Laotian cuisine is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with herbs, spices, and textures that’ll make your taste buds dance.
If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.
From sticky rice to zesty salads, Laotian food is a culinary adventure waiting to happen.
Ready to dive into a world of bold flavors and unique dishes? We’ve rounded up the 10+ best Laotian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these dishes are approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s get cooking!
1. Khao Niew (Sticky Rice)
Let’s start with the heart of Laotian cuisine—sticky rice. This isn’t your average rice; it’s a chewy, slightly sweet staple that’s eaten with almost every meal.
In Laos, sticky rice is so important that it’s often referred to as the “bread of Laos.”
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice (also called sticky rice)
- Water (for soaking and steaming)
How to Make It:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Drain the rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer or regular steamer for about 20-25 minutes until it’s tender and sticky.
Why We Chose It:
Sticky rice is the backbone of Laotian cuisine. It’s simple, versatile, and pairs perfectly with almost any dish.
If you’re going to try Laotian food, this is where you start.
2. Larb (Minced Meat Salad)
Larb is the ultimate Laotian salad—a zesty, herb-packed dish that’s bursting with flavor.
It’s made with minced meat, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken or beef
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp roasted rice powder
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1-2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (optional)
How to Make It:
- Cook the ground meat in a pan until fully cooked.
- In a bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, and roasted rice powder.
- Toss the cooked meat with the dressing, shallots, green onions, mint, cilantro, and chilies. Serve with sticky rice.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Larb is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring Laotian cuisine.
3. Tam Mak Hoong (Green Papaya Salad)
This spicy, tangy salad is a flavor explosion. Made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and a punchy dressing, it’s a refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
- 1 green papaya, shredded
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 2-3 Thai chilies
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
- In a mortar and pestle, pound the chilies and garlic into a paste.
- Add fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Mix well.
- Toss the dressing with shredded papaya and tomatoes. Top with peanuts and cilantro.
Why We Selected It:
Tam Mak Hoong is a Laotian classic that’s both refreshing and addictive. It’s a must-try for salad lovers.
4. Khao Poon (Spicy Noodle Soup)
This spicy, coconut-based noodle soup is comfort food at its finest. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with vermicelli noodles and tender meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken or beef, thinly sliced
- 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles
- 4 cups coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro) for garnish
How to Make It:
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
- In a pot, sauté the curry paste in a bit of oil until fragrant. Add coconut milk, broth, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Add the meat and simmer until cooked. Serve over noodles and garnish with herbs.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Khao Poon is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for noodle lovers. It’s a bowl of pure comfort.
5. Or Lam (Herb Stew)
Or Lam is a traditional Laotian stew made with an array of vegetables, herbs, and meat. It’s a wholesome dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or chicken, cubed
- 1 cup eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 cup bamboo shoots
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp shrimp paste
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 4 cups water or broth
- Fresh dill and cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
- In a pot, simmer the meat with lemongrass and water until tender.
- Add vegetables, fish sauce, and shrimp paste. Cook until veggies are tender.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with sticky rice.
Why We Chose It:
Or Lam is a hearty, herbaceous stew that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
6. Mok Pa (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves)
Mok Pa is a fragrant dish of fish steamed in banana leaves with herbs and spices. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 stalk lemongrass, sliced
- Banana leaves for wrapping
How to Make It:
- Mix the fish with curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, and lemongrass.
- Wrap the mixture in banana leaves and steam for 20-25 minutes.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Mok Pa is aromatic, flavorful, and a true taste of Laos.
7. Sai Oua (Herbal Sausage)
Sai Oua is a flavorful sausage packed with herbs and spices. It’s a street food favorite in Laos.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 stalk lemongrass, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Sausage casings
How to Make It:
- Mix all ingredients and stuff into sausage casings.
- Grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
Why We Selected It:
Sai Oua is a flavorful, herb-packed sausage that’s perfect for grilling.
8. Khao Jee (Grilled Sticky Rice Patties)
Khao Jee is a simple yet delicious snack made from sticky rice. It’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked sticky rice
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Mix sticky rice with egg and salt.
- Form into patties and grill until crispy.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Khao Jee is a simple, satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day.
9. Ping Gai (Grilled Chicken)
Ping Gai is marinated grilled chicken that’s juicy and flavorful. It’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How to Make It:
- Marinate chicken in fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, and garlic for at least 1 hour.
- Grill until cooked through.
Why We Chose It:
Ping Gai is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling.
10. Khao Piak Sen (Chicken Noodle Soup)
This comforting noodle soup is a staple in Laotian households.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken, shredded
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Fresh herbs for garnish
How to Make It:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Simmer chicken in broth until tender. Add fish sauce.
- Serve noodles in broth with shredded chicken and herbs.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Khao Piak Sen is the ultimate comfort food.
11. Nam Khao (Crispy Rice Salad)
Nam Khao is a crispy rice salad that’s both crunchy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked sticky rice
- 1/2 cup ground pork
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Fresh herbs and lettuce for serving
How to Make It:
- Mix rice with curry paste and fish sauce. Form into balls and fry until crispy.
- Crumble the rice balls and mix with pork and herbs. Serve with lettuce wraps.
Why We Selected It:
Nam Khao is a unique, crunchy salad that’s full of flavor.
Conclusion
Laotian cuisine is a treasure trove of bold flavors and unique dishes. From sticky rice to zesty salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, pick a recipe, and start cooking.