8 Local Must Eat Foods in Laos

Lao food is often modest but packed with flavors blending herbs and chili. The food scene in Laos can be a bit daunting especially if you’re unfamiliar with Lao cuisine. No need to fret because I’ve got you covered. I have compiled this list of 8 local must-eat foods in Laos.

My parents are from Vientiane so I grew up eating a great deal of Lao dishes. I also got the opportunity to try these authentic dishes in Laos during my first trip overseas.

Without further ado, here are my top food recommendations (in no particular order):

1. Khao Niaw

Khao niaw, sticky rice (also called glutinous rice or sweet rice) is the national staple of Laos. When cooked the rice sticks together hence the name “sticky rice”. It is often served on the side with your main dishes.

I find that sticky rice fills me up a lot quicker than white rice so keep that in mind when deciding your portion size.

2. Tam Mak Hoong

Tam mak hoong is Lao papaya salad. It can be prepared with green papaya, tomatoes, mini dried shrimp, garlic, peanuts, pork cracklings, fish sauce, red chili pepper, sugar, and lime juice.

3. Khao Lam

Khao lam is a bamboo tube filled with roasted white or black sticky rice. It’s usually eaten alongside ping gai (grilled chicken). It is typically made with red bean or taro mixed with coconut milk. It is most popular around the holidays.

4. Larb

Larb is Lao meat salad. A common recipe consists of minced meat mixed with scallions, shallots, and herbs flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, and red chili pepper.

5. Sakoo Yat Sai

Sakoo yat sai are tapioca ball dumplings. They are a popular street food item. Inside the tapioca ball is a caramelized pork peanut filling.

This sweet and savory goodness is a favorite among my family members.

6. Mok Pa

Mok pa is a steamed fish fillet mixed with herbs wrapped in banana leaf.

7. Nam Khao

Nam khao is deep fried rice ball salad. It’s made from jasmine rice and grated coconut. It is then mixed with som moo (fermented sausage), lime juice, cilantro, green onion, mint, pork skin, and fish sauce.

8. Exotic Fruits

The produce markets offer a huge array of colorful tropical fruits to select from. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Mangosteen

I didn’t realize what I was missing in life until I tried mangosteens for the first time. It tastes sweet and tangy a bit like peaches. So yummy!

Rambutan

Not gonna lie the first time I saw this red hairy ball I was reluctant to try it. To my pleasant surprise it was actually quite tasty. It’s sweet and sour similar to the taste of grapes.

Longan

Longan was one of my favorite fruits when I was younger. It is very sweet and has a similar taste to lychee.

*Bonus: Beverages

Drinks ordered through street vendors will most likely be served in a plastic bag filled with ice. Nam touhu (fresh sweetened soy milk) is my go-to drink.

My #1 Pick

Larb is my favorite dish from this list. It’s simple yet oh so tasty! I usually prefer it made with ground beef. It pairs perfectly with sticky rice.

So if you’re visiting Laos you won’t go wrong starting your food adventures with these 8 local must-eat foods!

For additional content on Laos, be sure to also check out my list of must-see attractions and take a look at these photos that will inspire you to visit.