country, though they are relatively expensive compared to local drinks as everything is imported. Diet soft drinks are not commonly available. In addition to coffee, the French influence also results in the consumption of bread, especially French baguettes in the morning, as well as a number of other forms of French pastries. Last edited Oct 16, 07 5:18 PM. |
Travel Tips for Food in Laos
Pakxe, Southern Laos, Laos
If you don't like rain, mud, or walking much, I suggest not to go to Pakse during rainy season (June-August). However, if you can stand all that, you might appreciate the jungles and waterfalls in southern Laos near Champasak and Pakse. I found it more beautiful walking around in the rain. Everything was green and the mud was...mud. It made it more fun. Everything gets wet and dirty and you might slip a little here and there. In my opinion rainy season is the best season. Just bring some extra clothes for changing. If you are scared of getting a cold, just wear a pancho and some rain boots and you'll be fine.
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
Really quiet, really relaxing... peaceful town on the Mekong River. I could have stayed here longer than I did.
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
This is a trekker's dream city. It remains very culturally true to its history but also has the luxuries of the French colonial influce which means you can get an incredible chocolate eclair in the middle of Laos! Many great guest houses located along the Mekong River. If they wash your underwear for you, expect to see it hanging on a clothes line near the road for all to see!
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
Cycle to waterfall and spend a night in the middle of no-where.
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Muang Vangviang, Laos
The town itself is a little depressing. CAN I SCREAM LOUDER I DIDN'T GO TO LAOS TO GET STONED EATING HAPPY PIZZA AND WATCH 'FRIENDS' REPEATS!!!!!!!!!!!! Got very very sunburnt- Don't do the inner tubing in the dry season!
All that said, a walk to the caves through the farms against the beautiful limestone mountains and jungle backgrounds, waving to the friendly farmers as you pass is definitly wonderful.
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