Top 10 Laos Food You Must Try, Best of Laotian Cuisine!
Nothing beats a nice plate of Tam Mak Hoong, Laotian papaya salad
One underrated cuisine of Southeast Asia is definitely that of Laotian Cuisine. Often overshadowed by Thailand, Laos Food is something that you need to get a taste of at least once in your life!
From a delicious Papaya salad packed with pungent fermented flavors (Tam Mak Hoong), to a steam fish curry in banana leaf (Mok Pa) which happens to be one of my favorite dishes in the entirety of Southeast Asia. Laos Food is full of delicious flavors waiting to be introduced to the world!
If you’re a foodie curious about Lao cuisine, then look no further as I share with you the Top 10 Laos Food that you must try!
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What Makes Laos Food Unique?
If you’ve had Thai food before, you’d definitely noticed that Laos food shares a lot of similarities with its western neighbour. You’ll notice it, especially if you are in the northeastern Isaan region of Thailand.
Both cuisines love grilled meats, spicy sauces, papaya salad, and sticky rice. But Laos keeps things a bit more rustic and less sweet, with sharper herbal flavour and more fermented ingredients like padaek (Laotian fermented fish gut sauce).
Laos Food also has inspiration from it’s eastern neighbours, Vietnam. Both countries had a history of French colonization and the French encouraged movement throughout the colonies and naturally over time food cultures cross borders as Vietnamese migrants moved to Laos to seek work. This is why you’ll see a lot Lao street food sharing Vietnamese dishes like Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) or Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette sandwich), with a Laotian twist of course.
What a nice log of meat, Lao sausage, sai oua
In the south of Laos in the city of Pakse (lovely city by the way) for example, you can find a different type of cuisine. Because the entire region sits along the Mekong River, southern Laos food has a strong seafood influence with a focus on river fish (tilapia, catfish, etc…), freshwater prawns, and dishes seasoned with local Mekong river herbs and spices like galangal, mint, and lemon grass.
If you want to see what real Laos traditional food from the Mekong actually looks like, I filmed 2 entire feasts in my YouTube about trying Lao Mekong food. There I explore and eat my way through Southern Laos and the Mekong river. I share with you must try dishes in Laos, especially for seafood lovers. So if you have some time, I appreciate it if you gave it a watch, and if my you deem my content and production skills worthy, then consider subscribing :)
Top 10 Lao Foods and Dishes to Try!
That looks to be a very spicy and pungent plate of Tam Mak Hoong
Alright, with the context out of the way, here are the top Laos foods and dishes you absolutely shouldn’t miss if you want to experience the authentic flavors of Laotian cuisine! Let’s eat!
Larb - Laos’ National Dish
Spicy, sour, meaty, what could be better than a plate of Larb?
Let’s start off with the national dish of Laos, Larb (also known as Laab or Laap). This national pride of Laotian cuisine is a staple that you’ll find in every single Laos street food stall and local family run restaurants and it’s a Laos food that you definitely must try.
Often mistakenly believed to be Thai, this authentic Lao dish is a minced meat salad made with pork, chicken, beef, or even fish, tossed with lime juice, toasted rice powder, fresh herbs, chili, and a splash of fish sauce. Sometimes even the signature Padaek (Laos fermented fish gut sauce) is added depending on the recipe to give it that extra intense kick of flavor.
Served warm or room temp and eaten with sticky rice, Larb is a very satisfyingly refreshing dish. You get the meatiness from the proteins, and you get the vibrant sour and spicy from all the sauces and spices. Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and toasted rice powder adds an even more complex array of aroma and flavor.
Whether I am having it in Laos or in Thailand, I always enjoy this satisfying meat salad.
Tam Mak Hoong - Lao Papaya Salad with Fermented Fish Sauce
Pair Tam Mak Hoong with sticky rice and you got yourself a satisfying meal
Another iconic Laos food is Tam Mak Hoong, the Lao version of green papaya salad and a staple dish at any Laotian meal. This dish is made from shredded unripe papaya, mixed with fresh tomatoes, long beans, garlic, chili, lime juice, and what makes it unique from the other papaya salads in the region (like the Thai Som Tum) is the addition of the fermented padaek fish sauce that gives it its signature depth of flavor.
Tam Mak Hoong is a bold combination of flavors, spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet, all in one refreshing bite that’s paired with sticky rice. The crunchy texture of the shredded papaya, combined with the lip puckering lime, fiery chili, and aromatic herbs is to die for. And sometimes toasted peanuts or dried shrimp are added for an extra dimension of flavor and crunch.
Again you can find this dish everywhere in Laos, from busy Laos street food markets to local restaurants. Tam Mak Hoong pairs really well with Larb, the dynamic duo of Laos food.
Mok Pa - Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf (My Favorite Dish)
It might not be the prettiest thing, but Mok Pa is absolutely delicious
Okay, we’ve come to my favorite dish, not just my favorite Laos dish, but in all of Southeast Asia. In my humble opinion Mok Pa is a must try Laotian dish. It is a steamed fish dish where fresh fish is mixed with lime juice, garlic, chili, fresh herbs like dill and coriander, and the signature fermented padaek fish sauce, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.
Once finished steaming, the resulting dish is a masterclass of Lao cuisine. A delicate yet meaty fish enveloped in a blanket of aromatic herbs and spices. Each bite of Mok Pa is full of herbal and slightly spicy flavours that define Lao food. And the wrapping of the Banana leaf, a genius move that locks in the natural flavors of the fish and allowing it to bask in it’s own juices and the herbs.
Mok Pa is simply lovely. It might look questionable as you’re unwrapping the banana leaf packet but just ignore the age old adage of “You eat with your eyes first” for this one. You owe it to yourself to try this amazing Laos food.
Or Lam - Lao Beef Stew
Sometimes you just need a spicy beef stew to get you going
If you’re looking for a heartier and more soupy dish, Or Lam is flavorful dish that is a staple of Laotian Cuisine and a beloved Laos food. This savory stew is made with a mix of meat, often beef, buffalo, or chicken, combined with Thai eggplant, wood ear mushrooms, lemongrass, chili, and local herbs. The dish is uniquely flavored again with Padaek, the people of Laos really do love their Padaek.
While stewing Or Lam, the meat becomes tender while absorbing the aromatic herbs and spices, and the vegetables, especially the Thai eggplant, add a satisfying bite. The subtle heat from chili and the earthy notes the stew and herbs make it a comforting yet vibrant authentic Lao dish.
Sometimes you just want to sip on some heartwarming soup, and Or Lam is a Laotian dish that will fill that empty void in your heart and stomach.
Khao Poon - Lao Noodle Soup
That’s the most delicious looking bowl of Khao Poon I have ever seen
Khao Poon is another hearty and iconic Laos food. Often referred to as Lao noodle soup or Lao Laksa (after the Malaysian Laksa), Khao Poon is a vibrant, spicy, and aromatic dish made with rice vermicelli noodles served in a fragrant coconut milk-based broth. The soup is typically flavored with a combination of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili, garlic.
As for toppings it can be served with chicken, pork, or fish, sometimes these proteins would be pounded and stewed in with the soup broth for an added depth of rich flavor. Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and shredded cabbage are also added on top, to contrast the richness of the noodle soup with some vibrant flavors.
Soft and silky noodles that perfectly absorbs the rich and slightly spicy coconut based broth, Khao Poon is a wonderful Laotian dish this flavor profile is why Khao Poon is considered one of the most famous food in Laos. Alongside Larb of course.
Khao Jee Pate - Lao Baguette Sandwich
Lao Khao Jee Pate vs Vietnamese Banh Mi?
Khao Jee Pâté is an iconic Laotian dish that highlights the cultural blend with Vietnam and French colonialism. This delicious sandwich features a crisp, airy baguette generously filled with rich pork or chicken pâté, pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon, fresh herbs such as cilantro and cucumber, and a hint of chili for spice.
Yes it does sound exactly like the Vietnamese Banh Mi but what this Laos food differs by using mainly cold meats compared Vietnam’s variety of grilled proteins.
The creamy richness of the pâté pairs beautifully with the crisp and crunchy baguette, while the pickled vegetables add a zesty tang helps to cut through the rich flavors. Fresh herbs provide brightness and a nice aromatic fragrance helping to add some complexity to the sandwich.
Khao Jee Pâté is a standout Laos street food that you must try while in Laos.
Yum Naem Khao Tod - Crispy Rice and Fermented Sausage Salad
Yum Naem Khao Tod will probably clog my arteries but it’s worth it
One of the more unique dishes that you’ll ever see, never mind Laos food, is Yum Naem Khao Tod, also known as crispy rice with fermented sausage salad. This is a traditional Lao dish that is made by deep frying rice until it becomes crunchy, then breaking it into bite-sized pieces and mixing it with minced fermented pork, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, roasted peanuts, lime juice, and chili.
Yum Naem Khao Tod is such a vibrant, and multi-textured salad that is an irresistible harmony of tastes. The crunchy rice provides a satisfying well… crunch, while the fermented pork adds savory, sour, and fatty richness as wells a s needed boost of protein. Fresh herbs and lime juice give the dish a bright, aromatic punch, and chili adds a gentle spicy heat.
If you ever find a restaurant in Laos that serves Yum Naem Khao Tod, you owe it to yourself to give this Laotian dish a try.
Feu - Lao Noodle Soup / Lao Pho
On a nice cold day? Feu slaps
Another Vietnamese inspired Laos dish is Feu. often referred to as Lao pho or Lao noodle soup, Feu is made with tender rice noodles served in a fragrant broth made from beef or chicken bones, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and the signature fermented padaek fish sauce that is so prevalent in Laotian cuisine. For toppings, you usually get thinly sliced meat, fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.
Obviously, Feu also has a clear connection to Vietnamese cuisine, as it shares similarities with Vietnamese pho, this is due to the country literally bordering Vietnam, so of course food cultures mix. But the Lao version tends to be less sweet and includes distinct local flavors like the aforementioned padaek and a slightly stronger herbal presence.
The flavor of Feu is balanced, with the savory depth of the slow-cooked broth complemented by the freshness of herbs and the bright tang of lime. The noodles are soft and silky, soaking up the broth, while the tender meat s a hearty addition of protein.
Khao Piak Sen - Lao Chicken Noodle Soup
On an even colder day? Khao Piak Sen punches
Khao Piak Sen is a comforting and flavorful Laotian dish and it’s a beloved traditional Laos food. Khao Piak Sen is a noodle soup with soft, chewy rice noodles simmering in a savory chicken broth flavored with garlic, lemongrass, and the all important padaek fish sauce. It is usually served with shredded chicken, fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions, and a squeeze of lime for an added citrusy contrast.
Khao Piak Sen is one of the more comforting Laotian dishes. it’s warm and soothing, and that gentle richness from the flavor-packed chicken broth is complemented well with the freshness of the herbs and subtle tang from the lime. And as you’re eating, the noodles soak up that flavorful broth making it even more delicious.
Khao Piak Sen is a more approachable authentic Lao dish, so if a crispy rice salad or steamed fish in banana leaf sounds intimidating to you, you can rest easy knowing that a comforting chicken noodle soup is waiting for you whenever you are stuck for what to eat in Laos.
Gaeng Nor Mai - Bamboo Shoot Soup
This is one of the more uniquely flavored dishes but Gaeng Nor Mai is not to be missed!
On the other end of approachable, Gaeng Nor Mai is one intimidating dish that you should try. Gaeng Nor Mai is a classic Laos traditional food that is known for its strong and earthy flavors.
This savory soup is made from tender bamboo shoots stewed with chunks of meat, often pork or chicken, and flavored with padaek fish sauce, garlic, lemongrass, and fresh herbs like dill and cilantro.
The flavor of Gaeng Nor Mai is savory, slightly tangy, aromatic, and maybe a bit sour. The bamboo shoots give a pleasant crunch and subtly sweet, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the rich, and herb filled aromatic broth. While the meats add a nice chew and meaty flavor.
This dish is a standout among authentic Lao cuisine and is a definite must try dish in Laos.
Where to Eat the Best Food in Laos?
I’ll take all your skewers please!
If you want to experience the best Laos food, Vientiane, the capital city, is a perfect starting point. Here, street food stalls, night markets, and riverside restaurants serve a wide variety of Laos traditional food like larb, tam mak hoong, and Khao Jee. The night markets along the Mekong River are especially lively, it’s where you can find must try dishes in Laos.
For a deeper dive into regional cuisine, Luang Prabang is where you should be looking. This UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and rich culinary scene, featuring dishes like my favorite Mok Pa (steamed fish in banana leaves) and Or Lam (hearty meat and vegetable stew). And there are plenty of small local restaurants serving authentic Lao dishes, allowing you to experience the full depth of famous food in Laos in a charming, historic setting.
The southern regions of Laos is where you can find the most delicious fish
Down south, Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau is a completely different culinary experience. With the Mekong River flowing through the region, fresh river fish and seafood are central to Laos street food and traditional dishes. Local villages and markets showcase traditional Laos food made with fresh herbs and ingredients unique to the area. You can watch my YouTube video on trying Mekong cuisine if you want to learn more and to eat with me :)
If you want an easy way to taste the best Laos food in one afternoon, check out the Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour. It’s a fun, effortless way to learn what to eat in Laos while diving into the flavors that make Luang Prabang such a foodie gem.
Tips for Eating Food in Laos
A tasty looking stack of Ban- Khao Jee Pate!
Eating Laos food is one of the best ways to experience the country’s rich culture and flavors, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make your dining experience a bit more enjoyable. Here are some quick tips can help you enjoy authentic Lao dishes safely and deliciously, while getting the most out of your journey discovering must try dishes in Laos.
Build your spice tolerance - Laos Food is packed full of strong flavors, start with mild dishes if you’re sensitive to spice, then work your way up to spicier options like Tam Mak Hoong or Larb.
Sticky rice always - Have some sticky rice, it’s a staple carb of traditional Laos cuisine and pairs perfectly with most dishes.
Wash your hands - Laos cuisine is a very hands on experience, forks and spoons are available but more often than not you’ll be using your hands especially with sticky rice.
Explore night markets - As with anywhere in South East Aisa, these places are where you can find the best foods and for affordable prices.
Don’t miss regional specialties - southern Laos has amazing Mekong River seafood, while northern regions offer unique herbal and vegetable dishes, be on the lookout.
Looking for Things to Do in Laos?
Hotels - Browse the best hotels in Laos
Discounted Tickets - Browse a variety of attractions, tours, and transports all for a great price
Useful Resources for Traveling in Laos
Vientiane/Vang Vieng Transfer - Private transport between Vientiane and Vang Vieng
Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Laos
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