Laotian food belongs to a small Southeast-Asian country, Laos, but the cuisine is distinct from the other countries in Southeast Asia. Laos is bounded by Thailand on one side and Cambodia on the other, therefore the strong influences of Laotian cuisine can be seen on the food cultures of these neighbouring countries.The food here is spicy and make use of fresh and simple ingredients.
Historical and Cultural Influences
Although Laos is bounded by other Asian countries, the food culture here is not the mix of the cuisine belonging to these countries. Unlike Thai food, Laotian food is very spicy and easy to cook. The richer dishes were prepared by the royal class until they were overthrown by the Pathet Lao revolution. Royal Laotian cuisine died out resulting in the simpler cooking methods that are still popular today.
Commonly Used Ingredients
Sticky rice is a staple Laotian food that is served at every meal. Fresh vegetables, herbs and salad vegetables are also quite popular in eveyday meals. Iinitially it was very common in Laos to find people eating thin slices of raw meat, but the trend has vanished. Laab, the finely chopped raw or cooked meat with spices is a common Laotian recipe that is still widely consumed. Game, water buffalo, chicken, wild boar and fish are common staples that are eaten all year through. Dog meat has gained popularity in recent times and meals are often accompanied with rice whisky, rice wine or rice beer. Locally cultivated spices and herbs like green chillies, garlic, Asian basil, dill, ginger or galangal, and coriander are common.
The French invasion resulted in popular Laotian foods like baguettes and coffee that are served in many large cities. But the locals usually prefer to have a variety of noodle soups for their breakfast.
Popular Cooking Methods
Fresh ingredients are paramount to the Laotian food cooking process and most foods are cooked quickly with stir frying, grilling, stewing, boiling, and searing methods.
Traditional Food
There are many popular local recipes that are served at festive occasions and all year through. For example,
• Grilled meats called as PING is very common. Local herbs like galangal and ginger are used along with soy sauce and fish sauce. Although the process is almost the same, a longer grilling process at a lower temperature is preferred. Hot sauce is served with the food to take the dryness of the meat.
• Most dishes appear to be green like Green Vegetable stew and tam padaek, and Kaeng kalee. This is because most stews contain a larger amount of vegetables.
• Stir fried noodles made from rice are more common than wheat noodles and they are found in meat, gravy and even salad dishes.
Trivia
Sweet and sour foods are almost never prepared in Laotian cuisine. Bitter dishes are found quite commonly as they are supposed to make diners healthy.