Hurrah! Lao food comes to the Eastern Suburbs. It's a must try for foodies in search of new flavours.
On frequent work trips to Bangkok, I managed to go to a few restaurants that specialise in Lao food. There are certainly similarities to Thai food, but there are various differences. Sticky rice is a staple: this is a favourite of mine, and it's not so easy to find in Sydney Thai restaurants. Larb, is another speciality, mince meat (in this case beef) with chili, ground rice, and herbs.
A dish of fresh vegetables with spicy dips is a staple, as are spicy and sour soups, papaya salads, and the use of beautiful fresh herbs.
I'm excited that Lao food has come to Darlinghurst, as I think one has to travel rather far out of the centre of Sydney to find it.
A few of the dishes will be unfamiliar to the Western palate but I encourage you to be adventuresome. I loved the grilled beef tongue, slightly springy, and with the taste of the grill. The sticky pork belly, Moo Sam, was a highlight. I also really love sausages from Laos and Northern Thailand, tasty and slightly sour, with an interesting texture.
While these are the Laotian dishes, they have Thai food too! Check it out! read more