Luang Prabang Province Food and Restaurants

What to Eat and Drink

Luang Prabang is a province located in the northern region of Laos, and it is famous for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. The local cuisine is no exception, with a unique blend of traditional Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese influences. Here are some of the top dishes to try in Luang Prabang Province:

Khao Soi: Khao Soi is a noodle soup that is popular in Northern Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. The dish typically includes boiled egg noodles, meat, and a coconut-based curry broth that is seasoned with spices such as turmeric and cumin. The broth is usually thickened with coconut cream, and then topped with fried noodles, pickled cabbage, and fresh herbs such as coriander and green onions. It is usually served with a side of fresh lime and chili flakes.
Laap: Laap is a traditional Lao minced meat salad that is often served as a main course or appetizer. The dish typically includes minced meat, such as chicken, pork, or beef, mixed with fresh herbs such as mint, coriander, and lemongrass. The meat is usually cooked with lime juice, chili, and fish sauce, and then mixed with vegetables such as green beans or onions. Laap can be served hot or cold, and is often accompanied by sticky rice.
Mok Pa: Mok Pa is a type of steamed fish that is popular in Laos and Thailand. The dish typically includes fish, such as tilapia or catfish, that is mixed with fresh herbs and spices such as garlic, chili, and lemongrass. The fish is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed over a fire. The result is a flavorful and fragrant dish that is usually served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Tam Mak Houng: Tam Mak Houng is a refreshing salad that is made with green papaya, tomatoes, and peanuts. The salad is mixed with lime juice, chili, and fish sauce, and can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness. Tam Mak Houng is often served with sticky rice and grilled meat or fish.
Sai Oua: Sai Oua is a traditional Lao sausage that is made with minced pork, lemongrass, and chili. The sausage is usually grilled or fried, and can be served as a main course or appetizer. Sai Oua is often accompanied by sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Or Lam: Or Lam is a spicy soup that is made with a variety of vegetables, including eggplant, pumpkin, and green beans, and meat such as chicken or pork. The soup is flavored with chili, lemongrass, and herbs such as coriander and basil. Or Lam is usually served with sticky rice.
Khao Piak Sen: Khao Piak Sen is a comforting noodle soup that is made with rice flour noodles, chicken or pork broth, and topped with meat, vegetables, and fresh herbs such as cilantro and green onions. The soup can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness, and is often accompanied by fresh lime and chili flakes.
Ping Kai: This is a grilled chicken dish that is marinated in a mixture of garlic, lemongrass, and fish sauce before being grilled over an open flame. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken dish that is often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Khao Poon: This is a spicy noodle soup that is made with vermicelli noodles, chicken or pork broth, and topped with meat, vegetables, and fresh herbs. The soup is often seasoned with chili paste and fish sauce, and is usually accompanied by fresh lime and chili flakes.
Pa Peng: This is a type of crispy rice cake that is made by frying rice flour batter in hot oil. The result is a crispy and savory snack that is often served with a spicy dipping sauce made with chili and fish sauce.
Khao Chae: This is a traditional Lao dish that is typically eaten during the hot season. The dish consists of cold rice that is mixed with a variety of herbs, vegetables, and meats, and then served with a bowl of chilled jasmine-scented water. The water is often flavored with ingredients such as jasmine flowers, lemongrass, and pandan leaves.
Khao Jee: This is a type of Lao sandwich that is made with a baguette, grilled meat such as pork or chicken, and a variety of fresh vegetables such as cucumber and carrots. The sandwich is often topped with a spicy chili sauce and fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint.
Beer Lao: Beer Lao is a popular beer in Laos and is brewed using locally sourced rice and hops. It has a light and refreshing taste, making it a great option to enjoy with a meal or as a refreshing drink on a hot day.
Lao Coffee: Coffee production is a growing industry in Laos, and Lao coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years. Lao coffee is often grown in the highlands and is known for its rich, smooth flavor. It is typically brewed using a French press or drip coffee maker and can be enjoyed black or with sweetened condensed milk.
Fruit Shakes: Fresh fruit shakes are a popular drink in Luang Prabang and can be found at many street stalls and markets. The shakes are made with a variety of fresh fruits such as mango, papaya, banana, and pineapple, and are blended with ice and condensed milk to create a refreshing and sweet drink.
Coconut Water: Coconut water is a popular drink in Laos and is known for its hydrating and refreshing properties. It is often sold by street vendors who will crack open a fresh coconut for you to drink.
Lao Tea: Lao tea is a type of green tea that is grown in the mountains of northern Laos. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and is often served hot or iced. Lao tea is typically brewed with loose tea leaves and is sometimes flavored with additional ingredients such as lemongrass or ginger.

Where to Eat

Recommended Dining Areas

Th Sisavangvong/Foreigners’ Street and its Surrounding Area

The main street and the surrounding alleys of Foreigners’ Street are home to the largest number of restaurants, where you can get almost anything from sophisticated French cuisine, rich Indian cuisine, or authentic Lao cuisine. The famous Hmong night market is located here, with a wide variety of food and snacks at low prices. There are also many hotels in this area, and most of them offer simple and delicious staple food. For those who like nightlife, there are several bars with a good atmosphere that are worth visiting.

Mekong Riverside and its Surrounding Area

The Mekong Riverside is dotted with restaurants and coffee bars of all sizes, where you can enjoy not only a wide variety of dishes with unique flavors, but also a great view of the Mekong River at daytime and at night. Restaurants or bars usually have seats with comfy couches or soft hammocks, by which you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mekong River well.

Nam Khan Riverside and its Surrounding Area

There are many good Lao-style restaurants and Southeast Asian fusion restaurants on the banks of the Nam Khan River, with authentic flavors and stunning views of the river, which not only foreign tourists but also local Laotians enjoy. A little further away from downtown Luang Prabang, the riverfront restaurants there have a better and more peaceful environment, where you can feel the simple and natural village life while dining.

South of Mount Phousi

The area south of Mount Phousi also has a number of restaurants, most of which also have a nice view, either set amidst a patch of palm trees or with a view of the mountains in the distance. There are many French, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants, and it is also a stronghold for those who like to drink, with several bars open late into the night to drink cocktails and listen to the sounds of nature.

Recommended Restaurants

Khaiphaen Restaurant
Address:100 Sisvang Vatana Road, Ban Wat Nong, Luang Prabang, Laos
Tel: +856-305155221
Tamarind
Address: Ban Wat Sene, Old Town, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-71213128
Yongkhoune Restaurant
Address:Th Sisavangvong, Luang Prabang, Laos
Tangor
Address: House No.63/6, Ban Xiengmouane, Rue Sisavangvong, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-2095607262
Scandinavian Bakery
Address: Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-71252223
Blue Lagoon Restaurant
Address: Ban Choumkong, just the end of the night market or beside the former Royal Palace, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-2059252525
Joy Restaurant
Address: Turn Right at Nam Pho Fountain, Walk toward the Mekong River
Tel: +856-255166575
Dyen Sabai Restaurant
Address: Ban Phan Louang, PO Box 805, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-2055104817
Le Bistro Ban Vat Sene
Address: Sakarine Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-2059306001
Secret Pizza
Address: Ban Nasaphanh Street, Dead End of Soi 3 off Highway 13 Nasamphanh Village, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-2056528881
L’Elephant Resturant
Address: Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-71252482
Coconut Garden
Address: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-71254504
Restaurant Luang Prabang Bakery
Address: Sisavangvong Road, Choumkong Village, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-71254844
525 Cocktail & Tapas
Address: 100 Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-2056665046
Manda De Laos
Address: 10 Norrassan Road Unit 1 Ban Thatluang, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-71253823
New Oriental Restaurant
Address: Phu Vao Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-256336868
Chengdu Restaurant
Address: Near Dara Phousi Market, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-02056445488

Recommended Cafes and Bars

Today there are many bars in downtown Luang Prabang, concentrated in and around the Foreigners’ Street, with both quiet and noisy bars, and many bars open until after 23:00. You can come in for a cocktail made by the Laotians themselves, or enjoy a performance by a band. In addition to alcohol, there is usually a variety of snacks and Lao food on offer, so you can eat and drink at the same time.

Joma Bakery Café
Address: Th. Chao Fa Ngum, on the main road, near post office, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-71252292
Saffron Coffee
Address: Khem Khong Road, Ban Wat Nong, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
Tel: +856-71212915
Lao Lao Garden
Address: Phousi Road, Ban Aphay, Luang Prabang, Laos
Tel: +856-2077774414
Utopia Restaurant and Bar
Address:Ban Aphay, follow the signs on the UNESCO brick paths to the river, Luang Prabang, Laos
Tel:+856-2023881771
Nava Mekong Restaurant & Cruise in Luang Prabang