Luang Namtha Province Food and Restaurants
What to Eat in Luang Namtha Province
Luang Namtha Province is located in the northern part of Laos and is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse culture. Here are some of the traditional dishes and local specialties you can try when visiting Luang Namtha Province:
- Khao Soy: A pork bolognaise-style sauce served with rice noodles in soup. The soup's rich and slightly salty tomato flavor, combined with soft rice noodles (preferably hand-cut), makes for a hearty lunch. If you're in Muang Sing, be sure to visit Ban Siliheung, where the khao soy noodles are made every afternoon.
- Lao BBQ or "Sinda": This is a hot-pot-style dinner where you cook thin strips of meat on a grill surrounded by broth. Add egg, noodles, vegetables, and tofu to create a healthy and delicious meal. Many towns have "Sinda" restaurants, so ask your guesthouse for recommendations. It's especially enjoyable when shared with others.
- Or lam: This is a traditional Lao stew that is made with vegetables, meat (usually buffalo), and fresh herbs. The ingredients are cooked slowly in a clay pot, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish. It is often served with sticky rice and is a popular meal for special occasions.
- Sai oua: This is a spicy Lao sausage that is made with pork, lemongrass, galangal, and other aromatic herbs and spices. It is grilled and served with sticky rice and a dipping sauce made from chili and garlic. It is a delicious and popular snack or appetizer.
- Mok pa: This is a Lao fish dish that is made by marinating fish in a mixture of spices and herbs, wrapping it in banana leaves, and steaming it. The result is a fragrant and flavorful dish that is often served with sticky rice.
- Laap: This is a minced meat salad that is made with either beef, chicken, or pork. The meat is mixed with fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili, and served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice. It is a popular and flavorful dish that can be found throughout Laos.
- Kua Mee: a stir-fried noodle dish made with vegetables, egg, and your choice of meat or tofu.
Where to Eat in Luang Namtha Province
Lao people love to eat and you will find numerous restaurants, road-side stalls and beer halls where you can eat well for a reasonable price. International, Chinese, Thai and Indian are also available, mainly in Luang Namtha town with some Chinese in Muang Sing.
During your stay in Luang Namtha, there are several local dishes and eateries worth trying out, such as:
- Luang Namtha Night Market: An excellent place to enjoy a delicious meal and socialize with others at an affordable price. BBQ pork and chicken, papaya salad, sticky rice, and Beer Lao are among the menu options. The communal tables make it an excellent place to meet other travelers, and a few friendly dogs are always present, aware that this is a spot for a tasty meal.
- Daauw Home Restaurant: This cozy restaurant offers delicious Lao and Western food. It is run by a friendly local family, and they use fresh ingredients from their own organic garden.
- Indigo Café: This trendy café offers a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, and light meals. They also have a small gift shop selling handmade crafts from the region.
- Phou Iu II Restaurant: This popular restaurant is located in the center of town and offers a range of Lao and Thai dishes at reasonable prices.
- Joom Mai Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a quiet area, away from the busy center of town. They offer traditional Lao cuisine, including the popular Luang Namtha specialty dish, Khao Soi.
- Vida Bakery: This bakery and café is known for its delicious pastries and bread. They also offer a variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as sandwiches and salads.
- Nisha Indian Restaurant: If you are in the mood for something different, this Indian restaurant is a great option. They offer a variety of authentic Indian dishes at reasonable prices.
- Minority Restaurant: Tucked away in a small side street, this cozy restaurant with wooden beams provides an opportunity to savor traditional cuisine from the Khamu, Tai Dam, and Akha tribes, as well as popular dishes like láhp, stir-fries, chicken curry, and fried fish.
- Phou Iu II Bungalows Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a beautiful garden setting and serves a variety of Lao dishes. It's also a great place to try buffalo meat, a specialty in the region.
- The Boat Landing: This restaurant is located about 20km outside of Luang Namtha town but is well worth the trip. It offers a beautiful setting on the banks of the Nam Tha River and serves delicious Lao and Western cuisine.
- Bamboo Lounge: This restaurant is located in the center of town and offers a variety of Lao and Western dishes. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great spot for a casual dinner.
- Lai’s Place: This unassuming eatery with robust wooden tables and a petite terrace provides a tourist-friendly initiation to the varied ethnic cuisines of northern Laos. It's hard to find any other restaurant in the region that offers such an experience. A broad selection of jąaou dipping sauces accompanies traditional Akha and Tai Dam dishes, including aw lahm, a banana flower, rattan shoot, eggplant, and pumpkin stew. The level of spiciness is up to you to choose.
What to Drink in Luang Namtha Province
Luang Namtha, being a part of Laos, offers a range of delicious and refreshing drinks that visitors can enjoy during their stay. Here are some popular drinks to try in Luang Namtha:
- Beer Lao: This is the national beer of Laos and a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. It is a light, refreshing beer that goes well with spicy Lao cuisine.
- Lao Lao: This is a type of rice whiskey that is popular in Laos. It is made from fermented rice and has a strong taste. It is often served in shot glasses and is usually drunk neat.
- Fruit Shakes: Luang Namtha is home to a variety of tropical fruits, and fruit shakes are a great way to cool off on a hot day. Some popular fruits used in shakes include mango, papaya, banana, and pineapple.
- Coffee: Laos is known for its coffee, and Luang Namtha is no exception. Many cafes and restaurants serve locally grown and roasted coffee that is delicious and refreshing.
- Herbal Teas: Lao people have a long tradition of using herbs for medicinal purposes, and many types of herbal teas can be found in Luang Namtha. Some popular herbs used in teas include lemongrass, ginger, and pandan leaves.
- Fresh Coconut: Coconut is a staple ingredient in Lao cuisine, and fresh coconut water is a refreshing drink that can be found in many markets and street stalls in Luang Namtha.
- Iced Tea: Iced tea is a popular drink in Luang Namtha, and it is usually made with black tea, sugar, and lime juice. It is a great way to cool down on a hot day.
Where to Drink in Luang Namtha Province
- Forest Retreat Laos: This popular bar and restaurant is located in the town center and offers a wide variety of drinks, including cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks. They also have a pool table, dart board, and live music on weekends.
- Nam Dee Homestay: This homestay offers an authentic Lao experience and has a small bar where you can enjoy local beers and other drinks. They also offer traditional Lao meals and cooking classes.
- Night Market: The night market in Luang Namtha offers a wide variety of street food and drinks, including beer, fresh juices, and smoothies. It's a great place to grab a drink and people-watch.
- Luang Namtha Viewpoint: This viewpoint is located on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There's a small bar where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the view.
- Utopia Bar: This popular bar is located near the river and offers a laid-back atmosphere with comfortable seating and a great view. They serve a range of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Blue Lagoon: This bar is located on the main road in town and is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring. They offer a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and smoothies.
- Sakkaline Bar: This cozy bar is located in the center of town and is popular with locals and tourists alike. They offer a variety of drinks, including beer, cocktails, and Lao whiskey.
- Luang Namtha Cafe: This cafe is located in the town center and offers a variety of coffee options, including Lao coffee and espresso.
- Chang Coffee: This is a popular coffee chain in Laos, and there is a branch located in Luang Namtha. They offer a range of coffee drinks, as well as pastries and snacks.
- Amandra Cafe: This cafe is attached to the Amandra Guesthouse and offers Lao coffee, as well as a variety of Western-style coffee drinks.
- Hiker's Cafe: This cafe is popular with backpackers and offers a variety of coffee drinks, as well as smoothies and other refreshment.
- Senglao Cafe: This charming cafe is located on the main road in town and offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Senglao serves up a range of drinks including coffee, tea, smoothies, and beer, as well as light bites like sandwiches and cakes.
