KOREA FOUNDATION

EXPLORE

Lao PDR: A World of Gastronomy
The gastronomical treasures of Vientiane, referred to by some as the “walled city of the moon,” are subtly enticing.

Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR, is often regarded as a gateway to either Vang Vieng, a hotspot for outdoor activities, or the Town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Less known is the fact that Vientiane is a haven of diverse culinary cultures as Lao PDR shares borders with five countries.

Journey into culinary wealth

One of the best ways to enjoy Vientiane’s foodie delightsis by strolling through the city’s center. Pho, while having its origins in the Vietnamese rice noodle dish of the same name, is now a common Lao street food. HanSam Euay Nong, a restaurant in downtown Vientiane, serves delicious noodle dishes from various regions, of which Khao Soy, which originated from the Luang Prabang Province and includes chopped pork flavored with Lao-style pepper paste, is especially popular. Another restaurant, Khop Chai Deu, offers not only traditional Lao food but also dishes from countries like Thailand and Germany. If you want to try a range of traditional food, all you have to do is choose from set menu options that bear the name of a region in Lao PDR. The centerpiece of the Luang Prabang set is or lam, a slightly spicy stew made with beef and multiple spices.

Produce of the Bolaven Plateau

Coffee production in Lao PDR began during French colonial rule, eventually leading to the creation of a sophisticated, diverse café culture. The Bolaven Plateau in southern Lao PDR is a prime location for coffee tree plantations due to the region’s relatively cool climate, high rainfall, and rich volcanic soil, with the vast majority (95 percent) produced in Paksong. Sinouk Coffee, a famous high-end coffee franchise, uses only coffee fruit that are harvested from the Bolaven Plateau. Aside from its “Bolavens Treasure” range, the company’s coffee bean is categorized into five types (Indochinese, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean) depending on the roasting degree.

A glass of cold beer under the moon

Head to Nam Phu (Lao for “fountain”) Square before sunset. As its name suggests, there is a fountain in the center of the square that is surrounded on both sides by restaurants and bars. The mood becomes more festiveat 5 p.m., which is when the fountain is activated together with upbeat music. The perfect activity at this time of day is to sit at an outdoor table while enjoying ping, grilled meat skewers, with a glass of strong, heavy Lao beer. Don’t forget to drink the beer in authentic Lao style—with plenty of ice!!!