The Pha Tok Caves in Nong Khiaw, a town in northern Laos, have a history entwined with wartime in the 20th century when they served as shelter for locals during the Second Indochina War. Food in this area is deeply rooted in Laotian traditions, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients often foraged from the surrounding forests or sourced from the Nam Ou river. Typical dishes are a blend of Thai and Vietnamese influences, with staple ingredients such as sticky rice, fresh herbs, vegetables, fish, and buffalo. Traditional methods of cooking include grilling over an open fire or steaming in bamboo segments.
Note that specific restaurant addresses in Nong Khiaw, Laos can be imprecise due to the town's small size and informal infrastructure. Visitors may seek assistance from locals or use directional signs typically found around the town to find these establishments.