The Top 5 Laotian foods to try in the US

Laotian food is a cuisine that originates from the Lao People living in Laos and Thailand. It is best known for its rice noodle dishes, spice-laden salad sauce, fish sauce pork stew, sticky rice, eggplant dishes, as well as coconut milk desserts. Laotian food is a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisine. It’s usually more on the healthy side and is perfect for those who want to eat something different from the usual Americanized fare. Popular Laotian dishes include khao soi, larb, papaya salad, and sticky rice. The flavors are unique and absolutely delicious – you won’t be disappointed! If you’re ever looking to try some Laotian food that is sure to impress, then read on for our top 5 Laotian food dishes to try in the US!

Types of Laotian food

If you’re ever in the US and want to try Laotian food, there’s no need to look far. Many restaurants offer different versions of Laotian food, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. Some popular types of Laotian food include pho and Vietnamese rice bowls. If you’re in the mood for something savory, try the larb salad or the som tam salad. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the green papaya salad or the sticky rice with pork. There are a variety of Laotian dishes to try in the US, so it’s hard to go wrong. If you’re ever in the area of Snackboxe bistro in Georgia, don’t miss out – their Laotian food is simply amazing! since this restaurant is the closest place we can find for an authentic Laotian experience, we’ve pinpointed the top 5 items to order using their menu.

1. Laap

Laotian food is a staple in the cuisine of Laos and is loved by many people all over the world. Laap is a dish made from minced beef, fish sauce, tamarind juice, and garlic, and it’s a classic Laos dish that can be served as a main course or appetizer. If you’re looking for a unique food experience, try out some of the variations of Laap. For example, try out laap sai dao, laap som, or laap khao tom. These dishes are all made from different ingredients and make for an amazing meal. Laap is also popular in soups and salads – try out some of the variations for a unique meal experience!

The historical significance of Laap

Lao people revere Laap as the god of rice and agriculture. He is known as the ancestor who taught them how to plant, cultivate, and harvest rice. 2. Laap is also believed to be the creator of Laos’s current form of Buddhism which emphasizes laab paadok (non-theistic meditation). 3. There are many temples dedicated to Laap throughout Laos and he is often depicted with a rice paddy in his hand or riding on a buffalo.

Why is Laap our #1?

Laap is currently top of the list because it tends to be our go-to every time we go to a Laos spot. If you are looking for a dish that is rich in protein and filled with fresh herbs and flavor, it’s the best thing to try. I personally will eat it with lettuce or cabbage with my hands (similar to a lettuce wrap). It is the dish that won me over in my first take on Laos food along with my #2 dish Naem Khao!

Naem Khao (Crispy Coconut Rice)

If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Laotian dish to try in the US that consists of crispy coconut rice blended with minced meat, look no further than naem khao. This dish is made from sticky, glutinous rice that’s stir-fried with vegetables and eggs. It’s served with crispy fried coconut strips on top for an extra touch of flavor. This dish can be meatless or served with fish or pork. At Snackboxe for instance, Naem Khao can be served with minced fish or pork belly my personal favorite).

How to Eat Naem Khao

If you’re looking to eat Naem Khao the Laotian way, be sure to mix it all together before eating. It’s also important to note that it is best eaten with your hands and often served with a side of sticky rice or lettuce. It’s also good to note that whenever you order a dish in a Laotian restaurant you should have the choice of sticky rice or lettuce to help you eat their dishes the right way – with your hands! The sticky rice can be flattened and used as a way to fold in the Naem Khao or Laap. If you want a less carb-friendly approach go with the lettuce wrap method and use the lettuce or cabbage as your spoon! Speaking of rice, don’t miss our #3 pick Khao Niew!

Khao Niew (Sticky Rice)

Khao Niew, or sticky rice, is a staple food in Laotian cuisine. This sticky rice dish is made from glutinous rice that is cooked in water until it becomes sticky and gooey. It’s typically served with pork or chicken (Laap) and can be enjoyed at many restaurants throughout the US. Normally when you order any meat or grain dish in Laotian restaurants, you will be given the option to order Khao Niew with your dish in order to eat it traditionally. Because this is something that accompanies most Laos dining, it’s easily the #1 eaten item in Laos. This is why it is also considered the national dish of Laos.

What ingredients does it contain?

Khao niew is a Laotian dish that consists of sticky rice cooked in shrimp or crab broth. It can be enjoyed as a light meal or as an accompaniment to other dishes. The ingredients are simple and easy to find in most US supermarkets, making it a great option for those on the go.

Khao Poon (Curry Soup)

Laotian food also has quite a few soup dishes including their version of Vietnamese Pho. One soup dish that is a must-try and easy to find here in Georgia is Khao Poon. Khao Poon is a soup made with chicken or beef, bamboo shoots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger. It is simmered for hours until it becomes a subtly fragrant soup that can be enjoyed with steamed rice (noodles) on the side.

Khao Poon has been around since ancient times and its popularity continues to grow in modern-day Laos. The main reason why this soup is so popular throughout Laos is because of its simplistic yet flavorful ingredients which are easily accessible

What Kinds of Vegetables can be Included in a KhaoPoon?

Khao Poon is a hearty and delicious street food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Made from rice noodles, pork, fish sauce, lime juice, chili peppers, and assorted vegetables (usually potatoes, carrots, and onions), this dish can be customized to your own liking. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or want to create a more elaborate meal – Khao poon has it all!

Jaew Bong (Hot Pepper Dip) WINGS!

There’s no better way to experience the flavors of Laos than by trying its signature dish like Jaew Bong. This is typically a spicy dip made from hot peppers and flavored with lime juice. It’s perfect for appetizers or main course snacks, and it can be served cold or at room temperature. What’s better? Jaew Bong marinated wings!! I am not a huge wing person, but my 2nd time at Snackboxe Bistro here in Atlanta, I tried their wings which were covered in Jaew Bong and it blew me away! Even my friends who would otherwise not want to have other Laotian dishes cannot deny these wings.

Conclusion

Laotian food is a cuisine that is indigenous to the Southeast Asian country of Laos. It is characterized by its spice and flavor and is often compared to Thai food due to the similarities in their ingredients and methods of preparation. Laotian food is a great way to explore the different flavors and spices of Southeast Asia, and is a delicious way to spice up your diet! We are lucky to have Snackboxe Bistro in our area and hope you give them a try when your feeling like trying something new! You will not regret it!