Food In Pakse

Food History of Pakse, Laos

The food in Pakse, like in the rest of Laos, is influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, and French cuisines, reflecting the country's historical interactions and colonial past. Pakse, being in the Champasak province, is known for its rich agricultural land which provides abundant fresh produce. Many dishes are typically prepared with fresh herbs, vegetables, and river fish, reflecting the area's strong connection to the Mekong River and fertile plains.

Rice is the staple food in Laotian cuisine and in Pakse, sticky rice (or "khao niew") is particularly popular. It's often enjoyed with a range of dips, grilled meats, and vegetable dishes. Pakse is also known for its coffee plantations in the Bolaven Plateau, which contribute to its food culture with robust coffee flavors featured in many local specialties.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Pakse for Tourists

1. Khao Piak Sen - A Lao rice noodle soup, typically made with chicken or fish, flavored with lemongrass and garnished with fresh herbs (Non-Veg).
2. Tam Mak Hoong - Spicy Laotian papaya salad known locally as “tam som” with fish sauce, lime juice, chilis, and usually includes crab or shrimp (Non-Veg).
3. Laap - A traditional Laotian meat salad that's made with minced poultry or fish mixed with lime juice, chili, and fresh herbs, often served with sticky rice (Non-Veg).
4. Khao Jee - Laotian-style sandwich influenced by French cuisine, consisting of a baguette filled with pate, herbs, and vegetables (Veg or Non-Veg options available).
5. Sin Dat - Also known as Lao barbecue, this interactive dining experience involves grilling fresh meats and vegetables over a table-top stove (Non-Veg, with Veg options available).
6. Kaipen - Fried sheets of riverweed, topped with sesame seeds, and often served with a spicy dipping sauce called “jaew bong” (Veg).
7. Lao Green Curry - A creamy and fragrant curry made with vegetables, spices, and typically fish or chicken, but can also be found in vegetarian versions (Veg or Non-Veg).
8. Or Lam - A hearty stew traditionally made with vegetables, spices, meat and sometimes eggplants, wood ear mushrooms, and lemongrass (Non-Veg).
9. Sticky Rice with Mango - A popular dessert made with glutinous rice, ripe mango, and sweet coconut milk (Veg).
10. Khao Niew Bing - Sticky rice mixed with coconut and sugar, then roasted in bamboo sticks (Veg).

Top Famous Restaurants in Pakse and Their Specialties

Daolin Restaurant Café

Address: No.13 Road, Pakse, Champasak Province

Famous for: Khao Piak Sen (Non-Veg)

Champady Restaurant

Address: Bane Watlouang, Pakse District, Champasak Province

Famous for: Traditional Lao curries with options for both Veg and Non-Veg dishes

Xuanmai Garden Resort Restaurant

Address: 13 Road South, Phabat Village, Pakse

Famous for: Sin Dat (Non-Veg, with Veg options available)

Ketmany Restaurant

Address: Route 13 South, Pakse, Champasak Province

Famous for: Lao Green Curry (Veg or Non-Veg)

Noy's Fruit Heaven

Address: Ban Lakmuang, Pakse, Champasak Province

Famous for: Fresh fruit smoothies and a variety of Vegetarian dishes (Veg)

Café Sinouk - Pakse

Address: Ban Khonthao, Pakse, Champasak Province

Faviourite highlighting locally grown coffee (Veg or Non-Veg options available)

Le Panorama

Address: Pakse Hotel Rooftop, Street 5, Bane Wat Louang, Pakse

Famous for: Fusion cuisine and a stunning view of the city, offering dishes for both Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians

Please note that while there are vegetarian options available, traditional Laotian cuisine tends to utilize fish sauce and other animal products, so it's recommended for vegetarians to specify their dietary restrictions when ordering.