LAOS- Cool Things To Do In Luang Prabang. Tamarind Restaurant, Tak Bat Ceremony and Kuang Si Falls

 

My son, ever since he was 15 months old has always been willing to try anything new. I tried to establish good eating habits with him early on which means sugary drinks and junk food were never introduced in hopes he'll be forced to eat more fruits and vegetables. Hence, eating out and travelling with him was never an issue. He can pretty much eat anything. 

 My family loves Lao cuisine and have tried it many times in Sydney but being in Luang Prabang meant that we had the opportunity to delve a little deeper into its cuisine. With plenty of wonderful Lao restaurants in Luang Prabang, which one should you try? If you are into exploring the more exotic and authentic flavours of Lao cuisine then go for Tamarind Restaurant, but don't just show up and expect to get a table though, the restaurant is always crowded so a reservation is certainly a must, especially at dinner time.

Many of Tamarind Restaurant's dishes contain complex flavours and exotic ingredients that  tasted incredibly delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed every single dish. These were some of the best Lao dishes I've had the pleasure of tasting and made me wish I was back in Luang Prabang again.

Infused Lao Lao Shot

Stir Fried Young Pumpkin with Kaffir Lime and Ginger.

 Platter of Lao Specialties with Sticky Rice
Luang Prabang Sausage, Dips, Relishes (Jeow), Kai Pen (river weed), Lao Beef Jerky

 Chunky Bamboo Shoot and Vegetable Soup

Stuffed Lemongrass (Oua Si Khai)
Fragrant lemongrass stuffed with chicken, kaffir lime and coriander with lime peanut dipping sauce.

Fish in Banana Leaf (Lok Pa)
Fish in a delicate dill and basil sauce, steamed in a banana leaf parcel. 

Purple Sticky Rice Dessert in Coconut Milk and Tamarind Sauce

Lemongrass Tea

Lao Peanut Brittle
Coffee and Lemongrass Tea

Luang Prabang is the perfect place to see one of the most sacred Lao traditions, the Alms Giving Ceremony known as "Tak Bat", a procession with takes back to the 14th century. Every morning at sunrise people line the streets of Luang Prabang. We set out early at 5:30 am to see the monks come down the main street to receive alms. Do not disrupt the procession to get a selfie and observe this ritual in silence. Just keep your distance, zoom your lenses if you need to, as long as you don't stand in their way and be respectful. It was a humbling experience and worth getting up early for. Do not miss this beautiful ancient ceremony.

 

As part of the tradition, one must leave a small amount of rice on the whitewashed walls of a temple after the "tak bat" ceremony.

After observing the ceremony we went back to our hotel for breakfast. We stayed at Lotus Villa located in the central part of Luang Prabang and situated right next to where the Alms Giving Ceremony happens every morning. The daily breakfast was excellent with lots of options, you can choose anything you want from the menu as long as you finish what you order. You get to relax and enjoy this delicious breakfast at their outdoor terrace with lovely views of its charming little garden. 

 

Mango and Sticky Rice

Lao Khao Soi is Luang Prabang's version of khao soi. It is entirely different from the northern Thai khao soi which is coconut curry based and tasted slightly similar to laksa. Lao khao soi has a light, fragrant broth served with rice noodles and topped with minced pork, tomato, fermented soybeans and chilli. 

On our second day in Luang Prabang we explored a little further afield and hired a local taxi out to Kuang Si Falls. It's a stunning three-tiered waterfall with the opportunity for swimming. Kuang Si Falls is so beautiful where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. It's well worth the journey. 

Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking SchoolAt Ban Vat Sene, Luang Prabang 
(071)213128
info@tamarindlaos.com
*bookings essential

Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel
15, Ban Phone Heuang, 
Unit 3, Kounxoa Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
+856 71-255050