Lao Recipes

Lao cuisine is a bold, herbaceous, and deeply satisfying culinary tradition centered on sticky glutinous rice, freshwater fish, and an extraordinary array of fresh herbs, greens, and foraged ingredients from the Mekong River valley. Less influenced by outside culinary traditions than its neighbors, Lao food retains a distinctly earthy, rustic character with pungent fermented fish sauces (padaek), fiery chili dips, and grilled meats. Bitter flavors are embraced more than in most Southeast Asian cuisines. Signature dishes include larb, tam mak hoong (papaya salad with padaek), ping kai (grilled chicken), and khao piak sen (Lao noodle soup).