Authentic eating in Luang Prabang Part. 1

Some travelers find that the best way to experience the destination they visit is to eat authentic and local food.

In Luang Prabang you can easily find Lao cuisine at many restaurants along the main roads in town, but they are usually catered to the westerner palate. You can get the gist of the traditional dishes but it isn’t what the locals usually eat.  I will say that when diving into the depths of local fare it does take an open mind, adventurous spirit and a strong stomach. So, this posting isn’t for the conservative and selective eater. Below, you will find my top five favorite spots that are beloved by the Lao and are cheap authentic yummy eats.

1. Who: Atsalin Restaurant

What: Pan Asian dishes

When: Anytime. Great for a quick bite at lunch or dinner.

Where: Wat Visoun Rd, 5 min. walk away from the temple and near the roundabout

Why: Fast, cheap and delicious Asian eats. It’s the favorite spot for locals and expats.

1. Fried Rice (Khao Pat)– Vegetable, Chicken or Pork. The best you have ever had.
2. Pork with Rice (Khao Kha Mou) – Stewed pork served on white rice with green veggies, boiled egg and a savory secret sauce.
3. Fried Noodles (Khoua Pho)-Fat, white rice noodles with veggies, choice of meat in a flavorful sauce.

2. Who: Donsavanh Ban Aphai Restaurant

What: Lao Traditional Snacks and Beer Pub

When: Day or Night but best in daylight to see the Nam Khan River

Where: On the Nam Khan River bank down from Lao Lao Garden Restaurant on Kingkitsarath Rd

Why: Restaurant used to be located on an island in the river but has since moved to the bank so that it can serve year round. Previously it was only seasonally open due to flooding of the river. It’s a great spot to sit back and observe the locals while joining in on the fun. Grab yourself a little bungalow picnic table and enjoy the views at Donsavanh.

1. Meing Padek – Pa Dek (fermented fish sauce) used for dipping your concoction of any ingredients served on an open plate (lettuce, lemongrass, Galangal, eggplant, tomato, cucumber, dill, garlic, pepper, peanut, Lao basil, cabbage, fried pork skin, peanuts and noodles)
2. Other favorites are dishes that include river fish (grilled, stir fried with veggies, Tom Yum soup).

3. Who: Nam Khan Riverside Grilled Duck (no actual name)

What: Duck specialties, Lao style

When: Monday-Thursday 4pm-8pm or until the duck runs out

Where: On the Nam Khan river bank, opposite side of peninsula to Mekong Riverview Hotel

Why: This place originally was only a couple tables under some trees in a duck farmer’s yard. It has now grown into one of the hotspots for the after work Lao crowd. People come out in droves every day to enjoy a Beerlao (with ice) and BBQ duck. You have to come early to get a table and before they run out of duck for the day.

1. BBQ Duck – Duck that has been rubbed in spices and thrown on the grill. It is served with a hot dipping sauce and veggies to cut the spice.
2. Stewed Duck – Stewed duck with fresh herbs and spices.
3. Blood Salad – If you’re really feeling adventurous go all out and get the blood salad (served with fresh mint, lime and peanuts).