CLOSEUP
culinary heritage
82
FAHTHAI
South-East Asia and is added to give dishes a slightly sour taste. Topped with
a handful of
galangal
(a more potent version of ginger), the highly aromatic
leaf of the kaffir lime tree and cloud ear mushrooms foraged from the forest
during the monsoon season, or paedaek is both zesty and slightly citrusy.
I also feast on
ma kok
– a fruit known as the “Lao olive” – which is
pounded into a paste with pork crackling, chilli and garlic. It’s too intense
on its own, but teamed with sticky rice – here known as
kawniaow
– and
a gorgeous salad of wilted bitter greens tossed with crushed sesame, the
flavours are deliciously complementary.
If cuisine is at the heart of culture, then this dish perfectly sums up Luang
Prabang: it’s like nothing else you’ve experienced. If in doubt when dining in
this unforgettable city, just ask for it Lao style.
Check out our
destination guide
on page 119
and book
your flights at
bangkokair.com
FIRSTOF ITSKIND
3 Nagas is the first
upscale restaurant in
the country; try the
minced pork salad
HOTEL DE LA PAIX
Featuring 30 spacious
rooms, this heritage-
listed former French
governor’s residence
was later turned into a
jail. Wander across its
sprawling lawns and take
a dip in the pool. Rates
start at US$170 (double).
hoteldelapaixlp.com
Where
to stay
LUANG SAY
RESIDENCE
This luxury property
is made up of French
colonial-style buildings
featuring suites with four-
poster beds, hardwood
floors and Old World
furniture. Rates start
at US$294 (double).
luangsayresidence.com
