Or Lam, a taste of Luang Prabang you must try at least once in your life

When people think of Luang Prabang city, the capital of Luang Prabang province and UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Laos, they often picture peaceful mornings of almsgiving, ancient temples, charming wooden houses, and the gentle flow of the Mekong River. But there’s another essential part of the experience that should not be missed - the local cuisine, which is rich in flavour and tradition.

Diners enjoy bowls of tasty Or Lam in Luang Prabang.

One dish in particular stands out as a true taste of Luang Prabang and that is Or Lam (a meat and vegetable stew), which embodies the spirit of this old city. Locals will tell you that if you haven’t tried Or Lam, you haven’t truly visited Luang Prabang.
This dish is a slow-cooked blend of local ingredients. The base includes meat, chunky pieces of eggplant - often large and purple or green - along with long beans, banana blossoms, chili, lemongrass, coriander, and sweet basil.
But the star ingredient that gives Or Lam its signature texture and flavour is grilled buffalo skin, which is softened by soaking and then simmered with the stew. The result is a rich, earthy, and slightly spicy dish that warms the soul.
Before serving, Or Lam is often topped with crispy pork cracklings, a local favourite, and eaten with sticky rice and vegetables, especially cucumber. To complete the experience, many enjoy it with Khai Phaen, a riverweed snack made from freshwater green algae, sesame seeds, garlic, and herbs, then sun-dried and deep-fried until crispy. It’s a perfect complement to the soft and hearty stew.
But Luang Prabang offers much more than Or Lam when it comes to good food.
Try Lao-style sausage (Sai Aua), both in stuffed and sheet forms; Luang Prabang papaya salad, Mok Khai (steamed riverweed in banana leaves), Khao Soy (Lao-style noodle soup with a topping of tomato mixed with garlic, bean paste and pork), or sweet treats like palm fruit in coconut milk, sticky rice cakes, and crispy baked pastries that melt in your mouth.
But what makes the flavours here so unforgettable isn’t just the ingredients, it’s the connection to tradition, community, and the land. Every bite tells a story.
A single bowl carries centuries of tradition, the essence of the land, and the love of those who make it.
Come and experience it for yourself and discover why so many travellers fall in love with this extraordinary city.
Luang Prabang continues to be one of the most beloved destinations in Laos, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Its charm lies not only in its cultural richness and natural beauty from sacred temples to cascading waterfalls, but also in the warmth of its people and their deep-rooted culinary heritage.
Luang Prabang is one of the most well-known provinces in Laos and is a top tourist draw because of its riverside location, old temples, quaint streets and alleyways, festivals, and scenic beauty.
The city’s old quarter was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), due to its exceptional mix of old French architecture and centuries-old Lao temples.
Popular attractions in and around the provincial capital include the Phou Si stupa, Xieng Thong temple, Sae waterfall, Kuangxi waterfall, and the colourful night market, where a wide range of locally-made handicrafts is on offer.

By Siladda Suliyong
 (Latest Update May 20, 2025)