IntroductionWhen traveling through Laos, one of the most authentic ways to connect with the culture is through its cuisine. In the capital city of Vientiane, food is more than a meal—it is a reflection of daily life, traditions, and the country’s strong connection to the land and rivers. Whether you are wandering through morning markets, enjoying a riverside dinner, or sitting down with a local host, the following dishes capture the soul of Lao cuisine.
Here are the Top 5 dishes you must try in Vientiane—a delicious blend of herbs, spices, and techniques that have been passed down for generations.
- 1. Laap (Larb) – The National Dish of Laos
Laap, also called larb, is often considered the national dish of Laos. It’s a flavorful minced meat salad that can be made with pork, chicken, duck, beef, or fish. The meat is finely chopped and tossed with lime juice, fish sauce, chili, roasted ground sticky rice, and plenty of fresh herbs like mint and coriander.
Served with sticky rice on the side, laap is more than just a dish—it’s part of daily life, often eaten during family gatherings or special occasions. When in Vientiane, order it spicy and enjoy the balance of sour, salty, and fresh herbal flavors.
- 2. Mok Pa – Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf
Mok Pa is a classic Lao dish that highlights the abundance of fish from the Mekong River. Fresh fish is mixed with herbs such as lemongrass, dill, kaffir lime leaves, and sometimes chili, before being wrapped in banana leaves and gently steamed.
The result is a fragrant, moist dish where the banana leaf infuses a subtle aroma into the fish. Unlike other regional steamed fish dishes, Mok Pa carries the unique depth of padek (fermented fish sauce), giving it an unmistakably Lao character. It’s best enjoyed with sticky rice and shared among friends.
- 3. Or Lam – A Rustic, Hearty Lao Stew
Originating from Luang Prabang but beloved nationwide, Or Lam is a slow-cooked stew often prepared with beef or buffalo meat, forest mushrooms, eggplants, and local herbs. Its unique flavor comes from mai sakhaan, a type of peppery vine wood that adds a tingling, spicy note.
Although simple, Or Lam represents the heart of Lao cuisine: rustic, earthy, and deeply tied to local landscapes. When you enjoy this dish in Vientiane, you’ll experience a taste that reflects the countryside and traditional cooking methods passed down for centuries.
- 4. Khao Piak Sen – The Lao Comfort Food
For a comforting bowl of noodles, nothing compares to Khao Piak Sen. This dish features hand-pulled rice noodles made with rice and tapioca flour, giving them a chewy texture. They are served in a savory chicken (or pork) broth, topped with fresh herbs, fried garlic, and sometimes slices of meat or boiled egg.
Khao Piak Sen is often eaten for breakfast or lunch in Vientiane. It is warm, hearty, and filling—similar to chicken noodle soup in other cultures, but with a distinctly Lao touch.
- 5. Tam Mak Hoong – Lao-Style Papaya Salad
While Thailand has its famous som tam, Laos has Tam Mak Hoong, the original version of green papaya salad. Shredded unripe papaya is pounded with garlic, chili, lime, and long beans. What makes it distinctly Lao is the use of padek, the traditional fermented fish sauce, and sometimes tiny crabs or shrimp paste.
This creates a darker, richer, and funkier flavor compared to its Thai counterpart. Tam Mak Hoong is eaten everywhere in Laos—from street vendors to family meals—and is always accompanied by sticky rice. It’s a dish that truly embodies the Lao taste: bold, fresh, and unforgettable.
Conclusion
Food in Laos is more than just sustenance—it’s a window into the culture, history, and daily rhythms of its people. In Vientiane, you will find these dishes everywhere, from simple market stalls to elegant riverside restaurants.
Exploring Lao cuisine is an adventure of its own, and with Explore Real Asia, you can go beyond tasting—you can learn the stories, traditions, and ingredients behind every dish."
