Introduction to Lao Cuisine and A Guide to Vientiane's Top Tables - By: Exotissimo Traveler

Introduction to Lao Cuisine

Although not as well known as Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, Lao food is a delicious mix of fresh flavors such as galangal, lime, lemongrass, basil, coriander, and mint. Meals are generally shared communally with a soup, grilled or steamed meat, a variety of green leafy vegetables, dipping sauces, and sticky rice. Rarely do the Lao eat with utensils, instead they form small balls of sticky rice in their fingers and used as an aid to pick up the food. Chopsticks are only used in the case of noodle soups, but fear not! Utensils are commonly available for foreign tourists.

The national dish of Laos is laap, a delicious dish made of finely minced meat, lemongrass, and herbs. Spicy salads such as tam mak houng are also popular. This particular dish is made from green (unripened) papaya, tomatoes, lime juice, peanuts, chilies, and fish sauce. Grilled meats, especially chicken and fish, are extremely popular and walking down the street the smell is mouth watering! Mok pa fork is a steamed fish in banana leaf dish, accompanied by a mild coconut sauce. A similar version of this is found in neighboring Cambodia and Thailand.

Most locals enjoy jaews with their meal. These are salsa-like dipping sauces, made from tomatoes, eggplant, or other vegetables. Traditionally jaews have accompanied meals in poor villages to break the monotony of eating endless amounts of plain sticky rice, but nowadays are being enjoyed by more and more tourists.

For celebrations, a pun pa is a festive meal meant to be shared. A whole steam fish, marinated in local herbs and stuffed with lemongrass, is served with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sauces. Diners create their own individual parcels of lettuce wraps seasoned to taste!

If laap is the national dish of Laos, then Beer Lao is certainly the national drink of Laos! This delicious beer was, up until recently, the only type of beer available in the country and regardless of how remote in the jungle you were, the villagers always seem to have a bottle ready to share. For something a bit stronger, lao lao is the traditional rice wine. Made in the villages, this strong alcohol is made by fermenting rice and is often consumed at weddings and other celebrations.

In the southern Boloven Plateau, Laos grows fantastic tea and coffee. The locals drink their coffee strong, often with a hefty dollop of sweetened condensed milk. Green, loose-leaf tea is served as an accompaniment although higher-end teas are beginning to appear.

Best tables in Vientiane, the capital of Laos

Dinner at Phatoke Laoderm is a unique evening. Housed in an old cinema, the restaurant serves delicious food on traditional circular trays while being entertained by a traditional Laos dance performance. Another unique, but typically Lao, dining experience is Poysian. Here guests barbeque their own array of meats in an al fresco setting, accompanied by soupy broth and cold Beer Lao. This style of dining is locally called sin dat and it is a truly local (and delicious!) experience.

For a special experience, check out Le Nadao which serves up fine French and Laos fare or our favorite, New Amphone. This hidden gem is tucked down a small laneway and features subtle lighting, jazzy music, and luscious wooden decor. The food is to die for (as are the cocktails!) including traditional Lao dishes such as barbequed Mekong fish, beef laap, and the ubiquitous sticky rice.

Dine for a cause at Makphet Restaurant, a vocational training restaurant which trains homeless youth to cook and wait tables. The restaurant upholds the highest standards of hygiene and serves modern Lao cuisine prepared with only naturally-grown ingredients and no MSG. The food is fabulous and the smiles of the friendly staff warm your heart!

Incorporating the French influence on Lao cuisine, Le Central is renowned for its gourmet Asian fusion dishes and fine French menu. With a broad selection of wines and delectable deserts, dining at Le Central is an indulgent treat.

About the Author

Exotissimo Traveler is the persona we use at http://www.exotissimo.com to publish our travel reviews and suggestions, and to share with you our favorite places, hotels, restaurants and activities in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Exotissimo Travel is a leading Inbound Tour Operator in Southeast Asia. Travelers know to contact us when they are looking for more than the standard travel agency package. View our Laos Tours suggestions: http://laos.exotissimo.com/travel/tours/

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