Food In Alms Giving Ceremony

Alms Giving Ceremony Food History

The Alms Giving Ceremony, known locally as Tak Bat, is a longstanding tradition in Luang Prang, Laos. This daily Buddhist ritual involves monks from the local monasteries walking through the streets at sunrise to collect offerings of food from the local people. It is a significant religious observance as well as a social event, intended to create a bond between the monks and the lay community.

Food plays a central role in this ceremony. Devotees offer fresh, homemade food to the monks, often consisting of rice, fruit, and traditional Laotians snacks. These offerings are typically vegetarian, as they are meant to both provide sustenance and demonstrate the givers' detachment from material possessions.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes at the Alms Giving Ceremony

1. Sticky Rice (Khao Niao) – Veg: This is the staple food in Laos and the main offering during the ceremony, made from glutinous rice.
2. Banana Leaf Wrapped Snacks (Khao Tom) – Veg: Often sticky rice with banana or mung beans, steamed in banana leaves.
3. Fresh Fruit – Veg: Including bananas, mangoes, and papayas, representing pure offerings given in humility.
4. Laotian Rice Cake (Khao Nom Kok) – Veg: Small coconut pancakes that are sweet and savory.
5. Lao Lao – Veg: A traditional homemade rice whisky sometimes offered, though less common.
6. Sweet Rice Porridge (Khao Piak) – Veg: A warm and sweet dish often eaten during colder mornings.
7. Fried Tofu – Veg: Offering a source of protein, served plain or with a small amount of soy sauce.
8. Steam Buns (Salapao) – Veg: Chinese influenced fluffy buns filled with vegetables or sweet bean paste.
9. Lao Coffee – Veg: Strong and often sweet, Laos coffee can be presented to the monks for a change from the usual plain water.
10. Sesame Rice Crackers (Khao Pao) – Veg: Crispy snacks made from rice and sesame seeds.

Top Famous Restaurants in Luang Prabang

Besides the Alms Giving Ceremony, there are various restaurants throughout Luang Prabang where you can savor local dishes:

1. Tamarind: A Taste of Laos
   Address: Kingkitsarath Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: Lao Tasting Platter – Veg/Non-Veg Options Available
2. Café Toui
   Address: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: Larb Tofu – Veg
3. Khaiphaen
   Address: Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: Mekong Seaweed with dip – Veg
4. L'Elephant Restaurant
   Address: Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: French-Lao Fusion Cuisine – Veg/Non-Veg Options Available
5. Coconut Garden
   Address: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: Vegetarian Curry – Veg
6. Blue Lagoon Restaurant
   Address: Ban Choumkhong, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: Mango with Sticky Rice – Veg
7. Utopia Bar and Restaurant
   Address: Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: Vegetarian Spring Rolls – Veg
8. Dyen Sabai Restaurant
   Address: Ban Phan Louang, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: Lao Fondues – Veg/Non-Veg Options Available
9. Tangor
   Address: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
   Famous Food: Asian-Inspired Tapas – Veg/Non-Veg Options Available
10. Le Banneton Café
    Address: Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
    Famous Food: French Pastries and Coffee – Veg

These locations provide a great opportunity to experience Lao cuisine in a more relaxed setting after the solemnity of the morning alms.