Food In Village Walking Tours

The Food History of Village Walking Tours, Nong Khiaw, Laos

Nong Khiaw, particularly known for its stunning landscapes and mountain treks, also offers an immersive culinary experience that reflects the traditions and lifestyles of Northern Laos. Lao cuisine here has strong influences from Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking, with a focus on fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices. Village Walking Tours provide a peek into the authentic local life, including the way food is grown, prepared, and enjoyed.

The staple food is sticky rice, which is traditionally eaten by hand. Lao food is often described as a blend of sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, with a common use of fermented products to give depth to dishes. Walking through the villages, one might come across families making ‘Tam Mak Houng’ (spicy green papaya salad) or grilling ‘Mok Pa’ (fish steamed in banana leaves), illustrating the connection between the food and the bountiful Mekong River and lush surroundings.

Responsible tourism initiatives through these village tours also help sustain the local food culture, ensuring that traditional methods and dishes are passed down to future generations.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Village Walking Tours, Nong Khiaw, Laos

While enjoying the scenic trails and the warm hospitality of the local people, make sure you try these ten exquisite dishes:

1. Laap (Larb) - Non-Veg: A spicy salad made with minced chicken, fish, or duck, mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, mint leaves, and toasted ground rice.
2. Tam Mak Houng (Papaya Salad) - Veg: A fresh and spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili, garlic, and lime.
3. Khai Pen (River Weed) - Veg: Sheets of dried river algae, often from the Mekong, that are fried and seasoned with sesame seeds and garlic.
4. Mok Pa (Fish in Banana Leaves) - Non-Veg: Freshwater fish seasoned with local herbs, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection.
5. Jaew Bong (Spicy Lao Salsa) - Veg: A sweet and spicy dip made from chilies, galangal, and other local ingredients, typically served with sticky rice.
6. Ping Kai (Grilled Chicken) - Non-Veg: Marinated chicken grilled over a charcoal fire, often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
7. Sin Savanh (Lao Sausage) - Non-Veg: Aromatic sausages filled with pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal.
8. Khao Nom Kok (Lao Coconut Cakes) - Veg: Small round cakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, cooked in a special pan.
9. Or Lam (Lao Stew) - Non-Veg: A hearty stew with vegetables, meat (often buffalo or beef, but chicken versions are available), dill, eggplant, and wood ear mushrooms, thickened with sticky rice.
10. Khao Piak Sen (Noodle Soup) - Non-Veg/Veg Option: A thick rice noodle soup with chicken, vegetables, and garnished with fried garlic, green onions, and cilantro. Veg options can be requested.

Top Famous Restaurants in Village Walking Tours, Nong Khiaw, Laos

Below are some of the well-regarded eateries, with their best dishes highlighted:

• Deen's Indian Restaurant
  Address: Main Road, Nong Khiaw
  Famous Food: Vegetable Curry (Veg), Tandoori Chicken (Non-Veg)
• Alex Restaurant
  Address: Near the bridge, Nong Khiaw
  Famous Food: Lao-style Buffalo Steak (Non-Veg), Vegetarian Laap (Veg)
• Chennai Restaurant
  Address: Riverside, Nong Khiaw
  Famous Food: Masala Dosa (Veg), Butter Chicken (Non-Veg)
• Lattanavongsa Restaurant
  Address: Ban Sop Houn, Nong Khiaw
  Famous Food: Mok Pa (Non-Veg), Jaew Bong with Sticky Rice (Veg)
• Coco Home Bar & Restaurant
  Address: Riverside, Nong Khiaw
  Famous Food: Green Curry (Veg Option Available), Grilled Fish from the Mekong (Non-Veg)

Note that Nong Khiaw is a remote area, so restaurants may not have a conventional postal address beyond their known location in town.