What Food To Try in Vientiane and Food Prices

Omelette - Khao Phong (savory breakfast) - A fluffy omelette made with local eggs and often mixed with herbs or vegetables like scallions. It’s a staple morning dish that you can find at street stalls where locals enjoy it with a side of rice or dipping sauce.

Grilled Sausages - Sai Oua (street food delight) - These spicy sausages are made from minced pork, herbs, and spices, grilled to perfection and usually served with a fresh cucumber salad. Street vendors often sell them at night markets, where locals grab a quick bite while socializing.

Laotian Noodles - Khao Soi (main course) - A comforting bowl of soft noodles topped with fragrant curried beef or chicken, garnished with crispy noodles and fresh herbs. It's commonly enjoyed for lunch and can be found in bustling eateries where friends and families gather.

Sticky Rice with Grilled Fish - Khao Niew with Pla Phao (local specialty) - This dish consists of glutinous rice served alongside a whole fish, seasoned with local herbs, and wrapped in a banana leaf, then grilled. Families often prepare it for special occasions, bringing everyone together around a shared meal.

Spicy Papaya Salad - Som Tum (surprising combination) - A mix of grated green papaya, chilies, lime, and peanuts creates a refreshing yet fiery dish that balances sweet, salty, and sour. It’s a popular side dish for lunch or dinner, but be careful; ordering it too spicy might have you reaching for water!

Shredded Chicken Salad - Larb (seasonal variation) - Made with minced chicken mixed with fresh herbs, lime juice, and toasted rice powder, this dish changes slightly with the season's ingredients. You’ll see locals enjoying it at picnics or family gatherings, especially during hot days for its refreshing taste.

Rice Noodle Soup - Khao Poon (traditional noodle dish) - This dish features thin rice noodles in a fragrant, spicy coconut broth typically served with shredded chicken or pork topped with fresh herbs. Best enjoyed for breakfast, you’ll find it popular in morning markets where families start their day.

Café Lao - ຄາຟ໌ລາວ (Laotian coffee) - Strong coffee brewed from Robusta beans, often served with sweetened condensed milk. Locals enjoy it in the morning over breakfast or at a small café, often listening to conversations around them.

Larb Beer - ບີກ່າເດີ (spicy beer) - Local lager infused with flavors like lemongrass and lime, served chilled in glass bottles. It's a refreshing choice during evenings, especially while enjoying barbecues by the Mekong River. By the way, don't mix it up by asking for just "beer"; they often have various kinds!

Yougurt Ice - ນົມໄອສ (frozen yogurt dessert) - Creamy soft-serve yogurt topped with sweet local fruits like mango or coconut. Best enjoyed during the heat of the day, you'll find this treat at bustling street stalls on hot afternoons. Note that it can get quite busy, so jump in line!

Sweet Coconut Rice - ຂະບວນເຂົ້າກະເບິ່ນ (sticky rice dessert) - Glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk, often wrapped in banana leaves. This dessert is particularly made during festivals, like Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year). It's best warm, and keep in mind that locals often eat it with their hands—a great way to get into the experience!

Fruit Smoothie - ສົມູນກະກຽມ (blended fresh fruit drink) - A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits, often banana and pineapple, whipped together with ice. Perfect for the sweltering afternoons, many vendors sell these across town—just be sure to specify "no sugar" if you prefer it natural, as sweetness is the default!