How to Turn Your Trip into a Food Tour in Luang Prabang – A Foodie’s Guide

Alright, buckle up! You’re in for a Laotian treat! If you’re visiting Luang Prabang, you simply must make the most of your time by exploring the city’s culinary side. Get ready to dive deep into the mouthwatering world of Laotian cuisine. Here's your ultimate guide to savouring the best bites in Luang Prabang, coupled with a few insights into Laotian cuisine and suggestions on where to eat. 

Laotian Cuisine 

Laotian cuisine is an explosion of flavours! From spicy kicks to sweet dishes, sour tangs, and savoury delights, it's a culinary rollercoaster you should not miss out on! A typical Laotian meal spread includes sticky rice, fragrant herbs, zesty fish sauce, and a whole array of meats and veggies. Laotian food isn’t just about food; it’s a celebration of time-honoured cooking methods passed down through generations.  

Image via AVANI+ Luang Prabang 

Dining at Restaurants and Hotels 

With a range of Luang Prabang restaurants dishing up everything from authentic Lao delicacies to mouthwatering international fare, Luang Prabang offers a diverse world of culinary wonders. From fancy joints to more laid back spots, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. What’s more, hotels like Avani Luang Prabang feature their own twist on the restaurant game to make things easier for tourists. 

Dining at Street Stalls 

When it comes to experiencing the heart and soul of Luang Prabang's food scene, street food is where you find it. Streets in Luang Prabang are lined up with stalls, tempting you with a mouthwatering array of traditional delights. Dining at street stalls isn’t just about food; it’s about discovering the culture too. 

Luang Prabang Night Market 

When the sun sets in Luang Prabang, the Luang Prabang Night Market comes alive with more than just souvenirs – it’s a foodie's paradise waiting to be discovered! Sitting perpendicular to the souvenir stalls is the night food street, a bustling hub of Lao street eats. Here, you'll a world of delicious flavours, from sizzling grilled Mekong fish to hearty Laotian stews and aromatic curries. 

Food Tours and Cooking Classes 

If you really want to get into Luang Prabang’s food scene, signing up for a food tour or cooking class is an absolute must-do – nothing quite comes close to the experience of learning to make Laotian dishes. These experiences aren't just about tasting delicious food – they also make you privy to the heart and soul of Laotian cuisine. You have the chance to get to know the local ingredients, master traditional cooking techniques, and uncover the secrets behind famous Laotian dishes. 

Must-Try Dishes 

Here’s a list of must-try dishes during your time in this foodie paradise: 

• Khao Soi: This Northern Laos speciality is a light and tangy noodle soup, featuring a slightly tomatoey broth, wheat noodles, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Tam Mak Hoong (Lao Green Papaya Salad): Brace yourself for a spicy and zesty salad made with raw papaya, tomatoes, green beans, chilli, lime juice, fish sauce, and peanuts.
• Laap (Larb): Considered the national treasure of Laos, Laap is a salad with minced meat mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, chilli, and toasted ground rice, served either raw or cooked.
• Mekong Fish Dishes: Fresh catches from the Mekong River appear in various mouthwatering preparations, from grilled to soups and stews, all infused with fragrant local herbs.
• Or Lam (Pork and Herb Stew): Get ready to indulge in this hearty stew featuring pork, local veggies, and a touch of ground and roasted sticky rice, all seasoned with a medley of herbs. 
• Chili Dip with Fish Eggs: Spice up your meal with this fiery dip made from grilled fish eggs, mixed with herbs, chilli, and a squeeze of lime juice, served alongside sticky rice and crisp veggies.
• Coffee: Wrap up your culinary adventure with a cup of locally grown coffee beans infused with saffron.