Savor the Flavors of Laos: Discover the Must-Try Delicacies of the Land

Laos is a country known for its rich culinary traditions and diverse flavours. From herbs to unique spices, Lao cuisine combines ingredients and techniques. We’ll explore eight must-try dishes that showcase the essence of Lao cuisine.

Lapp:

Laap is a traditional Laotian minced meat salad. It’s usually made with shredded chicken, beef, or pork and mixed with herbs like mint, cilantro, and shallots. The meat is cooked with fish sauce, lime juice, and toasted rice noodles, giving it a rich, smoky flavour. Laap is usually eaten with sticky rice and offers a fresh and savory combination.

Tam Mak Houng (green papaya salad):

Tam Mak Houng is a refreshing and spicy green papaya salad. It’s made by chopping unripe papaya and mixing it with tomatoes, red peppers, lime juice, fish sauce, and sometimes fermented fish. Known for its vibrant flavors, this salad combines the tartness of the lime, the spiciness of the chilli, and the umami of the fish sauce.

Khao Piak Sen (Laos Chicken Noodle Soup):

Khao Piak Sen is a comforting and hearty chicken noodle soup. This dish features thick rice noodles cooked in a savory broth made from chicken bones and herbs. Chicken tenders, vegetables, and herbs are added for extra flavor. The soup is often served with crispy fried garlic, served with fresh herbs and lime.

Or Lam:

Or Lam is a traditional Lao stew that showcases the country’s love of spices. It is a stew of various meats such as pork, beef or fish with vegetables such as eggplant, squash and long beans. This stew is flavored with a fragrant herb blend, including galangal, lemongrass, and cayenne pepper. The resulting dishes are rich, aromatic and full of flavour.

Mok Pa (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf):

Mok Pa is a popular Lao dish of fish fillets, usually catfish or tilapia, wrapped in banana leaves. The fish is marinated in a blend of spices including garlic, ginger, lemongrass and chilli. The wrapped wrap is then steamed, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors and become soft and moist. Mok Pa is usually served with sticky rice and a dipping sauce.

Pin Kai (Grilled Chicken):

Ping Kai is a mouth-watering grilled chicken dish common in Laos. The chicken is marinated in lemongrass, garlic, ginger and a mix of spices. It is then grilled over charcoal to give it a smoky and charred flavor. The result is juicy and flavorful chicken, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Khao Poon (Laos Coconut Curry Soup):

Khao Poon is a rich and creamy coconut curry soup that is a staple in Laos. It’s a mix of spices like turmeric, ginger, and chilli, topped with coconut milk, chicken or fish, and vegetables. The soup is poured over rice noodles with fresh herbs, lime and crispy fried noodles.

Sai Oua (Lao sausage):

Sai Oua is a delicious Laotian sausage made with a blend of ground pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, garlic and various spices. The mixture is stuffed into natural casings, then grilled or fried to perfection. Sai Oua offers a unique combination of vanilla and savory.

These eight dishes are just a small sampling of Laos’ incredible culinary diversity. From spicy salads to refreshing soups and grilled delights, Lao cuisine is a feast for the senses. When visiting Laos, be sure to try these must-try dishes and start a culinary journey that will whet your appetite.