The region around Pha That Sikhottabong, located in Thakhek, Laos, has a rich cultural heritage that is closely tied to its food history. Lao cuisine reflects the ethnic diversity and the geographical features of the area, with influences from Thai, Vietnamese, and Khmer culinary traditions. Sticky rice is at the heart of Laotian cuisine and is considered the essence of what it means to be Lao. For centuries, the people have farmed the fertile lands along the Mekong River, growing rice and an array of fruits and vegetables, while also relying on the river and surrounding forests for fish and game.