Lao Food:
Lao
cuisine is not well known outside the country, however it is considered one of
the healthiest due to the fresh vegetables and herbs, which are in almost every
Lao meal!
When
you walk around the markets of Vientiane and Luang Prabang and other markets,
you’ll be immersed by fragrances like galangal, lime, lemongrass, basil,
coriander, garlic, ginger, mint and dill. Lao cuisine has many regional
variations due to the local fresh foods in each region. Authentic Lao meals
will generally include “Khao niew” (sticky rice) which is a staple in Laotian
food. It is always served with a hot sauce or a spicy fish or shrimp based
sauce.
A
traditional dish is called “Laap” and it’s made from chopped chicken, duck or
any meat. The minced meat is mixed with citronella, onions, and spices with
fish sauce and roasted rice. Laap means “happiness and luck” and is eaten with
a plate of raw vegetables and sticky rice. Laap is one of my dad’s specialties
and he makes it a lot and everyone enjoys it thoroughly! So much so my dad makes
it at least once a week if not more!
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| The delicious Laap |
Laotian
food has a very unique flavour and some dishes can be spicy to the unaccustomed
foreigner. I personally can’t handle too much heat and find a lot of Lao food
spicy so my dad always has to make a milder version for me! A necessary part of
enjoying Lao food is “Beer Lao” and is described as the Dom Perignon of Asian
beers and it can be found throughout the country. I didn’t get to try any Beer
Lao my last visit when I was 11, but this vacation I will have to engage my
taste buds.
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| Beer Lao (Dom Perignon of Asian Beers)...Mouth watering |
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