The truly adventurous traveller would need little encouragement to head to Laos. Tours to the country offer the guarantee of incredible forests, snaking rivers and some of the friendliest inhabitants you could ever hope to meet. This friendliness is the reason that most people find themselves quickly initiated into the delicious, and sometimes sticky, world of Lao cuisine. You can learn much about a country by sampling what its natives have for dinner! History, culture, fashion and economics are all boiled (or fried, roasted or frozen,) down into a plate-sized statement of sociological research. And this is certainly the case with the cuisine of Laos. Tours to the region should be as much about the tastebuds as the eyes, ears and the mind ทัวร์ลาว.
When in Vientiane…
The geography of a country is crucial in influencing the food that the locals eat, and being next door to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China means that the cuisine of the Laotians has had an influence upon, and been influenced by, that of their neighbours. Sticky rice is one example of an important staple in Laos. Tours to the country are the perfect opportunity to gorge yourself on the delicious glutinous substance – all in the name of culture. The French colonial influence is also reflected in Laotian cuisine, especially in the capital Vientiane. The city is home to a number of very popular French-Laos fusion restaurants where visitors can try something that they won’t find anywhere else.
The Dish of the Day
One of the most famous dishes available in the country is known as Larb, a delicious meat salad that is regarded as the national dish of Laos. Tours to any parts of the country will give you many opportunities to sample this sumptuous dish. Larb can be made from a wide variety of meats including chicken, turkey, duck, pork, beef or fish. While the meat that forms the base of the Larb can be cooked or raw, it is always mixed with vegetables, chili, mint, and the all important addition of khao khua – ground toasted rice.
Local Customs
Meals in the country are often eaten communally, and this will most certainly be the case if you dine with a local family. The courses will typically be composed of some standard components: soup, then a grilled dish, then a sauce, some greens and then a mixed dish. These dishes aren’t eaten in a set sequence as done in the west – everything is on the table at the same time and the soup is sipped throughout the meal. For this reason drinks aren’t usually part of the meal, but visitors shouldn’t be afraid to ask.