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.