Living, eating, & lifestyle of Lao

Lao “The Land of a Million Elephants,” is a small land locked country between Vietnam and Thailand. Lao is a hidden gem in southeast Asia filled with a staggering amount of rice farms, beautiful jungles, and a amazing selection of foods. The county has rich history with food having a tradition surrounding the way the people eat they hold a sense of unity behind there cooking.

Lao food traditions take what ingredients the land provides and uses them in there cooking, this way of food preparation is long been lost in many countries. Lao food is distinct from other Asia cuisines, although it has been influenced by the food found in the northeastern part of Thailand, but it is its own cuisines nonetheless. In lao cooking you will find the value of using fresh is one of the most important parts. Lao people believe that the fresh ingredients are what makes the food so delicious and special. The base of most of the dishes here consist of vegetables and herbs, rice or noodles and fish, chicken, pork or beef. though this may seem like a small list of ingredients for dishes its amazing the variety of food that they have and the importance that these foods play in daily life.

The lady is usually the one cooking more often than the man in there culture. A regular day for a lady is to wake up at four in the morning and prepare the sticky rice as a offering for the monks. The monks pass in the mornings to gather offerings that the people have prepared. Then for most the next thing is to head to the local market and pick up the food for the day. The market is were every one goes to get food it is amazing fresh food is everywhere here. walking through the market you can see all sorts of fresh caught fish, insects, poultry, and so much its like a food lovers candy shop. for the people here going to the morning market is a very important part of there day and culture this is where they get the day started every day.

Sticky rice should be considered the national food because of the amount that is eaten. “rice provided 69% of the energy supply”  The rice is paired with all dishes if you order any food you get most likely it will come with delicious sticky rice. The sticky rice is a short gain rice that when cooked by steam only not being submersed in water which seems strange but this cooking method gives the rice a sticky texture were the grains stick to each other but not your hands makes eating a great experience!

For the majority of Lao family’s having vegetables it very important. Having access to more produce than proteins for family’s having vegetables gives them the nutrition that they need. “Vegetables are the second most important food group in the Lao diets. According to the CFSVA, all ethnic groups consume vegetables on a daily basis.”  The using vegetables which is a abundant product of there surroundings, that has been heavily ingrained into there culture. “it is not uncommon for wild animals and plants to be included in the Laotian diet. Insects, frogs, snakes, mouse deer, quail and small birds, wild herbs, edible cane and aromatic tree bark are all fair game when Laotians prepare their meals.”  Lao people are not wasteful and are super resourceful this is evidently expressed in how they eat and how they can make the most out of what they have.

For many of people around the world having access to protein to a extent of not worrying is not a luxury many of the people of Lao have. Meat, fish, poultry and other animal meats can be harder to come by. This is because of the prices the average family cant afford to get enough protein for the whole family. As a result of this the amount of meat consumed is a lot smaller than what most western civilization is used to. This dose not mean that they don’t eat a wide variety of protein’s. “Lao people hunt and eat just about anything that can be found in the forest. So you’ll see all sorts of animals. The exotic examples include snakes, different birds, large rodents, rats, squirrels, bats, baby bird eggs, frogs, and all kinds of animal inners and guts for sale, not just the meat – because that would be a waste!” Because fresh meat can be expensive many family’s hunt and are able to provide food in that way. Lao people will almost eat anything that is walking through the jungle.

One last major part of the culture of Lao is the way that the food is eaten.  “The traditional manner of eating is communal, with diners sitting on a reed mat on the wooden floor around a raised platform woven out of rattan called a ka toke. Dishes are arranged on the ka toke, which is of a standard size. Where there are many diners, multiple ka tokes will be prepared.” When eating in lao you will never see someone with out company. Eating and sharing food with others is a very important part of there traditions. When walking along the streets at dinner time you will always see family’s sharing drinks food and spending time together. This is something that a lot of western cultures don’t put much effort into doing. Siting down and sharing a meal with family and friends is they way that Lao people show love and appreciation for the life.

The enchanting land of Lao is a land full of cultural riches and traditions. There is so much to explore in this amazing country ranging from the food to the mesmerizing nature scenery. But you will find that the real beauty of being in Lao is the people. There have never been more inviting and kind hearted humans. People are always smiling & saying hi, being in Lao you will always feel a sense of belonging because it is just they way they live life up holding there custom’s and traditions.

A traditional dish of Lao is is a dish that they call laap. This dish is made up of minced meat but this dish can be done with any protein. this dish contains all kinds of fresh aromatic herbs, citrus, vegetables, some sauces for umami and chilies if you like to have it spicy. this dish is regularly served with at side of sticky rice. This is a quick meal packed with flavor and can be found every where in Lao. It is one of the easier traditional dishes to prepare so its a great one to try out one day!

Ingredients
5 ounces minced buffalo beef, or chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 clove garlic minced
2-3 small green onions finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves and stems
1 stalk lemongrass (white part only) finely sliced (outer leaves removed)
1/2 cup mint roughly chopped
1 tablespoon roasted sticky rice powder
1 tablespoon lime juice
1-2 chilies to taste chopped
1 small handful finely sliced banana flower optional
2 long beans finely sliced
1/4 cup saw leaf coriander chopped (omit if can’t find)
1 tablespoon fresh galangal minced
1 teaspoon dried chili powder
small handful bean sprouts
dash of stock powder optional
Instructions
In a pan lightly Sautee the meat with salt and half the fish sauce. Cook until cooked through.
Remove from heat and place meat in separate bowl. Add remaining ingredients and combine.
Serve with greens (lettuce, etc.) and sticky rice.