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1_ Sticky rice (Khao Niaw)
The staple food throughout the country. It is commonly said that Laotian citizens eat more Sticky Rice than anyone else in the world. It is traditionally steamed in a cone-shaped bamboo basket and placed in a tall container, also made of bamboo, covered where it is eaten along with many dishes.
2_ Minced Meat Salad (Larb)
This dish is a type of ground beef salad and is widely considered to be the national dish of Laos. You can find Larb made with chicken, beef, duck, fish or pork. It is usually flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, fermented fish juice, ground rice, and fresh herbs. It usually comes with some chillies, which you can avoid eating if you can't handle spicy food. Larb is an essential dish to pair with Sticky Rice
3_ Green Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong)
Green papaya salad is typically prepared with shreds of unripe papaya. It is of Laotian origin, but served in different varieties throughout the region. Green papaya salad was a dish imported to Bangkok by Laotian immigrants. It is similar to Thailand's Som Tam dish, but does not contain peanuts and is usually made with fermented fish sauce. Other ingredients include palm sugar, lime, garlic, tomatoes, dried shrimp, chillies, and raw eggplant. All of these ingredients are pounded together in a traditional mortar and pestle.
4_ Steamed Fish (Mok Pa)
Mok Pa is a steamed fish that is generally wrapped in banana leaves and tied with a bamboo thread. It is made with lemongrass, kaffir leaves, green onions, fish sauce, green chillies, shrimp paste and fresh dill. All these ingredients are mixed with steamed fish. Mok Pa should never be served dry, and it is also another dish that must be paired with Sticky Rice
5_ Paté baguette (Khao Jii Paté)
Thanks to its French influence, delicious baguettes are commonly found on many streets in Laos. This baguette sandwich is largely reminiscent of a Vietnamese Banh Mi, but instead of using cilantro and pickles, the Lao version consists of watercress, grated carrots, and a healthy amount of garlic and chili sauce. It's a quick meal that can be enjoyed on the go for breakfast or lunch.
6_ Wet Noodles (Khao Piak Sen)
Khao Piak Sen is a chewy noodle soup that has a texture similar to Udon, but is made with rice instead of wheat. It is considered a comfortable food in Laos, typically prepared with pork or chicken, lemongrass, galangal, shallot, garlic, chopped coriander leaves, bean sprouts and served with freshly sliced lime. The most crucial factor is the broth, which should be slow cooked with the bones for the best flavor. In many restaurants, you will be encouraged to add your own amount of sugar, chili sauce, chili powder, fish sauce, or soy sauce.
7_ Crispy Rice Salad (Naem Khao Tod)
Nam Khao Tod is a fresh Laos salad that is prepared with fried rice balls, pieces of sour pork sausage, peanuts, grated coconut, fish sauce, dried chili and other ingredients. It is traditionally eaten as a warp by filling individual lettuce leaves with the Nam Khao blend, topped with fresh herbs and dried chillies. Crispy rice salad is usually served as an appetizer and is slowly gaining popularity in the West. However, we recommend that you eat this dish with locals in Laos for a truly authentic experience.
8_ Lao Sausages (Sai Uah, Sai Gok)
Laotian-style sausages are herb-infused meat that is unlike any other sausage you've tried before. These pork sausages are mixed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir leaves, scallions, coriander, chillies, and fish sauce. You can also find another variation of this sausage in Laos, known as sour Lao sausage. In addition to the ingredients above, sticky rice is included and the sausage stays out for a couple of days before it turns sour.
9_ Noodle Soup (Phor)
This noodle soup is a variation of the Vietnamese soup, Phô. It is prepared in a beef broth and served alongside a basket of fresh herbs, chillies, limes, and bean sprouts. It is one of the most common soup dishes to be found in the country and the ingredients vary depending on whether you are visiting northern or southern Laos. When you order a bowl of Pho, you will usually be asked if you want thin or thick rice noodles. After serving, add some sugar or fresh chillies to match your desired flavor and enjoy!
10_ Lao Beer (Bia Lao)
While Lao beer isn't technically food, it's an essential companion to any dish when you're in the country. It is the most famous beer brand found in Laos and is widely considered to be the best beer in the region. Laotian beer is traditionally served over ice in small glasses, where it is enjoyed by friends and families. If you find yourself invited for a glass, be prepared to finish a few more bottles than you might expect!