Laos Cuisine

Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam

Tam Mak Hoong

Tam Mak Hoong is one of the most popular traditional dishes in Laos, often considered the Lao version of papaya salad. It is made from shredded unripe papaya, mixed with chili, garlic, lime, fish sauce, fermented fish paste (pa daek), and sometimes tomatoes, beans, or peanuts. The flavor is a unique balance of spicy, sour, salty, and umami, making it a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Tam Mak Hoong is usually eaten with sticky rice and grilled meat, and it represents the heart of Lao street food culture.

Larb

Larb is a traditional Lao dish made from minced meat—such as pork, chicken, beef, or fish—mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, chili, and toasted rice powder. It is usually served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice. The dish has a refreshing, spicy, and tangy flavor that perfectly represents Lao cuisine’s balance of tastes. Larb is not only popular in everyday meals but also holds cultural importance, often prepared for celebrations and family gatherings.

Khao Soi

Khao Soi in Laos is a comforting noodle soup that reflects the country’s unique food culture. Unlike the creamy coconut curry version found in Thailand, the Lao Khao Soi is made with clear broth and wide rice noodles, topped with a rich minced pork and tomato sauce. It is usually served with fresh herbs, lime, chili, and sometimes fermented vegetables on the side. This dish is especially popular in Luang Prabang and northern Laos, where it is considered a local specialty and a must-try for visitors.

Green Papaya Salad

Green Papaya Salad known in Laos as Tam Mak Hoong, is one of the country’s most beloved dishes. It is made with shredded unripe papaya, garlic, chili, lime, fish sauce, and the signature Lao ingredient, fermented fish paste (pa daek), which gives the salad its distinctive flavor. The taste is a bold mix of spicy, sour, salty, and savory, often enjoyed with sticky rice and grilled meat. While the Thai version, called Som Tam, is slightly sweeter and less pungent, the Lao Tam Mak Hoong is stronger, earthier, and deeply tied to traditional Lao food culture. For travelers, trying this dish at a local market or street stall is an essential culinary experience.

Laos noodle soup (Khao Piak Sen)

Laos noodle soup, known as Khao Piak Sen, is a comforting and hearty dish often compared to chicken noodle soup in the West. It is made with thick, chewy handmade rice noodles served in a clear, flavorful broth, usually topped with chicken or pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime. Diners can customize their bowl with chili, soy sauce, or pickled vegetables at the table. Found in markets, street stalls, and family-run restaurants across the country, this noodle soup is simple, delicious, and one of the most authentic ways to experience everyday Lao cuisine.