15 Famous Delicious Lao Specialties

What to eat in Laos? If you travel to Laos and don’t know what to eat, check out the delicious and attractive Lao specialties in the article below.
Lao cuisine is a delicate combination of cultural, geographical and unique ingredients that create unique and distinctive flavors. Coming to Lao specialties, you will enjoy dishes that are influenced by neighboring cultures such as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, creating flavors that are both familiar and strange and unique.
Discovering Lao cuisine is a wonderful experience, not only to enjoy new flavors but also an opportunity to better understand the culture and lifestyle of the people here. Get ready to enjoy famous Lao specialties through the list suggested by Anvui Travel below!

1. LAAP – LUCKY LAOS FOOD 

This is considered the “national dish” of the Lao people, because it is often served during festivals and parties. In addition, it is also a lucky dish and is made to give to each other during Tet.

Laap

This is a grilled meat salad made from beef, pork or chicken, combined with raw vegetables and spices such as lemon leaves, chili, and sesame oil. Besides eating with raw vegetables, this dish can also be eaten with sticky rice. If you travel to Laos, remember to try this dish!

2. TAM MAK HOONG – LAOTIAN PAPAYA SALAD

Tam Mak Hoong is a traditional Lao salad made from thinly sliced ​​green papaya mixed with garlic, chili, peanuts, and Lao fish sauce.

Tam Mak Hoong

This dish is similar to Thai papaya salad, the only difference is that it does not have peanuts and the fish sauce used is fermented fish sauce. This dish has a characteristic sour and spicy taste and is often served with white rice.

3. SAI OUA – LAOTIAN SAUSAGEV 

Sai Oua is a Lao sausage made from minced pork marinated with herbs and steamed with galangal, kaffir leaves, shallots, coriander, chili and fish sauce. It has a rich, aromatic flavour and is usually grilled over charcoal until golden brown.

Sai Oua

This dish is popular with many Lao people and tourists because it is easy to eat, goes well with many dishes and has a very fragrant aroma.

4. MOK PA – STEAMED FISH IN BANANA LEAVES

Mok Pa

5. LAAP NAAM TOK – LAOTIAN MINCED MEAT SALAD 

Laap Naam Tok

This is a traditional Lao dish, a special version of Laap. It is made from minced beef or pork with spices such as kaffir lime leaves, garlic, chili and mac khen. However, the special feature of Laap Naam Tok lies in the addition of some grilled meat or bacon, creating a rich and distinctive flavor.

6. NAEM KHAO TOD – LAOTIAN CRISPY RICE SALAD

This dish is also known as “crispy rice salad” because the main ingredient is fried crispy rice balls. This is a unique mixed dish in Lao cuisine, made from fried crispy rice balls, pork sausage, peanuts, grated coconut and spices such as fish sauce, dried chili, creating a unique and extremely delicious flavor.

Naem Khao Tod

This dish is extremely popular and has been served in many Lao restaurants abroad, however, to enjoy the most complete and delicious flavor of the dish, you must definitely try it in its homeland, which is Vientiane – Laos.

7. KHAO SOI – LAOTIAN NOODLES

8. SIEN SAVANH – LAOTIAN STYLE BEEF JERKY

Sien Savanh is a typical dish of the Savannakhet region in Laos, made from thinly sliced ​​beef, marinated in spices and then dried in the sun. This dried beef has a delicious and rich taste, often eaten with white rice or beer, making it a great snack.

Sien Savanh

This is also a Lao specialty that many tourists coming to Laos buy as gifts for family, friends and relatives!

9. KHAO NIEW – LAOTIAN STYLE STICKY RICE

Khao Niew is an indispensable part of the daily meals of Lao people. This is a soft white sticky rice dish, often prepared and served with grilled meat dishes such as grilled chicken, grilled pork or grilled beef, creating a balanced meal between rice and meat.

Khao Niew

Khao Niew is not only a dish but also a symbol of unity and solidarity in Lao families and communities. At many festivals and parties, Khao Niew is often prepared and served to share joy and build close relationships between people.

10. OR LAM – LAOTIAN SPICY STEW 

This dish originated from the ancient capital of Luang Prabang. It is usually made from pork or chicken, combined with many vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and spices such as mac khen, lemon leaves, fish sauce, chili and garlic.

Or Lam

Or Lam is usually served hot, suitable to enjoy on cold days or during festivals and family gatherings. The spicy flavor of this dish not only warms the body but also stimulates the taste buds, creating a special and unforgettable culinary experience.

11. PING KAI – LAOTIAN GRILLED CHICKEN

Ping Kai	Ping Kai is a famous dish of Lao cuisine, often known for the natural sweetness of the chicken combined with the rich flavor of spices. The chicken is marinated with spices before grilling, creating a crispy crust and beautiful golden color.
This Ping Kai dish is usually grilled over charcoal fire and eaten outdoors to create a fun and warm atmosphere. A place where family and friends can gather and enjoy memorable moments together.

12. KHAO PIAK SEN – LAOTIAN STYLE PHO SPECIALTY

This is a Laotian noodle soup made from thick rice noodles, usually served with pork or chicken, green onions and raw vegetables. The special thing about this dish is the unique flavor of the broth, cooked from chicken or pork bones, combined with spices such as ginger, garlic, green onions and lemongrass leaves.

Khao Piak Sen

This dish has a unique and extremely rich flavor, is very popular in the daily meals of Lao people and is highly appreciated by many tourists.

13. KHAO JEE – LAOTIAN STYLE BREAD 

Khao Jee is a dish that was listed as one of the best street foods in the world by CNN. In addition to the name Khao Jee, this dish is also known by other names such as khao gee, jee khao, khao ping or Lao sticky rice cake.

Khao Jee

The dish is simply prepared by skewering sticky rice on a stick and grilling it over a charcoal stove. On top of the sticky rice, a layer of egg, fish sauce and sliced ​​chili will be covered to enhance the flavor. Thanks to the egg coating, the outer shell of Khao Jee has a beautiful golden color. The price of each portion of Khao Jee is usually very reasonable, only about less than 1 dollar.

14. KAIPEN FRIED SEAWEED

For those who love seaweed, when coming to Laos, you must try this special and unique seaweed dish. When enjoying crispy fried Kaipen seaweed, it is often served with sweet and sour fish sauce or chili sauce.

Kaipen Fried Seaweed

The dish brings a salty taste of the sea and the crispiness of each piece will stimulate the taste buds. This dish is often served as an appetizer during drinking parties or as an interesting dessert in family meals.

15. INSECT DISHES IN LAOS 

Insects are considered an indispensable part of Lao cuisine. Insect dishes such as roasted earthworms, grilled worms and grilled crickets are considered delicious and nutritious. Insect dishes are not only considered a rich source of nutrition but are also part of daily meals and festive occasions.

Insect Dishes in Laos

This is considered part of the diversity and creativity in Lao cuisine and is also a unique point that attracts the attention of tourists when coming to this country.

Anvui hopes that the knowledge shared above will be useful to you. Don’t forget to visit Anvui Travel’s YouTube channel to see wonderful travel moments. Customers are looking for a professional, affordable tour operator. Don’t hesitate to contact Anvui Travel via info@anvuitravel.com or (Hotline): +84 912 683 908! 

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