Joanna James
Planning a trip to Luang Prabang? Excellent choice of destination! Culture and natural beauty are two delightful aspects of Luang Prabang, but there is another treat in store: street food!
One of the most popular street foods in Luang Prabang, Khao Jee Sandwich is also called the Lao baguette. Made with a crispy baguette, the Khao Lee Sandwich comes with a delicious filling with various ingredients. Although filling has variety, you’re likely to find one made with pork, pate, and veggies, garnished with a special local sauce. This tasty snack is a perfect choice for a quick meal. You’re more likely to find this at roadside stalls rather than fancy eateries.
Sai Oua: This is the delicious Lao grilled sausage you don’t want to miss. It’s absolutely yummy! Made with pork, lemongrass, galangal, and herbs, Sai Oua is grilled perfectly over charcoal, which gives it that delectable smoky flavour. You can just eat the sausage or pair it with sticky rice and veggies. The combination of spices and fresh herbs makes Sai Oua distinctly Lao. Whatever manner you choose to savour it in, you will be sampling the true taste of Luang Prabang. Where can you find Saiu Oua? Anywhere—roadside stalls serve an authentic version of it with no foreign additions, but if you pop into one of Luang Prabang restaurants, you can find a different version of it, served with an array of other dishes. Tourist hotels such as Avani Luang Prabang are likely to serve Sai Oua too.
Both healthy and absolutely delicious, Laap is a Lao salad. What is it made of? Minced meat, usually chicken or beef, mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and toasted rice powder. Laap is typically served with a bowl of freshly cooked rice and a side of fresh veggies. Known for its refreshing taste, Laap is a hit with both locals and tourists.
Also known as Lao papaya salad, Tam Mak Hoong has all the right flavours and will offer you a culinary experience to remember. Made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, and sometimes fermented fish paste, it’s both spicy and tangy. Its bold flavour profile makes it the perfect snack or a side dish. This popular street food can be found anywhere in Luang Prabang.
This is a traditional Lao soup that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s made with meat—it can be beef or chicken. A variety of veggies and herbs are added to complement the broth. The stew has to be left on the stove for a while so that it absorbs all the goodness of the meat and veggies. To make it even more flavourful, Lao people add lemongrass, mushrooms, and eggplants. This rich and flavourful soup is an inherent part of Lao’s culinary heritage and therefore, a must-try.
Another must-try, Khao Soi is another delicious dish to be found in Luang Prabang. Don’t expect it to be like its Thai version—this one is uniquely Lao. Lao Khao Soi is made with flat rice noodles, minced pork, tomatoes, and a flavourful broth. It’s served with a topping of fresh herbs and lime juice. Khao Soi is an excellent choice if you’re in need of a light meal.
Seafood lovers will love the flavours of grilled fish. First, the fish needs to be cleaned and marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices. Once the fish has absorbed all that flavour, it’s grilled in a manner that keeps the outside crispy and the inside tender and juicy. You can, of course, have the fish on its own, but if you want a hearty meal, pair it with sticky rice. A dipping would be an excellent accompaniment.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
