Regulus K What Luang Prabang Cuisine should I go for, while traveling there?
Although Luang Prabang is the top destination for traveling in Laos for its UNESCO cultural city status, most people have no idea about what to eat there. Supplementing my itinerary for Luang Prabang travel, I will show you reviews on 13 Luang Prabang cuisines for your journey.
Sharing the borders with Thailand, Vietnam, and China, Laos food has a lot of similarities. You can find the Laos version of “Pho ( a must-try Vietnamese food ) and the Laos version of Phad Thai there.
The taste would be different because Lao people would add more fresh herbs, chilies, and other herbal fragrances. Other than that, there are also other unique signature Laos cuisine you should try in Luang Prabang.
Let’s go for our review.
1. Sticky rice (Khao Niew)
Sticky rice (Khao Niew in Laos) is the national staple in Laos. Laotian people also refer themselves as “Luk Khao Niew” (children of sticky rice) and are proud of consuming the most sticky rice globally.
You can find sticky rice everywhere in Laos. Other than being served as dessert, it pairs well with various Luan Prabang such as som tam, larb, and even BBQ. You can usually purchase sticky rice at 5,000 – 15,000 Kip (~ 0.2 – less than 1 USD) depending on the place).
Additionally, the Laos sticky rice is also the main component for the Alms giving in Luang Prabang.
2. Larb
Larb is my most favorable food in Laos. Not only it’s the iconic dish in Luang Prabang, it is also super healthy with a great mix of protein and fiber.
The main ingredient of larb is typically minced or finely chopped meat, which can be chicken, pork, beef, or fish. The meat is cooked through and seasoned with a combination of herbs, spices, and tangy sauces. Larb is known for its vibrant and refreshing taste. Other than Luang Prabang, it is also available in other cities such as Vientiane.
Compared to other dishes in Laos or even ASEAN countries, it is the go-to cuisine for healthy eating.
3. Mekong Fish
Situated near the Mekong River, Luang Prabang has prestigious access to fresh Mekong fish. Thus, Mekong fish is a must-try during your visit to Luang Prabang. The best place to taste this Luang Prabang cuisine is at the night market,
The locals usually marinate the fish using a combination of local herbs, spices, and seasonings. Once marinated, they will be selling them at night market, while cooking on a charcoal grill. The grilling process is also the best tactic to attract tourists like you and me.
Depending on the size the smallest fish would cost only ~ 50,000 Kip (~ 2.5 USD), while larger size ones would range from ~ 100,000 to 140,000 Kip (~5 to 7 USD).
Apart from BBQ, you can also find steamed or boiled fish in restaurants.
4. Laotian Grilled Chicken (Ping Gai)
While enjoying the BBQ Mekong fish, do not miss the Laotian grilled chicken (Ping Gai). They are available for sale in the same food night market. Marinated with a combination of local herbs, the Laos grilled chicken is another famous Luang Prabang cuisine that you ought to try. Other than grilled whole chicken, you can also find chicken wings, drumsticks, and organ meats in the local BBQ shops. For a whole chicken, it would be around 80,000 Kip (~ 4 USD) and around 30,000 Kip (~ 1.5 USD) per skewer for others. Together with the Mekong fish and sticky rice, it forms a perfect dinner.
5. Laos Sausages (Sai Oua)
Laotian sausages, also known as “Sai Oua,” are a delicious and popular component of Luang Prabang cuisine. Mainly made with ground pork, the locals would also stuff the sausages with herbs and other spices. It serves as a street food or appetizer for some of the restaurants. The price is around 50,000 to 70,000 Kip (~ 2 – 3 USD) depending on the restaurant.
Despite its popularity, it also contains a high portion of fat. In that, I recommend you to try 1 or 2 times only.
6. Lao Papaya Salad (Som Tam)
Commonly available in Southeast Asian Countries, Lao Papaya salad (Som Tam) is one of the top 10 Luang Prabang cuisines you should taste. Unlike som tam in Thailand, the ones in Luang Prabang also include a larger portion of lime juice, fish sauce, and sometimes coconut milk. With these combinations, the Lao papaya salad tends to have a sweeter and sourer taste.
It is a good mix with the salty and oily food in the BBQ section. Generally, a portion of Lao papaya salad would be around 50,000 Kip ( ~ 2.5 USD).
7. Khao Soi Lao
Unlike the Khao Soi in Thailand which usually serves in curry soup and wonton-like noodles, Lao-style Khao Soi (rice noodles) is usually served with pork and tomato toppings. It has a lighter taste compared to its Thailand opponent. It is a very common local dish costing around 30,000 Kip each (1.5 USD) bowl.
8. Khao Piak Sen / Lao Pho
Similar to Khao Soi, Lao also has its own style of Pho (Khao Piak Sen or noodle soup). Compared to the Pho in Vietnam, Lao phos typically makes sure of wider flat rice noodles. For the toppings, it usually has a simpler option such as beef, chicken, or pork slices. With an emphasis on simplicity, the soup is also lighter compared to Vietnamese Pho which is famous for its beef bone broth.
On top of the meats, Lao Pho would also include vegetable toppings such as green onions, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. It is another local-friendly choice for around 30,000 Kip (~ 1.5 USD) per bowl.
9. Noodle Soup (Khao Piak Sen) with Crispy Pork Belly
Other than meat slices as the topping, crispy pork belly is another unique option for Laos noodle soup in Luang Prabang. Just like in Thailand or the Guangdong area in China, Laotian people love making crispy pork belly. They are commonly served in the form of snacks or restaurant cuisines. However, I think it’s best paired with the Noodle soup which could offset the oily nature of the crispy pork.
You can find noodle soup with crispy pork belly in local restaurants or food vendors at night. It is slightly pricer than common noodle soup for around 50,000 Kip (~ 2.5 USD) per bowl.
10. Pad Lao
Pad Lao is very similar to Pad Thai. It is also savory, sweet, and caramelized fried noodles with meat and vegetables. The meat option is more or less the same as the Thai version including chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. While some say it is in general sweeter than pad thai, I cannot taste much difference.
Give me a comment, in case you find a significant difference. A Pad Lao in Luang Prabang costs around 50,000 Kip (~ 2.5 USD) depending on the ingredients and restaurants.
11. Stir-fried meat with rice and fried egg
Unlike other Luang Prabang cuisines, I cannot find any official name online. However, stir-fried meat with rice and egg is another common local dish in Luang Prabang. You will also find them along with other soup noodles, Larps, and fried rice dishes in local restaurants.
The dish usually consists of tender stir-fried meat over steamed rice topped with a fried egg. It is similar to 2-dish rice in Hong Kong. It also shares a simple structure satisfying the stomach of the population in Luang Prabang.
12. Laos dual hotpot
For a more luxurious option, you can try the Laos “Moo Krata” (dual hotpot). The dual hotpot has both hotpot and BBQ in a single setting heated by coral. With that, you can grill your favorite meat while boiling other food in the same aluminum pan. The price for Laos dual hotpot depends on the quantity of the goods you order and restaurants. It could usually go above 200,000 Kip (~ 10 USD).
13. Luang Prabang Beer
Beer is not exactly food but I am sure you would like to have a drink after all the great Luang Prabang cuisines. In that, I would like to reserve the final slot for Luang Prabang beer.
Luang Prabang Beer is a popular brand of beer made in Laos. It is several usually available in supermarkets, bars, and food vendors. The taste is light and refreshing with a crisp taste. It is relatively common but you surely would love the artistic logo of the beer, especially since we are in Luang Prabang.
Along with our travel plan for Luang Prabang , I hope the 13 Luang Prabang cuisines can make your journey super enjoyable.
Please leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite Luang Prabang cuisine is.
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