Must-Try Foods In COPE Visitor Centre (Vientiane) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History at COPE Visitor Centre, Vientiane, Laos

The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, Laos, is primarily dedicated to supporting and providing information about victims of unexploded ordnance (UXOs) left over from the Vietnam War era. While the center itself is not focused on food culture, Lao cuisine has played a role in the healing process and communal efforts fostered by institutions like COPE. Traditional Laotian food, with its fresh ingredients, community-style serving, and bold flavors, can offer comfort and a sense of cultural identity to those affected by the legacy of conflict.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes for Tourists at COPE Visitor Centre, Vientiane, Laos

1. Laap (Larb) – A traditional minced meat salad that can be made with fish or chicken, flavored with lime, chili, and fresh herbs. (Non-veg)
2. Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad) – Spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and a mix of lime, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and chili. (Can be made Veg)
3. The COPE Visitor Centre is an educational resource focused on the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in Laos, rather than a food destination. However, the center is located in Vientiane, where you can explore a variety of traditional Lao dishes. Here’s a list of must-try foods that encapsulate the vibrant Lao cuisine, with options for both vegetarians and meat-eaters.Khao Piak Sen – Lao chicken noodle soup with thick homemade rice noodles and a hearty broth. Often topped with green onions, beansprouts, and lime. (Non-veg)
4. Ping Kai – Grilled chicken marinated with local spices and herbs, usually served with sticky rice and jaew dipping sauce. (Non-veg)
5. Kaipen (Fried Seaweed) – A crispy snack made of freshwater green algae, studded with sesame seeds, often served with a spicy jeow bong dip. (Veg)
6. Ohn Som Pawd (Banana Flower Salad) – A tangy and slightly bitter salad made from banana flowers, sometimes combined with chicken or shrimp, but can also be found in vegetarian versions. (Can be Veg)
7. Kaeng Nor Mai (Bamboo Shoot Soup) – A Lao stew made from bamboo shoots, yanang leaves, and sometimes the addition of meat or fish. (Can be Veg)
8. Sien Savanh (Lao Beef Jerky) – Seasoned and dried beef, typically served with sticky rice and jaew dipping sauce. (Non-veg)
9. Khao Jee (Baguette Sandwich) – Reminiscent of Vietnamese banh mi, this sandwich is made with meats, pate, vegetables, and sauces in a French-influenced baguette. Can be adapted for vegetarians. (Can be Veg)
10. Mok Pa (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves) – Fish seasoned with herbs and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. (Non-veg)

Top Famous Restaurants Near COPE Visitor Centre, Vientiane, Laos

1. Doi Ka Noi

   Address: Saphanthong Tai Village, Vientiane

   Famous for: Mok Pa (Non-Veg)

2. Makphet Restaurant

   Address: Setthathirath Road, Vientiane

   Famous for: Contemporary Lao cuisine, offering dishes like Laap and vegetarian options (Non-Veg and Veg)

3. Kualao Restaurant

   Address: 134 Samsenthai Road, Vientiane

   Famous for: Traditional Lao food, recommended is the Or Lam (stew) (Non-Veg and Veg)

4. Lao Kitchen

   Address: Rue Hengboun, Vientiane

   Famous for: A variety of traditional dishes with vegetarian choices (Non-Veg and Veg)

5. Tamarind

   Address: King Anouvong Street, Vientiane

   Famous for: Kaipen and other Laotian vegetarian delights (Veg)

6. Le Banneton Café

   Address: Vat Sisaket, Vientiane

   Famous for: French-style bakery with great Khao Jee sandwiches (Can be Veg)

7. Tyson Kitchen

   Address: off Chao Anou Road, Vientiane

   Famous for: American and Tex-Mex cuisine with vegetarian-friendly dishes (Non-Veg and Veg)

8. La Terrasse

   Address: Nam Phou Fountain, Vientiane

   Famous for: French foods and pastries complementing local cuisine (Non-Veg and Veg)

9. Common Grounds Café and Bakery

   Address: Hom 2 Road, Vientiane

   Famous for: Western comfort foods with some Lao specialties, as well as vegetarian options (Non-Veg and Veg)

10. Phakhao Lao

    Address: Th. Inpaeng Vientiane

    Famous for: Authentic Lao dining experience, try their Laap (Non-Veg)