Lao cuisine

Tray with food in Laos

Lao beef nam tok (Lao ping sin nam tok)

Travels in the central parts of Indo-China (Siam), Cambodia, and Laos - during the years 1858, 1859, and 1860 (1864) (14597037320)

Peppers in Vientiane

Stir fried morning glory at Kualao Restaurant

Dried buffalo skin 2

Lao cuisine refers to the traditional food and beverages of Laos, a country in Southeast Asia. Lao cuisine is distinct from other Southeast Asian cuisines, with its own unique flavors and ingredients. It is known for its use of fresh herbs, vegetables, and a variety of meats, often incorporating spicy, sour, and bitter flavors.

Staple Foods

The staple food of Lao cuisine is sticky rice, known locally as khao niao. Sticky rice is typically steamed and eaten with the hands. It is considered the heart of every meal and is often accompanied by a variety of dishes.

Common Ingredients

Lao cuisine makes extensive use of fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and basil. Other common ingredients include lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and fish sauce. Fermented fish, known as pa daek, is a traditional ingredient that adds a unique umami flavor to many dishes.

Popular Dishes

• Larb: A type of meat salad that is often considered the national dish of Laos. It is made with minced meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork), mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and ground rice.
• Tam mak hoong: Also known as Lao papaya salad, this dish is made from shredded unripe papaya, mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, chili, and other seasonings.
• Khao soi: A noodle soup that is different from the Thai version, typically made with hand-cut rice noodles, pork broth, and topped with minced pork and herbs.
• Sai oua: Lao sausage made from pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and other herbs and spices.

Beverages

Lao cuisine also includes a variety of traditional beverages. Lao-Lao is a popular rice whiskey, while Beerlao is a well-known beer brand in Laos. Herbal teas and fresh fruit juices are also commonly consumed.

Dining Etiquette

In Lao culture, meals are often communal, with dishes shared among all diners. Food is typically eaten with the hands, especially sticky rice, which is rolled into small balls and dipped into sauces or used to scoop up other dishes.

Related Pages

• Laos
• Southeast Asian cuisine
• Thai cuisine
• Vietnamese cuisine
• Cambodian cuisine