Must-Try Foods In Monkey Forest (Savannakhet) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Monkey Forest, Savannakhet, Laos

The food history in Savannakhet, and specifically around attractions like Monkey Forest, is deeply intertwined with the diverse cultural influences that include Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, and French culinary traditions. Laotian cuisine is characterized by the use of sticky rice as a staple, an abundance of fresh herbs and vegetables, and a signature sour flavor profile that’s prominent in many dishes. Street food stalls and local eateries around Monkey Forest offer traditional local fare that has evolved over centuries of cultural exchanges and the availability of local ingredients, including fresh Mekong fish and jungle herbs.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Monkey Forest, Savannakhet, Laos for Tourists

1. Kaipen (Fried Seaweed) - Veg: A crunchy snack made from river algae, usually seasoned with sesame seeds and served with a spicy dipping sauce.
2. Tam Mak Hoong (Spicy Green Papaya Salad) - Non-Veg/Veg: Shredded green papaya mixed with tomatoes, chili, lime, and fish sauce, though vegetarian versions can be requested.
3. Laap (Minced Meat Salad) - Non-Veg: A salad made from minced meat (typically chicken, duck or fish), seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, and toasted ground rice.
4. Khai Pen (River Weed Omelette) - Veg: An omelette featuring the renowned river weed, which is unique to Laotian cuisine, often with added vegetables.
5. Or Lam (Laotian Stew) - Non-Veg: A hearty stew made with meat, eggplants, beans, and lemongrass, thickened with sticky rice and flavored with local herbs.
6. Sin Savanh (Savannakhet Sausage) - Non-Veg: A local sausage made with pork, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, known for its aromatic and savory taste.
7. Mok Pa (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves) - Non-Veg: Fresh fish seasoned with herbs and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.
8. Vegetarian Spring Rolls - Veg: Fresh or fried spring rolls filled with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables, often served with a sweet chili sauce.
9. Khao Piak Sen (Lao Noodle Soup) - Non-Veg/Veg: A comforting soup with thick rice noodles, usually made with chicken or pork, but vegetarian versions are also available.
10. Lao-Style Baguette (Patê Sandwich) - Non-Veg/Veg: A legacy of French colonialism, this sandwich is adapted to local tastes and can be found with various fillings including vegetables and non-vegetarian options.

Top Famous Restaurants in Monkey Forest, Savannakhet, Laos

• Lin's Café
  Address: No. 3 Tha Heua Road, Savannakhet, Laos
  Famous Food: Vegetarian Spring Rolls - Veg
• Daosavanh Restaurant & Resort
  Address: Ban Thahea, Savannakhet, Laos
  Famous Food: Laap (can have a vegetarian adaptation) - Non-Veg/Veg
• Nyonya Restaurant
  Address: Thakhek Road, Savannakhet, Laos
  Famous Food: Khao Piak Sen - Non-Veg/Veg