The Lao Food Guide

Your official guide to the wonders of Lao Food

Rice field in Mekong Delta, An Giang, Vietnam

Lao Food is
a Love Letter
to Laos
from Lao

Laos is a land-linked country nestled in the heart (or huajai ຫົວໃຈ) of Southeast Asia, captivating with its serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, offering a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. A place that still holds the burden of a land ravaged by remnants of war, Laos shows its resilience in the crops that grow, the specialty ingredients it produces, and the people that make it into a treasured cuisine.

Lao food is a tapestry of flavors that reflects the country's cultural heritage and deep-rooted connection to nature. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of exquisite tastes and uncover the secrets behind Lao culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.

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Some Essential Ingredients

Sticky Rice | Khao Niew

ເຂົ້າໜຽວ

Lemon Basil | Paak Ii Thu

ຜັກອີ່ຕູ່

Cilantro | Paak Hom Pom

ຜັກຫອມປ້ອມ

Garlic | Paak Tiam

ຜັກທຽມ

Bamboo | No Mai

ໜໍ່ໄມ້

Fermented Fish Sauce | Padaek

ປາແດກ

Eggplant | Maak Kua

Shallot | Hua Paak Bua

ຫົວຜັກບົ່ວ

Tamarind | Maak Kham

ໝາກຂາມ

Dill | Paak Sii

ຜັກຊີ

Coffee | Kafe

ກາເຟ

Culantro | Paak Hom

ຜັກຫອມ

Banana Blossom | Maak Pii

ໝາກປີ

Fish | Paa

ປາ

Banana Leaves | Bai tong

ໃບຕອງ

Galangal | Kaa

ຂ່າ

What's on the Menu?

BBQ/Grill | ປະເພດປີ້ງ

Lao BBQ is not just about grilling the meats and seafood; it also involves a variety of accompaniments and side dishes. Lao BBQ, also known as "ping" is a popular dining experience that combines the joy of grilling with communal dining. The cooking method is part of the reason why Lao BBQ and grilling is so flavorsome and addicting the palette. BBQ is versatile and the essential Lao street food because it's best served fresh and hot. What makes Lao grilled meats unique are the aromatic ingredients in the marinade and the charcoal or open fire grilling that give it its distinctive smoky and well-rounded taste.

Beverages | ເຄື່ອງດື່ມ/ປະເພດແກ້ມອາເມຣິກັນ

Lao beverages offer a refreshing and diverse range of flavors, showcasing the country's culinary traditions and cultural influences. From traditional herbal drinks to unique coffee preparations

Fried Snacks | ອາຫານຫວ່າງຈືນ

Lao fried snacks are a popular aspect of Lao cuisine, offering delicious and crispy treats that are enjoyed as appetizers, street food, or snacks between meals. These fried snacks showcase the flavors and textures that are characteristic of Lao cooking.

Lao Sauces | Cheows | ແຈ່ວ

These sauces play an integral role in Lao cooking, offering a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and sometimes spicy flavors that create a harmonious and memorable dining experience.

Packaged | ອາຫານສຳເລັດຮູບ

Traditional Lao cuisine often emphasizes fresh ingredients and homemade preparations and sometimes that means a longer pantry shelf life.

Rice/Noodles | ປະເພດເສັ້ນ

What truly sets Lao noodles apart is the array of flavorful broths that accompany them. These broths serve as the foundation of the dish, infusing the noodles with rich, aromatic, and often spicy flavors.

Salads | ປະເພດສະລັດ/ລາບ/ພັນ

At the heart of Lao salads is the concept of balance. The flavors are carefully crafted to achieve a perfect harmony between sweet, sour, salty, and sometimes spicy elements.

Seafood | ອາຫານທະເລ

Lao cuisine is landlocked, but it still incorporates seafood in its culinary repertoire, thanks to the Mekong River and other freshwater bodies found in the country. Lao seafood dishes showcase the creative use of river fish and other aquatic delights.

Specialty | ຈານພິເສດ /ອາຫານຫວ່າງ

These specialty foods often highlight the country's use of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and the influence of neighboring Southeast Asian cuisines.