Laos Food and Restaurants

Similar to most Southeast Asian cuisines, Lao food is mainly spicy and sour, and mostly grilled and fried, but traditional Lao food is more primitive and simple, retaining more of its original flavor. A sticky rice with a stinky fish sauce or a steamed fish and a piece of chicken is a daily meal for the average Laotian. However, such a simple meal is not as easy as you might think, because it is authentic, so this kind of "delicacy" can only be eaten in Lao homes, and the taste is not the "improved" one you would get in a restaurant. Most Laotian restaurants are modified versions of the original Laotian meals, and Vientiane is the gathering place for all kinds of Laotian dishes, including the freshest Mekong fish, the most modern improved Lao meals, the most popular rice noodles, the most authentic coffee, the purest French food, etc.

What to eat in Laos

Sticky Rice

Locally known as Khao Niao, sticky rice is a staple food for Laotians and is very well prepared. The rice is soaked in water overnight, then picked up the next morning and placed in a rice basket called "dipkhao". It is eaten by dipping a small ball of rice directly into a sauce made from fish sauce and chili peppers. Sticky rice is also commonly used as food for monks. Sticky rice can be found on the streets of Vientiane in food carts, selling sticky rice for about 4,000 kip a serving, along with a small bag of dipping sauce. The dipping sauce is made of some ingredients such as chili and garlic, which is relatively spicy and heavy with garlic flavor. In restaurants, a sticky rice is about 5000 kip.

Laap

A dish with Lao characteristics, especially loved by the local Lao Loum people, and a must-have dish on the table during Laos New Year. Fresh fish, pork and chicken are washed and chopped, then mixed with salt, chili, lemon juice, chili, onion and garlic. If you like raw food, you can enjoy it directly. However, it tastes better when fried to medium rare.

Laotian baked fish

Locally known as Bing Ba, Laotian baked fish is mouth-watering. Locals like to bake bream and eat it in a very special way, by washing the bream with its guts removed, stuffing it with lemon grass, sprinkling a handful of salt on the surface and putting it on the stove to roast slowly. The lemon grass not only removes the fishy smell, but also adds a fresh flavor to the fish.

Lao Beer

The refreshing Lao beer is often a hit, not only with foreigners but also with locals. There are both stouts and yellows, and the taste is thick and full-bodied, with a slight aroma of alcohol, which makes it a memorable experience. It is even more delicious when served with cold dishes or hot pot.

Green papaya salad

Locally known as Dam Mak Hung, green papaya salad has become an indispensable dish in Laos, whether as an appetizer or as a filling staple. The green papaya is peeled and scraped, then the chili peppers and long bar beans are mashed, and chili peppers, sour lemon juice, fish sauce, garlic, and some of your favorite side ingredients are added and mixed together to make the salad. The shredded green papaya is slightly bitter but refreshing, and the spicy taste of the chili and the sour taste of the lemon juice make the taste wonderful.

Lao hot pot

Locally known as Sin Dad, Lao-style hot pot is a very special way to eat, where grilling and boiling can be done at the same time. The middle of the pot is raised and used for grilling. First, a piece of fatty meat is grilled on it to produce oil, and then the favorite meat is put on it, so that it will not stick to the pot easily, and when the meat is grilled and the fragrance of the meat is overflowing, the soup around it for boiling is also boiling. Then Add a variety of vegetables or meat, it is better when dipped in Lao chutney.

French baguette

Laos was once a French colony, and adhering to the bread technique, baguette is the most common breakfast in Laos. It is available in the morning market, on the street, and is usually filled with chicken, pork, eggs, and vegetables in a baguette, sprinkled with sauce, or eaten with condensed milk. It is very filling and has a rich taste, plus the bread itself gives off a wheat flavor.

Vegetarian buffet

There are many local vegetarian buffet stalls in Laos, with a full range of vegetarian food, tofu, bok choy, tomatoes, cowpeas, etc. There are also staple noodles and rice noodles to go with them, which are more cost-effective for those with big appetites and can definitely fill you up, with prices usually at 10,000 kip.

Sour meat

Minced meat and finely chopped meat skin with various seasonings such as minced garlic, salt, and monosodium glutamate are marinated and then wrapped in layers of banana leaves, which are cooked for several days before being served. This food tastes slightly sour, but will slowly sweeten back. The shape resembles a dumpling.

Binh Cai (roasted chicken)

A common type of barbecue in Laos, usually made from free-range farm chickens, this type of chicken is more tender and fragrant, especially after slow roasting, with a mouth full of meat flavor. It is usually sprinkled with some chili powder for better taste.

Local Snacks

Rice flour: locally known as Fer, a common street food in Southeast Asia, usually served with a variety of chicken, pork, and a plate of raw vegetables, the meat may be minced or diced. The vegetables are raw, and if you are not used to eating them, you can put them in the soup to accompany the food, usually with mint, lettuce, two-sided needle, etc. The soup is delicious, and depending on your taste, you can also add lemon juice and dried chili. Rice noodles are affordable and are a delicious snack for most of people.

Luang Prabang Roast Sausage: locally known as Sai Kok Luang Pa-bang, an essential Laotian snack, made with the finest local sausage, spiced with special tropical herbs, and slowly roasted over a fire for a crispy exterior and juicy meat. Grilled sausage is also a tasty side dish, which is very pleasant to eat over Lao beer. Grilled sausages are very inexpensive and can be found everywhere in the Luang Prabang area.

Spring rolls: locally known as yo, there are two types of spring rolls: steamed and fried. Spring rolls have a thin outer skin called "rice paper" and are wrapped with shrimp, mint leaves, peanuts, etc. The taste is refreshing and can be dipped in peanut sauce.

Where to eat in Laos

There are a large number restaurants providing food from different countries, like Southeast Asian cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, French Cuisine and Laos Cuisine, etc, meeting the need for tourists of all kinds. Here below are part restaurant in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Recommended Restaurants in Vientiane

  • 3 Merchants
    Address: 20 Sithong Street, Nongduang Nua Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane 01000 Lao PDR
    Tel: +856-21908888
  • PDR-Pizza da Roby
    Address: Sihome Road, 61, Vientiane 0100, Laos
    Tel: +856-2059989926
  • Kong View
    Address: 183 Souphanouvong Road, Hom 1 Ban Nongpanay, Sikottabong Disteict, Vientiane, Laos PDR
    Tel: +856-2059989926
  • Vieng Sawan
    Address: Th Heng Boun, Vientiane 0100, Laos
    Tel: +856-21213990
  • Amphone Restaurant
    Address: Ban Naxay Number 316, Vientiane, Laos 000001
    Tel: +856-305776677
  • Tango Pub Bar Restaurant
    Address: Sethatirat Street, Nr Intersection with Kuhn Bu Lom Road, Vientiane 0100, Laos
    Tel: +856-21255185
  • Laos Kitchen
    Address:Rue Hengboun, Opposite KP Hotel, Vientiane 0100, Laos
    Tel: +856-2054846421
  • Mini Makphet
    Address: Entrance of the Peuan Mit Center, Rue Phai Nam, Vientiane, Laos
    Tel: +856-21260587
  • Noy’s Fruit Heaven
    Address: Heng Boun Road, Ban haysok, Vientiane 0100, Laos
    Tel: +856-309960913
  • The Spirit House
    Address: 09/093, Fa Ngum Road, Baan Seetarn Neua, Sikhottabong District, PO Box 11824, Laos PDR
    Tel: +856-21243795
  • Senglao Café
    Address: Hom 4 Ban Naay, Sisangvong Road, Vientiane 0100, Laos
    Tel: +856-305880588
  • L’ADRESSE-CUISINE BY TINAY
    Address: ‘Wat Ongteu’ behind the temple, Vientiane 0100, Laos
    Tel: +856-2056913434
  • Day2night
    Address: Chao Anou Road, Vientiane 0100, Laos
    Tel: +856-2058015133

Recommended Restaurants in Luang Prabang

  • Tamarind
    Address: Ban Wat Sene, Old Town, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-71213128
  • Dyen Sabai Restaurant
    Address: Ban Phan Louang, PO Box 805, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-2055104817
  • Le Bistro Ban Vat Sene
    Address: Sakarine Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-2059306001
  • Secret Pizza
    Address: Ban Nasaphanh Street, Dead End of Soi 3 off Highway 13 Nasamphanh Village, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-2056528881
  • L’Elephant Resturant
    Address: Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-71252482
  • Saffron Coffee
    Address: Khem Khong Road, Ban Wat Nong, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-71212915
  • Coconut Garden
    Address: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-71254504
  • Restaurant Luang Prabang Bakery
    Address: Sisavangvong Road, Choumkong Village, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-71254844
  • 525 Cocktail & Tapas
    Address: 100 Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-2056665046
  • Joma Bakery Café
    Address: Th. Chao Fa Ngum, on the main road, near post office, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-71252292
  • Manda De Laos
    Address: 10 Norrassan Road Unit 1 Ban Thatluang, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-71253823
  • New Oriental Restaurant
    Address: Phu Vao Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-256336868
  • Chrngdu Restaurant
    Address: Near Dara Phousi Market, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
    Tel: +856-02056445488
  • What to Drink in Laos
  • Best Food and Dishes in Laos
  • Nava Mekong Restaurant & Cruise in Luang Prabang
  • Birds and flower Cafe in Paksong, Champasak
  • Sakura Bar in Vang Vieng, Vientiane
  • Lao Snake Whiskey
  • Laos Khao Soi – Tomato Meat Sauce Noodle Soup

Keep Reading