A simple guide for travelers discovering Lao food for the first time

If you’re visiting Laos for the first time, the best way to understand the country is through its food.
Lao cuisine is bold, fresh, herbal, spicy—and completely unique in Southeast Asia.

Here are 10 must-try dishes that every traveler should experience at least once.

1. Sticky Rice (Khao Niew / ເຂົ້າໜຽວ)

The heart of Lao cuisine.
Lao people eat sticky rice with almost every meal.

Try it with: grilled chicken, laap, jeow (dips), soups.
How to eat: use your hands—roll it and dip.

2. Laap (Larb / ລາບ)

The national dish of Laos.

A fresh, minced meat salad made with herbs, lime, roasted rice powder, and sometimes chili.

Best for: beginners who want authentic flavor without too much spice.
Variations: chicken, beef, fish, duck, mushroom.

3. Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad / ຕຳໝາກຫຸ່ງ)

Spicy, sour, salty, and addictive.

Note for foreigners:
You can ask for “bo pik” (not spicy) or “lao pik noy” (a little spicy).

4. Or Lam (ອໍລາມ)

A traditional Lao stew from Luang Prabang, filled with herbs, vegetables, and wood ear mushrooms.

Famous for: pepper wood (mai sakhaan) — a spicy, numbing wood.

5. Mok Pa (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf / ຫມົກປາ)

Soft, fragrant fish steamed with lemongrass, dill, and kaffir lime.

Perfect for: seafood lovers who want a gentle, aromatic dish.

6. Khao Poon (ຂ້າວປຸ້ນ)

A spicy, coconut-based noodle soup served with fresh herbs.

Fun fact:
Lao people eat this at weddings, festivals, and family gatherings.

7. Ping Gai (Grilled Chicken / ປິ້ງໄກ່)

Juicy, smoky, marinated chicken grilled the Lao way.

Best eaten with: sticky rice + jeow bong (sweet chili dip).

8. Sai Oua (Lao Herb Sausage / ໄສ້ອົ່ວ)

A flavorful sausage filled with lemongrass, herbs, pork, and chili.

Tip:
Try it grilled—crispy on the outside, aromatic inside.

9. Jeow Bong (Sweet Chili Paste / ແຈ່ວບົງ)

A famous Luang Prabang chili paste made with chili, garlic, and buffalo skin.

Eat it with: sticky rice, grilled meats, steamed veggies.
Spice level: mild, beginner-friendly.

10. Nam Khao (Crispy Rice Salad / ນາມເຂົ້າ)

A crunchy, sour, fresh salad made with crispy rice balls, herbs, and fermented pork.

Perfect for: street food lovers who want something unique.

⭐ Bonus Dish for Brave Foodies: Khao Soi Luang Prabang

Different from Thai khao soi—this version is a minced pork tomato stew served over rice noodles.

A must-try if you love deep, savory flavors.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

✔ If you can’t eat spicy, say “bor pik lai.”
✔ Lao dishes always come with herbs—eat them! They balance the flavors.
✔ Try sticky rice with everything—it’s part of the experience.
✔ Don’t be afraid to ask locals how to eat a dish. They love sharing.