Laos, often overlooked in Southeast Asia’s culinary scene, is a hidden gem when it comes to food. While it shares many influences with its neighboring countries—such as Thailand, Vietnam, and China—the food in Laos has its own distinct character. Whether you’re traveling from Thailand, Vietnam, or any other neighboring country, Laos offers a refreshing blend of flavors that will excite your palate. This post is a guide to the top 10 dishes you must try in Laos, perfect for those who are new to the country or anyone looking to explore its food culture more deeply. Popular cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse offer some of the best food experiences in the country.

1. Lao Noodle Soup (Khao Piak Sen)

One of the most popular dishes in Laos, Khao Piak Sen is a comforting noodle soup that can be enjoyed any time of day, though it’s commonly eaten for breakfast. It’s similar to the Vietnamese Pho, with its rice noodles served in a clear, flavorful broth. The soup typically comes with beef or chicken, and it’s topped with fresh herbs like cilantro and basil. Lime juice, chili oil, and bean sprouts are often added to give it an extra zing. A bowl of Khao Piak Sen will cost around 10,000 Kip (approximately 40 Baht).

2. Baguettes (Khao Jee)

The French influence is evident in Laos, and one of the most popular street foods is the Khao Jee, or French baguette. This delicious sandwich is filled with pork liver pâté, Vietnamese sausage, shredded vegetables like radish and carrots, and a generous squeeze of mayonnaise and chili sauce. Khao Jee can be found at street-side stalls across the country and usually costs around 10,000 Kip (about 40 Baht).

3. Minced Pork Salad (Laab Moo)

Laab Moo is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Laos, though it’s also famous in Thailand’s Isaan region. This spicy salad features minced pork cooked with shallots, mint, coriander, and chilies. The flavors are balanced with fish sauce and lime juice, making it a refreshing yet fiery dish. It’s typically served with sticky rice (Khao Niew). A serving of Laab Moo usually costs around 20,000 Kip (80 Baht).

4. Green Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong)

If you’re familiar with Thailand’s Som Tam, you’ll find that Laos has its own version called Tam Mak Hoong. This vibrant green papaya salad is a harmonious mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. The salad is made by pounding unripe papaya, lime, peanuts, fish sauce, and chilies in a mortar and pestle. Sometimes, soft-shelled crab or pickled fish sauce (padek) is added for an extra depth of flavor. The dish costs around 10,000 Kip (40 Baht).

5. Fresh Spring Rolls (Yall Dib)

Laos’ version of fresh spring rolls, or Yall Dib, is similar to the Vietnamese Summer Rolls. These rolls are filled with fresh vegetables, vermicelli noodles, and your choice of meat (often shrimp). They’re tightly wrapped in rice paper and served with a delicious chili-peanut dipping sauce. For those craving something more indulgent, there’s a fried version called Cheun Yaw, where the rolls are deep-fried to crispy perfection. A serving typically costs 15,000 Kip (60 Baht).

6. Lao Sausage (Sai Oua)

Lao Sausage, similar to the Chiang Mai sausage in Thailand, is a savory treat that combines minced pork with fresh herbs, chilies, kaffir lime, and lemongrass. The sausage is often served with a spicy chili dip (Nam Cheo) and sticky rice. It’s a popular dish found in local markets and roadside stalls. A serving of Sai Oua typically costs around 20,000 Kip (80 Baht).

7. Lao Beef Jerky (Sien Savanh)

Lao Beef Jerky, or Sien Savanh, is a popular snack found at bus stations and pit stops throughout the country. This dried beef is marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and palm sugar, then left to dry in the sun before being grilled for added flavor. The result is a chewy, sticky snack that pairs wonderfully with sticky rice. A quick bag of Sien Savanh costs about 10,000 Kip (40 Baht).

8. French Cuisine

While French food in Laos might sound surprising, it’s actually a part of the country’s culinary heritage, thanks to the French colonial influence. You’ll find excellent French restaurants in cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, offering everything from croissants to full-on French bistro dishes. Though it’s a bit pricier than local food, the quality and affordability compared to France make it well worth the splurge.

9. Beer Lao

Beer Lao is the country’s most popular beer, with a market share of nearly 99%. It’s a refreshing lager that is widely available throughout Laos and has become a favorite among travelers in Southeast Asia. For a twist, you can also try Beer Lao Black, which is brewed with roasted malt, or Beer Lao Gold, a more premium version. A large bottle (640ml) typically costs 10,000 Kip (40 Baht) and is perfect for enjoying a sunset along the Mekong River.

10. Lao-Lao

Lao-Lao, the local rice whisky, is infamous for being one of the cheapest alcoholic beverages in the world. Made from sticky rice and yeast, this potent liquor is often homemade and can have an alcohol content of around 40%. It’s a favorite in rural areas and is often served in small shots. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may even come across bottles of Lao-Lao infused with snakes, scorpions, or lizards. The price of Lao-Lao is typically zero Kip, as locals often offer free shots to see if you can handle it.

Laos offers a unique and flavorful food culture that blends its neighboring influences with its own distinctive tastes. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant markets of Vientiane or savoring a delicious bowl of noodle soup in Luang Prabang, there’s no shortage of dishes to try. From hearty noodle soups to crispy spring rolls, Laos is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking something fresh and exciting.