Phonsavan Laos – Best Places to Eat and Dishes to Try

Although Phonsavan is a provincial town, the diversity of food to choose from is impressive. There are no less than 32 restaurants and numerous Pho soup shops. You can enjoy delicious Vietnamese, Lao and Chinese dishes, and not only. So, here’s what you should know about the food scene in Phonsavan.

Where can you find affordable street food?

The fresh food market in Phonsavan encompasses a plethora of exotic fruits you don’t get to see elsewhere in Laos. We're referring to the Chinese pear, which has a surprisingly wonderful flavor.

The nok ąen dąwng is another local delicacy – whole swallows fermented in jars. Make sure you have your camera with you: the abundance of colors and flavors is a treat to the eye.

Best areas for local food: dishes you should try

Given its small size, most of the restaurants in Phonsavan are situated on the main road. That means you won’t have much trouble with finding something that would appeal to your taste.

Simmaly Restaurant is a popular spot for locals, as it serves huge portions of food. The prices are surprisingly low, and the food is to-die-for. The portion of fried rice came accompanied by some chicken and veggies. This is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant – which is good to know. The prices vary from LAK15,000 to LAK30,000 (USD2 to USD4), which is pretty great considering the tasty dishes. Another bonus is that the staff is friendly and polite. Also, the pork fried rice and the fried spring rolls are delicious.

Sangha Restaurant serves great dishes at fair prices. In fact, this is one of the most affordable places in Phonsavan. The good thing is that the menu is available in English as well, which makes it easier to order. Plus, the staff speaks English, which is pretty encouraging. The Lao salad we had was delicious, just as the sour and hot soups.

International food

Lao-Falang is also a top spot for eating. It presents a diverse menu comprising of Lao and Western dishes. It is an impeccable place that makes you feel welcome. Their pizza is one of the highlights, although it is quite pricey compared to the other dishes, yet still accessible – LAK70,000 (USD9). The delicious pasta (Bolognese and Carbonara) is a treat, just as their homemade ice cream. We were also quite surprised by their diversity of wine choices. The place is open from 7 am to 4 pm, and 5 pm to 10:30 pm. Although other restaurants provide decent international dishes, as well, Lao-Falang offers first-class Italian dishes and large portions: you won’t leave the place with an empty stomach!

If you feel like having some Indian food, then Nisha is at the top of our list of recommendations. The menu incorporates the typical dishes such as tikka masala, curries, rogan josh, and other vegetarian choices. The freshness of the food is a major draw, just as the use of delicious spices. The portions are also massive. Expect to pay around LAK20,000 (USD2.50) per dish – a bargain if you ask us!

Cafes and coffee shops

When on holiday, having coffee is a necessity (for us, at the very least). Cranky-T Café and Bar (address: 049 Ban Phonesavanh Xay, Phonsavan 0900) is an excellent place to get your daily dose of caffeine and sweets. If you feel like having some ice cream, they have a wide selection as well. Still, the thing that won us over is their coffee – which is one of the best in town.

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On the whole, we could say that Phonsavan impressed us with their diversity of local and international cuisine. You could never be hungry when in Laos – that’s for sure.