Must-try cuisines in Laos

(VNF) - When it comes to "Asian Food", most people will think about Chinese food, Japanese food, or dishes from Thailand or Vietnam. How about other countries' cuisines?
October 26, 2017 | 10:20

(VNF) - When it comes to "Asian Food", most people will think about Chinese food, Japanese food, or dishes from Thailand or Vietnam. How about other countries' cuisines?

If you visits Laos, you'll find out that the food there is distinct from other Asia cuisines, although it is somewhat similar to the food found in the northeastern part of Thailand.

Most Lao dishes contain vegetables and herbs, rice or noodles and fish, chicken, pork or beef. The freshness of the ingredients is very important to Lao people who like to prepare everything from scratch, rather than use pre-prepared ingredients, as they believe this makes their food more delicious. Herbs such as galangal and lemongrass are favourites and padaek (Lao fish sauce) is found on every table.

Below are several Laos’ authentic cuisines that you must try when visit this country.

Sticky rice

ẩm thực Lào, Tam Maak Houng, Vientiane, Luang Phrabang, du lịch Lào

Steamed sticky rice (source: bootsnall.com)

The first thing to know about Lao food is that sticky rice is the national staple of Laos. Laotian people eat sticky rice, also called glutinous rice, at basically every meal.

Phet Schwader, an acclaimed chef of New York city told HuffPost that sticky rice is something like “90 percent of [Laotians’] diet.” It’s “eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Shwader added, “Protein is never the focus.” Sticky rice is the centerpiece of every meal, and the next important aspects are vegetables and dipping sauces.

Sticky rice is eaten by itself or used as an edible utensil. You’re meant to form a little mound of rice into a scooping device and pick up food with it. If you’ve never eaten sticky rice this way, give it a try and you’ll see what we mean when we say that Laotian food is really fun to eat.

Padek

After sticky rice, another national staple is padaek (or padek), which is a paste made from cured, fermented fish. The condiment is about as ubiquitous as sticky rice, which is to say it’s eaten with or put in just about everything. Chef Phet, as Schwader’s affectionately known, explained that this “stinky stuff” is unique to Laos, and not everyone loves it. It’s responsible for the serious umami flavor in Laotian food, imparting a rich taste like anchovies would to Western cuisine. Laotian cuisine practically yells “umami” from the rooftops, and it’s got padaek to thank for that.

Laap

Another symbolic dish of Laos is Laap, often served on special occasions such as wedding, Baci ceremonies or other celebrations as in Lao language laap means luck or good fortune. However you will find it served in every good Lao restaurant around the country.

Khám phá sự thú vị của ẩm thực Lào 5

Laap, an iconic dish of Laos (source: Depplus.vn)

Laap is made from chopped or thinly sliced meat or fish that is mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, coriander, spring onion, chili and uncooked rice grains that have been dry fried and crushed. It is usually accompanied by vegetables including eggplant, fresh chilies, mustard leaves and lettuce. It can be eaten with ordinary rice or sticky rice and is usually eaten with fish/meat soup depending on the main ingredient being used.

Green Papaya Salad

Green Papaya Salad is actually a dish imported to Thailand from Lao immigrants. It is similar to Thailand’s Som Tam dish, but does not contain peanuts and is usually made with fermented fish sauce

It is typically made with shreds of unripe papaya. It is of Lao origin, but served in different varieties around the region.. Other ingredients include palm sugar, lime, garlic, tomatoes, dried shrimp, chilis, and raw eggplant. All of these ingredients are pounded together in a traditional mortar and pestle.

Nam Khao Tod

If you’re fan of salad, besides Green Papaya Salad, you can try Nam Khao Tod.

Nam Khao Tod is a fresh salad from Laos that is made with deep-fried rice balls, chunks of soured pork sausage, peanuts, grated coconut, fish sauce, dried chili peppers, and other ingredients. It is traditionally eaten as a warp by filling the inpidual lettuce leaves with the Nam Khao mixture, topped with fresh herbs and dried chilis.

In addition, for another exotic experiece with Laos' style salad, try Crispy Rice Salad. The dish is usually served as an appetizer and it is slowly gaining popularity in the West. However, we recommend eating this dish with locals in Laos for a truly authentic experience.

Beer

Khám phá sự thú vị của ẩm thực Lào 8

Lao beer (source: Depplus.vn)

While Lao beer is not technically food, it is an essential companion of any dish when your in the country. It is the most famous brand of beer found in Laos. Lao beer is traditionally served with ice in small glasses, where it is enjoyed amongst friends and families. If you find yourself invited for a glass, be prepared to finish a few more bottles than you may expect.

Baguette

ẩm thực Lào, Tam Maak Houng, Vientiane, Luang Phrabang, du lịch Lào

A food stall selling French baguettes in Luang Prabang (source: bootsnall.com)

Due to its French influence, delicious baguettes are commonly found on many streets in Laos. This baguette sandwich largely resembles a Vietnamese Banh Mi, but instead of using cilantro and pickles, the Lao version consists of watercress, grated carrots, and a good amount of chile-garlic sauce. It is a quick meal that can be enjoyed on the go for either breakfast or lunch.

Mok Pa

Mok Pa is steamed fish that is typically wrapped up in banana leaves and tied with bamboo string. It is prepared with lemongrass, kaffir leaves, green onions, fish sauce, green chilis, shrimp paste, and fresh dill. All these ingredients are mixed together with steamed fish. Mok Pa should never be served dry, and is also another dish that must be paired with sticky rice./.

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