Must-Try Foods In Jungle Eco Trekking Tours (Nong Khiaw) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Jungle Eco Trekking Tours, Nong Khiaw, Laos

The food you'll encounter during Jungle Eco Trekking Tours in Nong Khiaw, Laos, is deeply rooted in the Lao culture, which is characterized by fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a symphony of flavors that range from sour to spicy. Trekking through the jungle regions, you are likely to come across dishes that are a harmonious blend of the natural bounties found in the area such as river weeds, bamboo shoots, and an array of wild edible plants and herbs. These rustic ingredients are often used in traditional cooking methods like bamboo steaming and grilling over open fires.

Laos cuisine is influenced by its geography and history, having similarities with the foods of its neighbors but also unique complexities that make it distinctly Lao. The use of sticky rice, for example, as the staple food and the preference for fresh vegetables and herbs reflect the Laotian way of life and their connection with nature and farming. The Jungle Eco Trekking experience allows you to indulge in authentic Laotian food, often cooked in a traditional way similar to how local hill tribes prepare their meals.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Jungle Eco Trekking Tours, Nong Khiaw, Laos

1. Khao Niaw (Sticky Rice) - Veg, a Lao staple, often used as an edible utensil for other dishes.
2. Laap (Larb) - Non Veg, a salad made with minced meat (usually chicken, fish or pork), herbs, and lime juice.
3. Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad) - Veg, a spicy salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and chillies.
4. Jeow Bong - Non Veg, a spicy Lao sauce made with chillies and sometimes buffalo skin.
5. Mok Pa (Fish steamed in Banana Leaves) - Non Veg, featuring fish seasoned with Lao herbs and spices.
6. Khao Piak Sen (Lao Noodle Soup) - Non Veg, thick rice noodles in a flavorful broth, usually with chicken.
7. Or Lam (Luang Prabang Stew) - Non Veg, a hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and dill.
8. Sa Bai Dee Vegetarian Spring Rolls - Veg, fresh spring rolls with a variety of fillings including tofu and vegetables.
9. Bamboo Shoot Soup (Kaeng Nor Mai) - Veg, a soup with bamboo shoots and fresh herbs.
10. Lao Green Curry (Kaeng Khiao Wan Lao) - Non Veg, a coconut milk-based curry that can include chicken or fish.

Top Famous Restaurants in Jungle Eco Trekking Tours, Nong Khiaw, Laos

1. Deen's Indian Food

   Address: Main road, Nong Khiaw, Laos

   Famous Food: Vegetarian Curry - Veg

2. Alex Restaurant

   Address: Nong Khiaw Riverside, Nong Khiaw, Laos

   Famous Food: Grilled Fish - Non Veg

3. Delilah's Cafe

   Address: Near the bridge, Nong Khiaw, Laos

   Famous Food: Homemade Falafel - Veg

4. Lattanavongsa Restaurant

   Address: By the riverfront, Nong Khiaw, Laos

   Famous Food: Laap (Minced Meat Salad) - Non Veg

5. CT Restaurant

   Address: On the main road, Nong Khiaw, Laos

   Famous Food: Bamboo Shoot Soup (Kaeng Nor Mai) - Veg

Please note that the vegetarian dishes listed might not necessarily be vegan, as some Lao food can contain fish sauce or shrimp paste. Always check with the restaurant for specific dietary requirements.