Welcome to Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos, where the pace of life is slow, the Mekong River flows gently, and the food is an unforgettable blend of bold flavors and cultural heritage. For foodies, Vientiane is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Lao cuisine is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and influences from neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, yet it retains a unique identity that’s deeply rooted in tradition. If you’re visiting Vientiane, prepare your taste buds for an adventure! Here’s a detailed guide to 10 must-try Lao dishes that will give you a true taste of the city’s culinary soul.

1. Laap (Larb) – The National Dish of Laos

No trip to Vientiane is complete without trying laap, often considered the national dish of Laos. This minced meat salad—typically made with chicken, beef, pork, or fish—is a burst of flavors, combining lime juice, fish sauce, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and toasted sticky rice powder for a nutty texture. What makes laap stand out is its balance of spicy, sour, salty, and umami notes. In Vientiane, you’ll find variations like laap sin dat, where you grill your own meat at the table. Head to local eateries along the Mekong Riverfront for an authentic experience, or try upscale spots like Lao Kitchen for a refined take on this classic.

Tip for Foodies: Pair laap with sticky rice (khao niaw), the staple of Lao meals, and don’t shy away from the chili—it’s meant to pack a punch!

2. Tam Mak Hoong (Green Papaya Salad) – A Spicy-Sour Delight

If you love vibrant, zesty flavors, tam mak hoong is a must. This green papaya salad is a Lao cousin to Thailand’s som tam but often spicier and funkier due to the generous use of fermented fish sauce (padaek). Made with shredded unripe papaya, cherry tomatoes, lime, garlic, chilies, and sometimes dried shrimp or crab, this dish is pounded in a mortar and pestle to release its intense flavors. In Vientiane, you’ll find street vendors near markets like Talat Sao whipping up fresh batches. The crunch of the papaya combined with the fiery kick of chilies makes it addictive.

Tip for Foodies: Ask for “pet nit noi” if you want less spice, though locals will likely encourage you to embrace the heat!

3. Khao Jee – Grilled Sticky Rice

A simple yet iconic Lao snack, khao jee is sticky rice that’s shaped into patties or balls, sometimes stuffed with mung bean or egg yolk, and grilled over charcoal until crispy on the outside and chewy inside. It’s often dipped in spicy sauces or eaten alongside other dishes like laap. You’ll spot vendors grilling khao jee on street corners throughout Vientiane, especially in the evening near the Night Market. The smoky aroma is irresistible, and it’s a perfect on-the-go bite while exploring the city.

Tip for Foodies: Look for vendors using bamboo skewers for an authentic touch, and try it fresh off the grill for the best texture.

4. Mok Pa – Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves

For seafood lovers, mok pa is a Lao delicacy that showcases the country’s love for fresh river fish. The fish is mixed with a fragrant paste of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and dill, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender. The result is a moist, aromatic dish that melts in your mouth. In Vientiane, restaurants along the Mekong, such as Khop Chai Deu, often serve mok pa with sticky rice and a side of jeow (spicy dipping sauce). It’s a lighter option compared to heavier Lao dishes but no less flavorful.

Tip for Foodies: Pair it with a cold Beerlao to balance the herbal intensity of the dish.

5. Khao Niaw Mamuang – Sticky Rice with Mango

While sticky rice with mango is often associated with Thailand, Laos has its own version that’s just as delightful. Khao niaw mamuang combines sweet, ripe mangoes with sticky rice drizzled in coconut milk. In Vientiane, this dessert is a popular street food treat, especially during mango season (March to May). The creamy, sticky texture of the rice paired with the juicy, tropical sweetness of mango is pure bliss. Check out local markets or small dessert stalls for the freshest offerings.

Tip for Foodies: Look for vendors who sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of flavor.

6. Or Lam – Spicy Lao Stew

A hearty dish from northern Laos that’s widely enjoyed in Vientiane, or lam is a spicy stew made with meat (often buffalo or beef), vegetables, and a unique ingredient: dried buffalo skin for texture. The stew is flavored with lemongrass, chilies, and sakhan (a bitter wood that adds depth). It’s a complex dish that reflects the resourcefulness of Lao cooking, often incorporating foraged ingredients. You can find or lam in traditional restaurants like Tamarind, where it’s served with sticky rice for dipping.

Tip for Foodies: Be adventurous and try the version with buffalo skin—it’s a textural experience you won’t forget.

7. Jeow – Lao Dipping Sauces

While not a dish on its own, jeow is the heart of Lao cuisine. These spicy dipping sauces accompany almost every meal, from grilled meats to sticky rice. Common varieties include jeow bong (a sweet-spicy chili paste with buffalo skin) and jeow som (a sour tamarind-based dip). In Vientiane, you’ll see locals dipping everything into jeow at street-side barbecue stalls or family-run eateries. It’s the perfect way to customize your meal and add an extra kick.

Tip for Foodies: Experiment with different jeow types at a sin dat (DIY barbecue) restaurant to find your favorite.

8. Ping Kai – Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken, or ping kai, is a beloved street food in Vientiane that’s marinated with garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, and sometimes honey for a caramelized finish. It’s grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor, and often served with sticky rice and jeow. You’ll find ping kai at night markets or roadside stalls, where the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of herbs draw you in. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that embodies Lao street food culture.

Tip for Foodies: Look for vendors who flatten the chicken for even grilling—it ensures maximum flavor in every bite.

9. Khao Tom – Rice Soup

For a comforting meal, especially on a cooler Vientiane morning, try khao tom, a Lao rice soup similar to congee. Made with rice simmered in broth, it’s often flavored with pork, chicken, or fish, and topped with green onions, fried garlic, and sometimes a raw egg that cooks in the hot soup. It’s a popular breakfast option, and you’ll find it at small roadside stalls or morning markets. Khao tom is gentle on the stomach but still bursts with savory flavors.

Tip for Foodies: Add a squeeze of lime and a dash of chili flakes for a zesty twist.

10. Baguette Sandwiches (Khao Jee Pâté) – A French-Lao Fusion

A remnant of French colonial influence, the Lao baguette sandwich, or khao jee pâté, is a street food staple in Vientiane. These crusty baguettes are stuffed with pork liver pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and sometimes lao sausage or pork belly, then drizzled with chili sauce. It’s a perfect blend of French and Lao flavors, offering a crispy, tangy, and spicy bite. You’ll find vendors near Patuxai Monument or along Rue Setthathirath selling these affordable snacks.

Tip for Foodies: Pair your sandwich with a strong Lao coffee (kafe dam) for the ultimate street food breakfast.

Where to Eat in Vientiane

  • Street Food: Head to the Night Market by the Mekong River for a variety of dishes like khao jee, ping kai, and tam mak hoong. It’s bustling, affordable, and authentic.
  • Local Restaurants: Lao Kitchen and Khop Chai Deu offer a cozy setting to try dishes like laap and mok pa with excellent service.
  • Upscale Dining: Tamarind is perfect for a deeper dive into Lao cuisine with beautifully presented dishes and cooking classes if you want to learn recipes.
  • Morning Markets: Talat Khua Din or Talat Sao are great for breakfast options like khao tom and fresh baguette sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

Vientiane’s food scene is a reflection of its people—humble, warm, and full of character. Lao cuisine may not be as globally recognized as Thai or Vietnamese, but its unique flavors and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients make it a standout. As you wander through the city’s quiet streets, past golden temples and riverside cafes, let your senses guide you to these 10 dishes. Whether you’re savoring the fiery kick of tam mak hoong or the comforting simplicity of khao tom, each bite tells a story of Laos’ rich culture and history. So, grab a fork (or better yet, use your hands with sticky rice), and dive into the culinary heart of Vientiane. Bon appétit—or as the locals say, kin dee (eat well)!

Have you tried any Lao dishes before, or are you planning a trip to Vientiane? Share your foodie adventures in the comments below!