Laos Cuisine, though it appears kind of Thai or Vietnamese, is actually the original oriental food which found its way to other popular Asian cuisine. The spicy Laotian cuisine is in fact highly influenced by its Chinese counterparts. The regional proximity though is responsible for similar looking dishes across Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. The sticky white rice and stinky padaek are basic ingredients for every meal in Laos. Galangal, lemongrass, bamboo shoots and chillies are commonly used to prepare most of the dishes. Laap, the famous meat salad with herbs and Kaipan (seaweed) served with chilli paste are staples for Laotians. French influence is quite prominent in Vientiane where baguette sandwiches made with meat, onions, tomatoes and chilli paste is a popular snack. Some of the must try dishes include Khao Phoon (rice vermicelli soup), Lao sausages, Pho (noodle soup with beef or pork), Lao stew (beans, greens and lemongrass) Khao Piak (noodle soup with beef) and tam mak hoong (papaya salad). Once you taste the healthy light meals of Laos, you will be craving for more for sure!