LAOFOOD
Lao cuisine may be little known
outside the country, but it is considered one of the healthiest cuisines.
This is due to its affection for
fresh vegetables and herbs, which appear in almost every Lao meal. Both meat
and fish are usually grilled or steamed and as a result, the flavours are fresh
and the dishes are low in fat.
Walk around the numerous food
markets and stalls that dot Luang Prabang and Vientiane and you will be
confronted by the fragrances of galangal, lime, lemongrass, basil,,
coriander,garlic ,ginger ,mint and dill.
Lao cuisine has many regional
variations, due in part to the fresh foods local to each region. You can either
enjoy an authentic Lao meal ( Khao Niew or sticky rice is a staple) in many of
the restaurants or spend a morning learning to cook delicious Lao dishes for
your lunch.
An essential part of enjoying Lao
food is Beer Lao. Described as the Dom Perignon of Asian Beers, it can be found
anywhere throughout the country, from the corner shops to the 5 star hotels.
Lao Coffee, strong, sweet and delicious,
is another must try. Laos produces some of the finest Arabica in the world and
whether you like hot or cold, black or milky, a cup of this fine stuff will set
you up for the rest of the day.
Laap, a traditional Lao food is
made from chopped meat, chicken or duck is a favourite .The finely chopped
meat, spices and broth is mixed with
uncooked rice grains that have been dry fried and crushed. Laap is eaten with a
plate of raw vegetables and sticky rice.
