Laos is Southeast Asia's hidden gem, offering ancient Buddhist temples, pristine waterfalls, and serene riverside towns. From the UNESCO-listed streets of Luang Prabang to the adventure hub of Vang Vieng and the mysterious Plain of Jars, Laos rewards travelers seeking authenticity and natural beauty.
Lao cuisine is one of Southeast Asia's most distinctive and underappreciated culinary traditions. Sticky rice (khao niao) is the sacred staple, eaten at every meal by hand. Flavours tend toward sour, bitter, and umami rather than sweet, with liberal use of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, fish sauce, and fermented padek (fish paste). The Mekong River provides freshwater fish as a protein cornerstone. French colonial influence survives in the excellent baguette culture and café scene, particularly in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Laos.
Sticky Rice (Khao Niao)
The soul of Lao cuisine, eaten at every meal. Glutinous rice steamed in a bamboo basket, formed into balls by hand, and used to scoop other dishes. Sharing from one basket is a gesture of community. The most fundamental Lao food experience.
Where to try: Every local restaurant and street stall throughout Laos
Price: $0.50-1
Larb (Laap)
Laos' national dish — minced meat (usually pork, beef, duck, or fish) mixed with toasted rice powder, lime juice, fish sauce, chili, and fresh herbs including mint and sawtooth coriander. Can be eaten cooked (suk) or raw (dip). A complex balance of flavours.
Where to try: Local restaurants and market stalls throughout Laos; Bamboo Restaurant Luang Prabang does excellent versions
Price: $2-8
Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad)
Lao-style green papaya salad pounded in mortar with fermented fish paste (padek), lime, chili, and cherry tomatoes. More funky and fiery than the Thai version. A staple at every meal — Lao people eat it daily.
Where to try: Street stalls and local restaurants across Laos; roadside vendors pound it fresh to order
Price: $1-4
Khao Piak Sen (Rice Noodle Soup)
Lao comfort food — thick, slightly glutinous rice noodles in clear pork or chicken broth garnished with herbs, bean sprouts, and chili. The Lao answer to pho. Eaten for breakfast, lunch, and late at night.
Where to try: Morning noodle shops throughout Laos; best found at pre-dawn market stalls
Price: $1-3
Mok Pa (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf)
Lao river fish fillets steamed in banana leaf with lemongrass, galangal, dill, spring onion, and chili. One of the most elegant expressions of Lao cuisine — delicate, aromatic, and complex. A centrepiece of traditional Lao meals.
Where to try: Tamarind Restaurant and quality Lao restaurants in Luang Prabang and Vientiane
Price: $8-18
Sai Oua (Lao Herbal Sausage)
Luang Prabang's famous grilled sausage packed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. More aromatic herb bomb than meat product. Sold at morning markets and grilled over charcoal at evening street stalls.
Where to try: Luang Prabang morning market and evening street stalls; Bamboo Restaurant
Price: $2-6
Or Lam (Lao Jungle Stew)
Ancient Luang Prabang stew simmered with buffalo meat or pork, aubergine, chili, and the unique sakhaan vine spice that creates a numbing sensation. Uses forest ingredients unavailable elsewhere. A truly distinctive Lao dish.
Where to try: Traditional Lao restaurants in Luang Prabang; Lao Kitchen Vientiane
Price: $5-12
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Tamarind
Luang Prabang's premier restaurant for authentic Lao cuisine with tasting menus showcasing regional flavors. Five types of traditional jeow (dips) served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice. Riverside setting with knowledgeable staff explaining each dish's cultural significance.
Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang
Khaiphaen
Social enterprise restaurant training disadvantaged youth while serving creative Lao cuisine. Signature riverweed (khaiphaen) features in multiple dishes. Attractive old town location with pleasant courtyard seating.
Chao Fa Ngum Road, Luang Prabang
Joma Bakery Cafe
Popular chain cafe with excellent coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Air-conditioned refuge with reliable WiFi. Multiple locations in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Great for breakfast or working remotely.
Chao Fa Ngum Road, Luang Prabang (multiple locations)
Luang Prabang Night Market Food Stalls
Rows of food stalls at the end of the night market offering Lao dishes for around $1-2 per plate. Buffet-style with dozens of vegetable and meat dishes. Perfect for trying variety of Lao food cheaply.
End of Sisavangvong Road Night Market, Luang Prabang
Saffron Coffee Luang Prabang
Award-winning coffee shop roasting Lao beans from Bolaven Plateau. Expert baristas, beautiful latte art, and educational approach to coffee. Cozy atmosphere with local art on walls.
Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang
Manda de Laos
Elegant restaurant in restored French colonial house offering refined Lao cuisine in romantic garden setting. Seasonal menu features forgotten Lao recipes with modern presentation. Excellent wine list and impeccable service.
Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang
Dyen Sabai Restaurant
Riverside restaurant across Nam Khan River with bamboo platform seating and river views. Famous for Lao-style BBQ and hot pot. Relaxed atmosphere perfect for sunset dining. Free ferry from old town.
Across Nam Khan River, Luang Prabang
Saffron Coffee
Specialty coffee shop in Luang Prabang roasting own beans from Bolaven Plateau. Knowledgeable baristas, excellent pour-overs and espresso. Light meals and pastries available. Relaxed atmosphere.
Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
French
Tangor
Sophisticated restaurant combining French techniques with Lao ingredients. Chef's tasting menus change seasonally. Beautiful colonial villa setting with intimate dining rooms and garden terrace. Outstanding wine cellar.
Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang
Le Banneton
Authentic French bakery cafe in Luang Prabang with outstanding pastries and bread. French owner ensures quality. Perfect breakfast spot or afternoon coffee break. Small but popular.
Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang
Elephant Restaurant
Elegant French restaurant in Luang Prabang offering classic cuisine with Lao ingredients. Romantic candlelit atmosphere in heritage building. Extensive wine list and professional service. Perfect for special occasions.
Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang
Croissant d'Or
Authentic French bakery in Vientiane with excellent croissants, baguettes, and pastries. French owner maintains high standards. Perfect for breakfast or picnic supplies. Small seating area inside.
Nokeokoummane Road, Vientiane
L'Adresse de Tinay
Charming French bistro in Luang Prabang with authentic French cuisine and Lao touches. Cozy atmosphere, excellent croissants and baguettes, good wine selection. Popular for breakfast and lunch.
Ban Phonheuang, Luang Prabang
Thai
Bamboo Restaurant
Popular garden restaurant serving excellent Lao and Thai dishes in relaxed setting. Known for best Luang Prabang sausage in town and flavorful larb. Friendly service and good vegetarian options.
Ban Pakham, Luang Prabang
Vientiane Night Food Market
Large night food market along Mekong riverside with hundreds of stalls. Everything from grilled meats to papaya salad to fresh seafood. Vibrant atmosphere and very affordable.
Chao Anouvong Park, Vientiane
Traditional Lao
Kualao Restaurant
Vientiane's premier cultural dining experience with traditional Lao set menus and nightly dance performances. Beautiful wooden pavilion showcasing regional cuisine from across Laos. Educational and delicious introduction to Lao culinary traditions.
111 Samsenthai Road, Vientiane
Lao Kitchen
Authentic Lao restaurant in Vientiane serving homestyle dishes in simple setting. Family recipes passed down generations. Excellent value and generous portions. Locals' favorite for genuine Lao flavors.
Pangkham Street, Vientiane
Vietnamese
Pho Zap
Simple pho shop in Vientiane serving excellent Vietnamese noodle soup. Fresh ingredients, flavorful broth, and generous portions. Always busy with locals - a good sign. Quick service and very affordable.
Setthathirath Road, Vientiane
Talat Sao Food Court
Food court inside Vientiane's main morning market. Clean, air-conditioned with dozens of stalls serving noodle soups, rice dishes, and snacks. Popular lunch spot for office workers.
Talat Sao Shopping Mall, Vientiane
Asian Street Food
Vang Vieng Walking Street Food Stalls
Evening food stalls along main street offering mix of Lao, Thai, and Western food. Busy backpacker scene with cheap eats after day of activities. Quality varies but prices very low.
Main Street, Vang Vieng
Bakery Cafe
Tangor Cafe
Sister establishment to fine-dining Tangor restaurant offering pastries, sandwiches, and coffee in casual setting. High-quality ingredients and excellent baked goods. Great for breakfast or lunch.
Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang
Breakfast Street Food
Morning Market Food Vendors
Local market near Royal Palace with morning food vendors selling noodle soups, baguette sandwiches, and fresh fruit shakes. Authentic local experience with minimal English but friendly vendors.
Morning Market, Luang Prabang
Cafe
Common Grounds
Modern cafe in Vientiane with specialty coffee, healthy bowls, and smoothies. Air-conditioned space with good WiFi popular with digital nomads. Quality ingredients and friendly service.
Francois Ngin Road, Vientiane
Cafe & Bar
Icon Klub
Hipster cafe-bar in Vientiane with vintage decor and craft cocktails. Good coffee during day, creative cocktails at night. Young Lao crowd creates energetic atmosphere. Live music on weekends.
Chao Anou Road, Vientiane
Coffee & Breakfast
Kopi Coffee
Charming cafe in renovated Lao house serving quality coffee and healthy breakfast options. Garden seating under frangipani trees. Peaceful morning atmosphere away from tourist crowds.
Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang
Coffee & Coworking
Vientiane Social Club
Cafe and coworking space in Vientiane with excellent coffee, fast WiFi, and comfortable seating. All-day breakfast menu, sandwiches, and salads. Popular with expats and remote workers.
Setthathirath Road, Vientiane
Fusion
Makphet Restaurant
Social enterprise training former street youth in hospitality. Creative Lao-fusion menu with excellent presentation. Stylish interior and garden seating. All profits support vocational training programs.
Setthathirath Road, Vientiane
Garden Cafe
Barn & Bed Cafe
Rustic cafe in Vang Vieng with garden setting and mountain views. Organic coffee, smoothie bowls, and healthy options. Relaxed vibe perfect for post-adventure recovery.
Near town center, Vang Vieng
International
Utopia Bar & Restaurant
Legendary riverside hangout in Luang Prabang with multilevel bamboo platform overlooking Nam Khan. Eclectic menu from burgers to curries. Popular for sunset beers and volleyball. Bohemian vibe attracts backpackers and locals.
Across bamboo bridge, Luang Prabang
Italian
Pizza Luka
Wood-fired pizza in Vang Vieng using quality ingredients and traditional methods. Swiss-Italian owner ensures authentic taste. Popular with travelers craving comfort food after adventure activities.
Main Street, Vang Vieng
Lao & Asian
Blue Lagoon 2
Popular restaurant in Vang Vieng with mountain and river views. Extensive menu covering Lao, Thai, and Western dishes. Great sunset views from terrace. Busy during peak hours but efficient service.
Main Street, Vang Vieng
Lao & International
Coconut Garden
Charming garden restaurant in Luang Prabang with fairy lights and tropical plants. Diverse menu featuring Lao specialties and international comfort food. Romantic evening atmosphere with live traditional music some nights.
Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang
Lao & Western
Blue Lagoon Restaurant
Family-friendly restaurant near Kuang Si Falls offering Lao and Western menu. Large portions, reasonable prices, and helpful staff. Perfect lunch stop when visiting waterfalls.
Near Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang Province
Lao Noodles
Noodle Noodle
Casual noodle shop in Luang Prabang specializing in Khao Piak Sen (Lao rice noodle soup) and other noodle dishes. Local favorite with authentic flavors. Simple setting but delicious food.
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Lao Street Food
Ban Anou Night Market
Local night market in Vientiane less touristy than riverside market. Authentic Lao street food including or lam, tam mak hoong, and grilled meats. Great for adventurous eaters.
Ban Anou Market, Vientiane
Northern Lao
Doi Ka Noi
Chef Noi's acclaimed restaurant in Vientiane showcasing northern Lao cuisine with refined presentation. Seasonal menu using fresh local ingredients. Intimate setting with only a few tables - reservations essential.
Saylom Road, Vientiane
Seafood
Riverside BBQ Stalls Don Det
Informal evening BBQ stalls along the river on Don Det island. Fresh river fish, chicken, and vegetables grilled to order. Bring your own beer from shops and enjoy riverside atmosphere.
Main Street, Don Det Island
Specialty Coffee
PVO Artisan Coffee
Modern coffee shop in Vientiane with industrial-chic design. Specializes in cold brew and pour-over methods. Light meals and desserts available. Popular workspace for digital nomads.
Samsenthai Road, Vientiane
Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice Lady
Famous sticky rice vendor near Kuang Si Falls turnoff in Luang Prabang. Perfectly steamed sticky rice in bamboo baskets. Local institution - look for the lady with the big smile.
Kuang Si Road intersection, Luang Prabang
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Ping Gai (Grilled Chicken)
Marinated chicken grilled over charcoal on bamboo skewers, served with sticky rice and jeow sauce. The most ubiquitous Lao street food and a perfect budget meal.
Find it at: Evening market stalls throughout Laos, particularly Luang Prabang Night Market
Khao Jee (Baguette Sandwich)
French colonial legacy — baguette filled with Lao pâté, pickled vegetables, chili sauce, and fresh herbs. The Lao answer to the bánh mì. Sold from bicycle carts and morning market stalls.
Find it at: Morning market stalls in Vientiane, bicycle vendors in Luang Prabang old town
Khanom Krok (Coconut Rice Cakes)
Small coconut milk rice cakes cooked in a cast iron mould, crispy on the outside and creamy inside. Sold piping hot from street carts as a breakfast snack or afternoon treat.
Find it at: Morning market stalls and street carts in Luang Prabang and Vientiane
Nem Khao (Crispy Rice Salad)
Crispy puffed rice mixed with sour pork sausage, fermented fish, peanuts, coconut, and fresh herbs. Spectacularly complex flavour combination wrapped in a lettuce leaf. A Vientiane street food specialty.
Find it at: Khua Din Market area, Vientiane street stalls
Khao Nom (Banana Sticky Rice Parcels)
Sweet sticky rice with banana and coconut milk wrapped in banana leaf and grilled or steamed. The most popular Lao street dessert, sold from market stalls and roadside vendors.
Find it at: Morning markets and evening food stalls throughout Laos
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Luang Prabang Morning Market (Talat Dara)
The most authentic and photogenic market in Laos, active from 5:30am with ethnic minority vendors selling fresh produce, jungle herbs, live animals, and prepared Lao breakfast foods. Essential cultural experience in Luang Prabang.
Hours: 5:30 AM - 11:00 AM daily
Luang Prabang Night Market Food Section
Alongside the handicraft stalls, the night market has an excellent buffet section where dozens of stalls offer self-serve Lao and Asian dishes for $2-4 per plate. Perfect for budget dinner with great atmosphere.
Hours: 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM daily
Khua Din Market, Vientiane
Large local wet market in central Vientiane with fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, and prepared foods. Less touristy than Talat Sao. Authentic window into everyday Vientiane market life with competitive prices.
Hours: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM daily
Ban Anou Night Market, Vientiane
Popular evening street market in Vientiane's Ban Anou neighbourhood serving authentic local Lao food to a predominantly local crowd. Less tourist-facing and more genuine than the riverside night market.
Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM daily
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Eat where you see local families — a full restaurant with Lao customers is always a quality indicator
Sticky rice is sacred — never step over it, waste it, or treat it carelessly; use both hands to take from a shared basket
Lao food uses fish sauce and fermented padek extensively — strict vegetarians should specify 'jeh' (Buddhist vegetarian) not just 'no meat'
Breakfast in Laos means noodle soup — find the morning market noodle shops for the most authentic and cheapest meals of the day
Beerlao is the perfect pairing with Lao food — the lager cuts through spice and complements the umami of fermented ingredients
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3-8/meal | Street food, market stalls, and local noodle shops. Khao niao with grilled chicken $2, bowl of noodle soup $1.50-3, papaya salad $1-2. |
| Mid-range | $10-25/meal | Sit-down local and tourist restaurants. Set lunch menus $8-12, full dinner with drinks $15-25. |
| Upscale | $30-80+/meal | Fine dining at Tamarind, L'Elephant, or hotel restaurants. Multi-course tasting menus $30-50, with wine $60-100. |