Over 160 stalls will spring up in the heart of the city in Chao Anouvong Park along the Mekong riverside with all possible Lao delicacies luring visitors to indulge in a culinary journey. In case you are not sure what to taste, here are some suggestions.
1. Khaw Niaw
No meal in Laos can do without this staple dish; it is eaten throughout the day. Laotians even refer to themselves as “luk khao niaow” which beautifully translates to “children or descendants of sticky rice”.
2. Sai Oua (Lao sausage)
Sai Oua is known for its signature flavours of lemongrass, kaffir leaves, ginger and garlic. This sausage is often served with a dry chili dip and much like most Lao dishes, sticky rice.
3. Khao Piak Sen (Lao noodle soup)
Hearty, inexpensive, tasty and nutritious, this flat-rice noodle soup is often served with beef or chicken and a handful of fragrant herbs, bean sprouts, basil, chilies and beans.
4. Laab (minced meat salad)
Popular in Thailand’s Isaan region, laab is regarded as the unofficial dish of Laos and this traditional meal is a wonderfully spicy, stir-fried minced meat dish that packs quite the punch. It is cooked with plenty of chillies, shallots, lemon juice, coriander, mint and fish sauce and served with sticky rice.
5. Tam mak hoong (green papaya salad)
This refreshing, spicy, green papaya salad is famous for its harmonious bend of sweet, spicy, sour and salty flavours and is often served alongside grilled meat.
Besides food stalls, there will be a Lao food contest, free health checks, and other activities for visitors of all ages.
Food Festival in Vientiane Is Planned for January 23-26
News in Asia
Lao's annual food festival held in the country's capital city of Vientiane, returns this year at the end of January, from 23 till 26. The festival is organised by the Lao Women’s Union and the Lao Businesswomen’s Association.