Words by Bew and Petch
Photos by Bew
Food is important in life. Each country will have different types of food. Based on factors such as the geographic area, history and culture of a country, some food have become products of cultural assimilation.
Lao food is distinct from other Asian and European cuisines although Lao cuisines have many influences, such as Thai (somewhat similar to the food found in the northeastern part of Thailand in the area known as Isan), Vietnamese, Chinese and French. Most Lao dishes contain vegetables and herbs, a serving of rice or noodles and meat (fish, chicken, pork or beef). The freshness of the ingredients is very important to Lao people who like to prepare everything from scratch, rather than to use ready-made ingredients. This is the usual case as they believe this would make their food more delicious. Herbs such as galangal and lemongrass are favoured and padaek (Lao fish sauce) is found on every table.
The first meal we (the Thai student guides) recommended during our first tour in Vientiane is naem neuang in Viengsavanh Namnaung Restaurant. This shop that serves Vietnamese food is found near Hotel Lao (our accommodation). It is served with transparent rice paper, thin noodles and lots of herbs, vegetables, lettuce and sauce. The travellers have never eaten naem neuang before so they did not know how to consume them. As a result, we taught them how to hold the ingredients into a neat wrap. The travellers looked so excited upon trying this food, so that made us really glad. Afterwards the travellers asked for the bill but they are confused about the currency (the Lao kips have many zeroes, something that the travellers were not used to). There was a little trouble in paying the bill but we managed to settle the situation after some time.
Next, the French baguettes are found in the larger towns. They are commonly served for breakfast, filled with pâté, moo yor (pork luncheon meat), vegetables and chilli sauce. Baguettes are also dipped into coffee for breakfast. The traditional Lao diet includes a lot of raw vegetables – but the French left the tossed salad (made of greens often with added vegetables tossed in an oil dressing) behind. In Luang Prabang, they make delicious salad from watercress.
Another food that can be considered a daily favourite is noodle soup (called feu, also spelt pho). This soupy meal incorporates meat, noodles and vegetables. Naem neuang and pho are Vietnamese food that are very famous in Laos. Other Lao favourites include papaya salad (a spicy mix of green papaya, lime juice, fish sauce, fresh chillies and peanuts).
After the first experience in Viengsavanh Namnaung Restaurant, the travellers learn how to use Lao money and do their calculations more quickly. After getting used to the currency, they use the Lao money to buy good, cheap food in Laos. For example, some of the daring ones ate fried insects.
There are many other type of foods that we did not write about. Even so, we were really impressed with the travellers for understanding how to use Lao money to buy things at a good price. This shows that they are willing to learn and they can adapt quickly to foreign cultures and societies.
Bew loves reading and her iced green tea. A combination of both sends her on an ecstatic thrill.
Petch travels for new experiences and to learn more about others and also himself.
In Search of Vientiane & Luang Prabang 2016 