Dining Out In Luang Prabang

Where to Eat in Luang Prabang

The eclectic range of menus in this small town fuse traditional European fare (including hot crusty baguettes, hearty stews and succulent steaks) with the spicy and exotic dishes of the Orient. Other than the distinct architectural feel the town has due to the French-connection, the food choices truly serve to demonstrate the positive influences of colonisation.

The popular Restaurant Row on the banks of the Mekong houses a range of restaurants from Indian to Laos to Laos-and-French fusion.

Restaurants in Luang Prabang

Cafe des Arts

Featuring a gallery of local art, this atmospheric establishment serves up hamburgers, pastas, crepes, tartines and filets de boeuf, with mouth watering results. Like all the other establishments on Restaurant Row the cafe is open air and enjoys the added bonus of being one of the few places in town where an evening drink can be had.

Indochina Spirit

Set in a restored 70-year old wooden home, the menu, interior and resulting ambience are distinctly Laotian. On most evenings the restaurant features live music. The restaurant also includes a garden dining area which adds to its appeal.

Saffron Cafe

Here, visitors will discover the best coffee in Luang Prabang, originating from the hill-tribes who grow the beans Arabica style. The cool air and rich forest soil combine to make some of the world's most distinctive coffee. An afternoon coffee and a late breakfast overlooking the Mekong is a must when in town.

L'Elephant

Just around the corner from the Saffron Cafe is a French-and-Laotian fusion restaurant, which is pricier than your average Luang Prabang restaurant. With high quality ingredients that include French Camembert, Laotian lemongrass and French meat, the produce and price ranges speak for themselves.

Nazim Restaurant

Anyone who has travelled through Vientiane or Vang Vienne before reaching Luang Prabang should be familiar with the popular Nazim outlets. Their no thrills approach to serving mouth wateringly good Indian dishes, means service and interiors can be a bit shaky but the food itself counteracts any grief incurred while trying to get a decent Chicken Tikka Masala when in Laos. Well-placed on the busy (for Laos) Restaurant Row.

Tamarind

Part of the Stay Another Day organization, the restaurant serves to promote greater understanding of Laotian culture. The food is all traditional Laos, the Australian and Laos proprietors explain the menu to you before choosing from a vast array of Laos foods including platter combinations of dips and salads while the correct way to eat (Laos Style) is explained by the staff. Visitors can pick up organic and fair trade food products, recipe books, and more. You can also book tours to markets and cooking courses through the restaurant.

Les 3 Nagas

Featuring a fusion of Asian and Western fare with a Laotian twist, the restaurant is situated at the quieter end of Restaurant Row, with an open-air spot (mosquito repellant is a good idea when dining outside). Les 3 Nagas is one of the town's classier joints, so expect to pay western prices. Lao-style creme custard of pumpkin and coconut comes highly recommended.

Tamnak Lao Restaurant

This restaurant is also known as the the Three Elephants and features light fittings and carvings on the walls, depicting the old Royal Logo of the three elephants. Popular with both tourists and the Lao, their no compromising attitude towards providing high quality service and great food at affordable cost is what makes this restaurant such a winner.

What to Eat in Laos

Laos cuisine is very similar to its Thai and Vietnamese neighbours and meals of spicy soup, sticky rice and chicken or laab are favorites with locals. Vientiane is serviced by several good French restaurants, a remnant of the country's colonial era and baguettes and croissants are also widely available. Major cities in Laos offer restaurants to suit almost any palette but the selection dwindles quickly as you embark on roads less traveled. This chance to experience the original taste of traditional Laos food is not to be missed.