Okay. I admit it. I am not a foodie. But I also know what good food tastes like. All of us do, I think.
So here’s a list of what I believe one should not miss when visiting Luang Prabang.
Breakfast: Manda de Laos
Homemade overnight oats. Fresh fruits. Pancakes. Freshly-baked bread. Noodles. Name it. This Laotian restaurant which also serves really good breakfast beside a pond is my favourite morning stop for breakfast after biking around the neighborhood.
Coffee: Saffron
This is definitely my go-to place for good coffee. I even buy beans from the place to take home and give to friends and family. The place is beside the river and has a good selection of pastries to choose from, especially if you come in the morning while everyone has not arrived yet.
Lunch: The Silk Road Kitchen
This restaurant overlooks the Mekong River. This has very good sunset views but very difficult to book during the peak season. So I went there for lunch instead.
There is so much art everywhere, as this is located inside the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, where Lao women weave intricately-designed fabric. But the food is good and enjoying the art after (or before) a meal is a plus.
Afternoon Tea: Le Banneton Café & French Bakery
This place is an institution in itself and people rave about their freshly-base croissants. When I went to this place, I opted for a cup of hot chocolate to pair my almond croissant, while my friend ordered tea. It’s beside the road fronting the Wat Syrimoungkoun Xaiyaram, so location wise, it’s quite central. 5/5. Definitely.
Dinner: Popolo
Hands-down this is the best pizza place in Luang Prabang. It’s on an old building with one side painted with yellow, so it’s impossible to miss. Drinks and cocktail, check. Pizza, pasta, check. Salads, check. When I brought my kids to the city once, this was the place they were raving about. So try at least once.
Bonus: Roadside Noodle Shop – Ban Wat Sene Khao Soi Noodle Shop
This is the noodle shop that both locals and tourists love. The sidestreet lay-out does not attract customers, but the quality and freshness of its food does. This is one of my favourite noodle shops in the world, and you should try it so you will know why.
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