Table of Contents

Laotian Cuisine

Laap (Larb)

Laap is a traditional minced meat salad made with ground meat (often chicken, pork, or fish) mixed with herbs like mint, cilantro, and green onions, as well as lime juice, fish sauce, and toasted rice powder. It's served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables. 1)

Tam Mak Houng (Green Papaya Salad)

Tam mak houng is a refreshing salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and chilies, tossed in a tangy dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and palm sugar. It's a popular street food dish. 2)

Mok Pa (Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves)

Mok pa is a fragrant dish made with fish fillets marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and coconut milk, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender. It's a flavorful and aromatic specialty. 3)

Khao Poon (Lao Rice Vermicelli Soup)

Khao poon is a spicy noodle soup made with rice vermicelli noodles, coconut milk, and a variety of meats (such as chicken, pork, or fish), as well as vegetables and herbs. It's flavored with chili paste and served with fresh lime and herbs. 4)

Or Lam (Lao Stew)

Or lam is a hearty stew made with a variety of meats (such as pork or beef), mushrooms, eggplant, green beans, and other vegetables, simmered in a rich broth flavored with lemongrass, galangal, and herbs. 5)

Mok Nor Mai (Bamboo Shoots Steamed in Banana Leaves)

Mok nor mai is a traditional dish made with tender bamboo shoots marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and coconut milk, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until fragrant and tender. 6)

Khao Niaw (Sticky Rice)

Khao niaw is a staple food in Laos, made from glutinous rice that's soaked, steamed, and then served in small baskets or woven bamboo containers. It's typically eaten with the hands and used to scoop up other dishes. 7)

Khao Jee (Grilled Sticky Rice)

Khao jee is a popular street food snack made from grilled skewers of sticky rice, brushed with a savory sauce made from coconut milk, sesame seeds, and salt. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 8)

Ping Kai (Grilled Chicken)

Ping kai is a simple but flavorful dish made with marinated chicken skewers grilled over charcoal until charred and crispy. It's often served with sticky rice, fresh herbs, and spicy dipping sauces. 9)

Khao Piak Sen (Lao Rice Noodle Soup)

Khao piak sen is a comforting noodle soup made with thick rice noodles, chicken or pork, and vegetables, simmered in a flavorful broth made with ginger, garlic, and herbs. 10)

Mee Ka Tee (Lao Coconut Noodle Soup)

Mee ka tee is a fragrant noodle soup made with thin rice noodles, coconut milk, chicken or pork, and a variety of herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. 11)

Khao Poon Nam Phik (Spicy Rice Vermicelli Soup with Chili Paste)

Khao poon nam phik is a spicy noodle soup made with rice vermicelli noodles, coconut milk, and a fiery chili paste made with roasted chilies, garlic, and shrimp paste. It's a bold and flavorful dish. 12)

Mok Gai (Chicken Steamed in Banana Leaves)

Mok gai is a tender and juicy dish made with chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and coconut milk, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked through. 13)

Khao Tom (Lao Rice Soup)

Khao tom is a simple and comforting rice soup made with cooked rice, broth, and various meats or vegetables, seasoned with garlic, ginger, and herbs. It's often served for breakfast or as a light meal. 14)

Khao Niew Ma Muang (Sticky Rice with Mango)

Khao niew ma muang is a popular dessert made with sweet sticky rice topped with ripe mango slices and drizzled with a coconut milk sauce sweetened with sugar. It's a delicious and refreshing treat. 15)