Culinary Highlights of Luang Prabang

But there are restaurants for every wallet in the city. Romantic terrasses along the Mekong River, but you will also fine French dining in french-colonial atmosphere. Most restaurants and bars serve Western food, in some cases they serve what they think is Western food. 

• Khao Soi: Lao-style rice noodle soup topped with a rich minced pork and fermented soybean ragù.

• Mok Pa: Fresh Mekong fish marinated with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and herbs, wrapped and steamed in banana leaves.

• Khao Niao (Sticky Rice): The national staple, served in traditional woven bamboo baskets (Thip Khao).

• Or Lam: A traditional rich herbal stew cooked with eggplant, chili, wood pepper (Sakhaan), and meat.

• Lao Coffee: Strong, dark-roasted coffee grown on the Bolaven Plateau, typically served with sweetened condensed milk.

I was surprised to find quite a few excellent artisanal ice cream parlours with interesting flavours. And there are great French bakeries. You will love these pastries, I am sure. There are always some bakeries with stalls in the main street close tho the night market in the evening. If you have a sweet tooth and cannot resist a sweet desert after dinner, do not miss them!