Dishes will be Indo-Chinese in flavor and presentation. The cheapest and easiest way to sample Lao food is from the stalls in the markets. Traditionally, Lao food is very spicy but this kick is often tempered for the western palate. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community, and Luang Prabang, which has recently seen something of a culinary revival.
National specialties:
•
Sticky rice (best eaten with fingers).
• Pho (white rice noodle soup, usually served with beef and/or pork although
vegetarian versions are available).
• Laap (minced meat, fish or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, powdered rice and chillies, accompanied by sticky rice).
• Tam maal hung (Lao-style papaya salad).
•
Khai phaan (weed from the Mekong river - a Luang Prabang specialty).
National drinks:
• Rice whisky,
lao lao, is popular and there are two brands available.
•
Beer Lao.
Tipping: Not customary, however a modest tip in return for good service is appreciated.
NightlifeThere are several discos in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels have their own nightclubs. Generally, however, the Lao nightlife is quiet and laid-back, usually involving a
Beer Lao, a stunning sunset, firefly display and an early night.
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