Does Laos Have Good Seafood?

As a landlocked country, Laos relies primarily on freshwater fish rather than ocean seafood. The Mekong River and its tributaries provide abundant freshwater fish that feature prominently in Lao cuisine.

Does Laos Have Good Seafood? Image

Freshwater fish is a staple of the Lao diet, prepared in numerous ways including grilled, steamed in banana leaves, in soups, and as the base for fish sauce and fermented fish paste. The Mekong catfish and tilapia are particularly common.

In upscale restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, imported ocean seafood may be available, but freshwater fish preparations are more authentic to the local cuisine and generally fresher. Trying the traditional fish dishes is part of the authentic Lao experience.

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