National Classics

• Sticky Rice (Khao Niaw): Laos’ staple food, served in small bamboo baskets and eaten by hand, rolled into small balls and dipped in sauces. It’s a part of every meal, three times a day.
• Green Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong): A tangy and spicy salad pounded fresh in a mortar, mixed with fish sauce, chili, and peanuts. It’s a common side dish at meals.
• Laap (Laap): Laos’ national dish made of minced meat mixed with herbs, fish sauce, and chili. Available in chicken, beef, and fish versions. Best served fresh and eaten immediately, known for its bold flavors.
• Lao Noodles (Khao Piak Sen): Thick rice noodles served in a herbal chicken broth, soft in texture and a popular breakfast choice.
• Grilled Chicken and Fish: Slow-grilled over charcoal, with crispy skin. Best enjoyed with a tangy dipping sauce and sticky rice. Grilled fish along the Mekong River is especially recommended.

Specialties & Snacks

• Baguette Sandwich (Khao Jee Pate): A legacy of French colonialism, filled with pâté, vegetables, and chili sauce. Widely available on the streets and very affordable.
• Lao Sausage (Sai Oua): Handmade sausage seasoned with lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. Grilled to bring out its rich aroma, pairs well with sticky rice.
• Bamboo Sticky Rice (Khao Lam): Sticky rice cooked with coconut milk inside bamboo tubes, offering a fragrant bamboo taste. Commonly found in night and morning markets.
• Fried Spring Rolls and Fried Bananas: Popular street snacks, often served with lettuce and dipping sauces. Cheap and satisfying.
• Lao Coffee: Grown in the Bolaven Plateau, often served iced with sweetened condensed milk. Rich in flavor, it’s a daily favorite among locals.

Drinks & Where to Eat

• Lao Beer (Beerlao): The national beer, available in nearly every restaurant. Light and refreshing, especially good when served cold.
• Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies: Street vendors in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng serve smoothies made with real fruit, a great way to cool down.
• Where to Eat: Night Market by the Mekong in Vientiane, the Night Market and Foreigner Street in Luang Prabang, Main Street and riverside restaurants in Vang Vieng.
• Prices: A bowl of laap or noodles costs around 20,000–40,000 LAK at street stalls, while restaurant meals average 80,000–150,000 LAK per person.

Dining Etiquette & Practical Tips

Lao people often share meals, with sticky rice and dishes placed in the center for everyone to help themselves. Using your right hand or both hands to pass or take food shows respect—avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. Lao dishes are typically light, tangy, and not greasy, making them easy for most travelers to enjoy. However, hygiene can vary at street stalls, so opt for busy places with lots of local customers, and stick to bottled water. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with cooked dishes like noodles or grilled chicken, then gradually try raw or fermented items like laap and green papaya salad.