Laos Food 12 Of The Best Laotian Dishes You Need To Eat

Lao Food 101 Essential Dishes From Laos and Isan Laos food

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Table of Contents

1. What are the staple foods in Laos?
2. What are the popular soups in Laos?
3. What are the must-try dishes in Laos?
4. What are the famous desserts in Laos?
5. What are the traditional drinks of Laos?

What are the staple foods in Laos?

Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is known for its rich and diverse cuisine. The staple foods in Laos form the foundation of Lao cuisine and are an integral part of the culture and daily life of the Laotian people. Rice, particularly sticky rice, is the most important staple food in Laos. It is often referred to as "khao niao" and is eaten with almost every meal.

In addition to rice, another staple food in Laos is fish. Laos is blessed with many rivers and lakes, making fish a readily available and affordable source of protein. Grilled or steamed fish is a common dish in Laos, often served with a variety of dipping sauces and fresh herbs.

Vegetables and herbs also play a significant role in Lao cuisine. Popular vegetables include morning glory, watercress, and various types of gourds. Herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves are widely used for their aromatic flavors.

Other staple foods in Laos include noodles, such as rice noodles and vermicelli, which are commonly used in soups and stir-fried dishes. Tofu and soy products are also widely consumed, particularly among vegetarians and Buddhists who follow a plant-based diet.

What are the popular soups in Laos?

Soups are an essential part of Lao cuisine and are enjoyed throughout the country. They are often served as a main course or as a side dish alongside other Lao dishes. Here are some popular soups in Laos:

1. Tom Yum

Tom Yum is a spicy and sour soup that originated in Laos but has gained popularity across Southeast Asia. It is made with a flavorful broth, typically infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. The soup is usually cooked with shrimp, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and is often garnished with fresh herbs.

2. Khao Piek

Khao Piek is a comforting and hearty rice noodle soup commonly eaten for breakfast or as a light meal in Laos. The soup is made with homemade rice noodles cooked in a flavorful broth made from chicken or pork bones. It is usually garnished with fresh herbs, lime juice, and crispy fried garlic.

3. Or Lam

Or Lam is a traditional Lao soup that is rich and flavorful. It is typically made with a combination of vegetables, herbs, and either pork, beef, or fish. The soup is simmered for a long time to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish.

4. Kaeng Nor Mai

Kaeng Nor Mai, also known as bamboo shoot soup, is a popular soup in Laos. It is made with fresh bamboo shoots, which are sliced and cooked in a flavorful broth along with other ingredients such as mushrooms, herbs, and spices. The soup is often enjoyed with sticky rice.

5. Mok Pa

Mok Pa is a unique Lao soup that is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. It is made with fish, typically catfish, mixed with a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. The result is a fragrant and flavorful soup that is often served with sticky rice.

What are the must-try dishes in Laos?

Laos is a country with a rich culinary heritage, and there are several must-try dishes that showcase the unique flavors and ingredients of Lao cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Laos:

1. Laap

Laap is a traditional Lao dish that is often considered the national dish of Laos. It is a meat salad made with minced meat, typically chicken, beef, or pork, mixed with fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and ground roasted rice. Laap is known for its bold flavors and is often served with sticky rice.

2. Tam Mak Houng

Tam Mak Houng, also known as green papaya salad, is a popular dish in Laos. It is made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, chili, garlic, lime juice, and fish sauce. The salad is typically served as a side dish and is known for its spicy, sour, and refreshing flavors.

3. Khao Piak Sen

Khao Piak Sen is a comforting and delicious Lao noodle soup. It is made with homemade rice noodles cooked in a flavorful broth made from chicken or pork bones. The soup is often garnished with fresh herbs, lime juice, and crispy fried garlic.

4. Mok Pa

Mok Pa is a unique Lao dish that is made with fish, typically catfish, mixed with a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. The result is a fragrant and flavorful dish that is often served with sticky rice.

5. Khao Poon

Khao Poon is a spicy and flavorful soup made with rice vermicelli noodles cooked in a rich and aromatic broth. The soup is typically made with a combination of meat, such as chicken or pork, and is flavored with a variety of herbs, spices, and chili. It is often garnished with fresh herbs, lime juice, and crispy fried garlic.

What are the famous desserts in Laos?

Laos has a variety of traditional desserts that are enjoyed throughout the country. These desserts often incorporate local ingredients such as sticky rice, coconut milk, and tropical fruits. Here are some famous desserts in Laos:

1. Khao Niao Mamuang

Khao Niao Mamuang, also known as mango sticky rice, is a popular dessert in Laos. It is made with sweet glutinous rice that is cooked in coconut milk and served with ripe mango slices. The combination of the sticky rice, sweet coconut milk, and juicy mango creates a delicious and refreshing dessert.

2. Khanom Kok

Khanom Kok is a traditional Lao dessert that is similar to coconut pancakes. It is made with a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, which is cooked in a special mold to create small, bite-sized cakes. Khanom Kok is often topped with coconut cream and garnished with shredded coconut.

3. Nam Van

Nam Van is a sweet and refreshing dessert made with agar jelly, coconut milk, and sugar. It is typically served in a bowl or a glass and is often garnished with slices of tropical fruits such as jackfruit, lychee, or mango.

4. Khao Tom

Khao Tom is a Lao dessert made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and black beans. The sticky rice is cooked with coconut milk and sugar until it becomes creamy and sticky. Black beans are then added to the mixture, giving the dessert a unique flavor and texture.

5. Khanom Tom

Khanom Tom is a sweet and chewy dessert made with sticky rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. The mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. Khanom Tom is often enjoyed as a snack or a dessert and is known for its delightful combination of flavors.

What are the traditional drinks of Laos?

Laos has a variety of traditional drinks that reflect the country's cultural heritage and natural resources. These drinks are often refreshing and are enjoyed throughout the day. Here are some traditional drinks of Laos:

1. Beer Lao

Beer Lao is the national beer of Laos and is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the country. It is a light and refreshing lager that is brewed with local ingredients, including rice, hops, yeast, and water from the Mekong River. Beer Lao is often enjoyed with Lao cuisine or during social gatherings.

2. Lao Coffee

Lao coffee is known for its rich and bold flavor. It is typically made with robusta beans, which are grown in the highlands of Laos. Lao coffee is often brewed using a French press or a traditional coffee filter, and is usually served with condensed milk or plain black.

3. Lao Tea

Lao