Compared to other famous tourist countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand and Cambodia, Laos – this landlocked country is often less attractive to tourists. The islands on the Mekong River, gardens in the clouds, and ancient temples seem to be the tourist features of this country. Along with that, the characteristics of Lao cuisine are also very interesting but often underestimated compared to other countries in the region. If once traveling to Laos, you will completely change your mind because this place is because the cuisine of Laos is very rich!

 

Overview of Laotian culinary culture

Laos is known as the country of many delicious dishes with rustic ingredients and unforgettable unique flavors. Coming to the country of Trieu Voi, you will enjoy the fragrant taste of lam rice, sticky rice, the attractive sweet and spicy taste of lap, a little bit of hot shrimp, a little yeast of wine, etc. People remember when it comes to food experiences in Laos. That is also the taste that visitors feel from the gentleness and kindness of the Lao people.

As a landlocked country with 4 directions bordering different countries, this special geographical position has greatly influenced the culinary culture. Lao cuisine with neighboring countries such as Thailand and Cambodia has a similarity in that they are very fond of dishes made from insects. Lao people can process many kinds of insects into fried dishes, stuffed with peanuts, steamed rice, soaked in vinegar, etc. The insect dish that Lao people especially love is Cuong fish.

Lao cuisine conquers tourists with its strong taste and unforgettable characteristic spices.

 

Powered by the mighty Mekong River, the source of freshwater shrimp and fish to serve meals in Laos is abundant, so shrimp and fish are the staple food of the people here. The forest land area is quite large and the plateau is rich, which is also a rich source of natural food such as wild animals, vegetables, etc.

The characteristic of the culinary culture here is rustic in the way of processing and the ingredients are not expensive, so the dishes almost keep their traditional flavor intact, impressing visitors. with a very authentic Lao food experience.

In Laotian culinary culture, fish sauce is the most commonly used condiment, and most dishes are prepared with fish sauce. There are many types of fish sauce similar to Vietnam, but it must be mentioned that it is still buffalo skin mixed with satay.

In addition, spicy is also a favorite taste in daily Lao dishes. The reason can be explained that most Lao people do hard work, and spicy dishes will help stimulate the taste buds and increase labor.

Arrange a meal in Laos.

 

Unique lap dish of Lao cuisine

Lap is the national dish of Laos but it can also be said that Laap Lao is a unique adaptation of similar dishes found throughout Thailand, Vietnam, and China, but it has a unique taste. and difference.

The meat in Laap is always fresh and often raw, lap is minced meat mixed with fish sauce along with a variety of herbs (usually mint, coriander, green onions, chili peppers, etc.). Add some lime juice and some glutinous rice flour and you’ve got a great meal.

 

Lap is a typical dish of Lao cuisine because it has the same pronunciation as “loc” in the Lao language, so it is considered a dish of great significance in the culinary life of the people here. They often give each other Laap to wish for peace and luck on Tet holiday.

 

Laotian Sin dat is similar to Korean barbecue

Sin dat is somewhat like Korean barbecue Traditional Laotian barbecue is usually grilled over a charcoal stove and surrounded by a rim filled with boiling water that is used to simultaneously blanch your vegetables. The dishes are grilled on a tray, and all the sweetness of the dish is not lost but flows into the hot pot below for more attractiveness.

 

Sin dat Grilled

 

It is one of the hallmarks of the ultimate Lao cuisine. However, the best thing about a Sin dat is that you get to dip the mouth-watering pieces of meat into a variety of delicious dipping sauces.

The ingredients of this dish must be very fresh, the broth is rich and has a very unique flavor to convince the fastidious diners. You can grill meat and dip vegetables at the same time, without having to change the oven, and still enjoy both at the same time.

 

Laos has first-class sauces

Lao cuisine has a lot of different spices and Jaew is the word used to refer to all kinds of sauces, in which the main ingredients are common chili peppers, fermented fish, some grilled vegetables (usually broiled eggplant) smoke) and pork or beef. Lao dipping sauces complement everything on the food menu in Laos. Jaew is a fascinating culinary experience that you must try while in Laos.

 Each dish has its own sauce

 

Food for breakfast in Laos

Most Southeast Asian countries love a delicious breakfast dish, and Khao piak sen – a signature dish of Laotian cuisine is a must-try in Laos mornings.

This dish takes hours to prepare but can be found on almost every street corner. Just like Vietnamese pho is eaten with rice noodles, in Laos, it is thick rice flour and hand rolled. In addition, the broth is very smooth and the sauce is also a feature of this dish. This dish is also added with your own herbs, red pepper, shrimp paste, and crushed peanuts for a signature flavor.

Piak sen dish

 

Laotian food influenced by France

Due to the history of Laos as a colony of France, the snail and baguette dish here is called tres bien. Laos gained independence from France in 1953 but its influence, especially in Vientiane, is still palpable. The city of Vientiane is the best place if you want to eat some butter, cheese, and garlic with a lot of French cafes and restaurants, many people will probably find this characteristic of Laotian cuisine unfamiliar. 

 

Laos is home to world-class beer

Time magazine named the Lao beer ‘Asia’s Best Beer’, and Bangkok Post named it ‘Asia’s Dom Perignon’! Made from indigenous rice varieties, German hops and French malt barley, Bia Lao boasts a super low alcohol-to-body ratio. Since 1973, this brewery has had a mutually beneficial partnership with Carlsberg beer for over four decades and is a must-try beverage in Laos.

 

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