Laos isn't as well known for its cuisine as neighboring Thailand or Vietnam, but that doesn't mean that we didn't eat exceedingly well during our month-long travel to Vientiane (the capital), Vang Vieng (an old-school party town turned eco-tourist hotspot), and Luang Prabang (the holy city of Laotian Buddhism).
Noodles
To understand Lao food, it's important to first understand a bit about Lao culture. Laos and Thailand aren't that different, at least historically. In fact, the Lao and Thai languages are more or less intelligible, and share a script so similar that even I can read it! The food is fairly similar as well. In the beginning, we weren't even sure what Lao food was, or how it was unique from what you can find in Thailand. From the first day in Vientiane, the noodles were delicious, although nothing that we hadn't tried before in Thailand.
 |
| noodles in Vientiane |
In Luang Prabang, however, we encountered one of the tastiest bowls of noodles ever! It was something of a mix between Thai noodle soup and Vietnamese pho (which makes sense, given the geographical location of Laos between the two countries). What made it particularly special, though, was the fried garlic, which lent the soup a rich, savory flavor.
 |
| Xieng Thong Noodles |
Issan/Lao Food
True Lao food is really quite close to the cuisine of Issan. Issan is the rural northeastern region of Thailand. I have never traveled there (I've only been to one or two Issan towns), but I'm really familiar with the food. It's super popular in Bangkok! Issan food is spicier than regular Thai cuisine, and usually consists of sticky rice and lots of rich salads and meat dishes.
 |
| papaya salad |
I mentioned before that the Lao language is similar to Thai. In fact, it's almost identical to the Issan dialect of Thai! Historically, Issan and Laos were one people. Through the geopolitics of the centuries, Issan ended up a part of neighboring Thailand.
 |
| laab, or spicy pork salad with mint |
https://www.theworldofstreetfood.com/2018/09/larb-chicken-laotian-food-in-vang-vieng.html
Khao Ji
Vietnam has its Banh Mi, but Laos has its Khao Ji. Thanks to the French influence, baguettes are a popular food in Laos. I loved the baguette sandwiches in Vietnam, and I like them just as much in Laos! A Khao Ji sandwich is best served with an ice cold Beerlao Dark!
 |
| Laotian khao ji sandwich and beer |
Porridge
What's better for a Laotian breakfast than a hot bowl of porridge, a few pieces of fried dough, the best iced coffee in Luang Prabang, and a view of the river?
 |
| the best porridge and coffee in Luang Prabang |
https://www.theworldofstreetfood.com/2018/09/lao-porridge-luang-prabang-amazing-and.html
https://michaeldesrosiers.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-morning-market.html
Pastries and Coffee
Now, i'm in now way defending the colonial efforts of France in Indochina, but if Vietnam benefited in any way, it was with the amazing coffee and cafe culture. If Laos benefited, it was through pastries.
 |
| pastries in Laos |
Lao Sausage
 |
| Lao sausage, air fried chicken, and spicy papaya salad |
Vegetarian Buffet
Every traveler in Luang Prabang ends up at the vegetarian buffet at the night market. All you have to do is buy a bowl, then fill it up with as much of these delicious Laotian vegetarian dishes as you can! Beer is sold separately. If you do want some meat, you can choose cuts of pork and chicken from the next stall over. Just pick out your meat, and they'll barbecue it and serve you at your table. The best part? The entire meal only costs 15000 Lao Kip ($1.70)!
 |
| vegetarian buffet in the Luang Prabang Night Market |
No comments:
Post a Comment