46 delicious lao recipes from around the world
A comforting and hearty rice soup, distinct from Khao Piak Sen (noodle soup), this version uses whole or broken rice grains simmered in broth until thick and creamy. It's often served with various toppings for a customizable meal.
Sai Oua is a flavorful Lao sausage, typically made with pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and a blend of herbs and spices. It's often grilled or pan-fried, offering a delicious balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic notes.
A comforting and hearty noodle soup featuring tender pork ribs simmered in a savory broth, served with thick rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs and garnishes. It's a popular breakfast or anytime meal in Laos.
A vibrant and aromatic stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces marinated and cooked with fresh lemongrass, garlic, chilies, and vegetables. This dish is a staple in Lao cuisine, known for its fragrant aroma and balanced flavors.
Yat Peeg Ghai, also known as 'angel wings,' are chicken wings that have been deboned, stuffed with a savory mixture of ground pork, glass noodles, mushrooms, and aromatics, then typically steamed or fried. This labor-intensive dish is a special occasion favorite, offering a unique combination of tender chicken and flavorful filling.
A rich and aromatic duck soup originating from Luang Prabang, featuring a complex blend of herbs, spices, and unique Laotian ingredients like sakhan (Sichuan pepper) and padaek (fermented fish sauce).
Or Lam is a rich and flavorful stew, a beloved classic in Lao cuisine. It features tender pork simmered with a medley of vegetables and a unique blend of herbs and spices, including lemongrass, galangal, and padaek (fermented fish sauce), creating a deeply aromatic and satisfying dish.
A sweet and comforting dessert made from steamed sticky rice mixed with sweetened coconut milk and fresh coconut flesh, often served warm.
Khao Nom Kok are delightful, bite-sized Lao coconut cakes with a crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior. Made from a simple batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, these sweet treats are cooked in a special dimpled pan, creating a unique texture and rich coconut flavor.
A comforting and subtly sweet dessert made with creamy coconut milk, chewy tapioca pearls, and ripe bananas. Nam Van Mak Kuay is a popular treat in Laos, often enjoyed warm or chilled.
A fragrant and mildly spiced fish curry featuring tender chunks of white fish simmered in coconut milk with tender pieces of eggplant and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. This dish is a comforting and flavorful representation of Laotian cuisine, often served with sticky rice.
A vibrant and aromatic stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef marinated and cooked with fresh lemongrass, garlic, and a medley of colorful vegetables. This dish is a staple in Lao cuisine, known for its bold flavors and quick preparation, often served with sticky rice.
A flavorful and aromatic Lao sausage packed with a vibrant blend of herbs and spices, typically made with pork and infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. This grilled sausage is a popular street food and appetizer, best enjoyed with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
A comforting and flavorful braised chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with bamboo shoots in a savory, aromatic broth infused with lemongrass, garlic, and ginger.
A fragrant and flavorful steamed fish dish, 'Mok Pa' is a beloved Lao preparation where fish is mixed with a vibrant blend of herbs, spices, and coconut milk, then steamed in banana leaves. This version emphasizes fresh dill and a medley of aromatic herbs, creating a tender and moist fish parcel bursting with Southeast Asian flavors.
A vibrant and intensely flavorful salad made from shredded green papaya, pounded with chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and other aromatics. This version emphasizes a spicy kick.
A comforting and savory soup featuring tender chicken, delicate glass noodles, and a rich broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This modern adaptation of a traditional recipe offers a hearty and flavorful meal, often enhanced with the bold depth of fermented shrimp paste.
A vibrant and aromatic stir-fry featuring a medley of fresh vegetables infused with the zesty flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and a hint of chili. This dish is a staple in Lao cuisine, often served as a side or a light main course with sticky rice.
Tender pork skewers marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. A popular street food and appetizer.
A refreshing and savory salad made with shredded green papaya, long beans, tomatoes, peanuts, and a flavorful dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. This version focuses on the 'ngua' (bitter) element often found in Lao cuisine.
A comforting and hearty Lao chicken noodle soup, Khao Piak Sen Gai features chewy, handmade tapioca noodles in a savory chicken broth, often enriched with ginger and lemongrass. Topped with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and crispy fried garlic, it's a quintessential Lao comfort food.
These delightful bite-sized coconut pancakes are a popular street food and dessert in Laos. Crispy on the outside with a soft, custardy interior, they are made with rice flour, coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness.