Is Lao Food Spicy? A Foreigner-Friendly Spice Guide
Your easy guide to understanding Lao flavors — and how to enjoy them at your own spice level.
Lao food is famous for its bold flavors, fresh herbs, and yes… sometimes serious spice. But don’t worry — not every Lao dish is spicy, and even spicy dishes can be made milder if you know how to ask.
This guide will help you understand Lao spice levels, what dishes are hot, and how to enjoy Lao food even if you can’t handle chili.
🔥 Why Lao Food Can Be Spicy
Lao cuisine uses fresh ingredients like:
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Bird’s eye chilies (very hot)
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Chili flakes
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Fermented chili paste
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Fresh chili slices
Chili adds heat, but also aroma and balance to traditional dishes. Spiciness in Laos is not only for flavor — it’s part of the culture.
🌶 Spice Levels in Laos (Easy Guide for Foreigners)
| Spice Level | Name in Lao | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 0/5 | Baw sai mak phet | No chili at all |
| 1/5 | Noy noy | Very mild, foreigner-friendly |
| 2/5 | Noy phet | Mild, a little heat |
| 3/5 | Phet tamada | Medium spicy for Lao people |
| 4/5 | Phet lai | Quite spicy — careful! |
| 5/5 | Phet mak mak | Very spicy, only for chili lovers |
👉 Tip: If you are not used to spicy food, order 1/5 or 2/5.
🍽️ Which Lao Dishes Are Spicy?
Usually Spicy (Ask to make it mild):
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Tam Mak Hoong (papaya salad) – Usually spicy by default
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Laap / Larb – Can be spicy, but adjustable
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Khao Poon (spicy noodle soup)
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Or Lam (pepperwood stew)
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Jao Bong / Jao Mak Len (chili dips)
🍛 Non-Spicy or Mild Lao Dishes
Great for beginners or people who prefer no spice.
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Khao Jee (Lao baguette sandwich)
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Sai Oua (Lao sausage) – Flavorful, not too spicy
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Khao Niew (sticky rice)
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Mok Pa (steamed fish) – Usually mild
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Ping Gai (grilled chicken)
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Khao Piak Sen (Lao chicken noodle soup) – Comfort food!
✨ How to Ask for Less Spice (Useful Phrases)
Use these when ordering:
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“Baw phet” – Not spicy
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“Phet noy” – A little spicy
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“Phet tamada” – Normal spicy
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“Baw ao mak phet” – No chilies at all
Locals appreciate when you try!
📚 Want to Explore More?
👉 Read more guides and discover Lao food like a local at Kin Khao Der.