Top 5 Places to Eat in Luang Prabang

Written by Lorraine Aust, Thongchai Phommachanh
13/08/2025
Explore the Royal Palace's intricate architecture surrounded by lush palms in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Desaga Thierry, Pexels

Luang Prabang's culinary landscape presents a delightful fusion of traditional Lao cuisine, French influences, and international dishes, ensuring a varied and satisfying experience for all visitors.

1. Bamboo Garden Restaurant

Cuisine: Traditional Lao Home-style

Nestled away, Bamboo Garden Restaurant offers an authentic taste of Lao home cooking. It is particularly known for its crispy Luang Prabang sausages, which are wonderfully aromatic, and a flavorful Larb, a traditional minced meat salad with a deep savory and tangy profile. The ambiance is modest, providing a genuine local dining experience.

Price: Approximately 40,000 - 80,000 LAK ($2 - $4 USD) per dish, based on typical cheap eats in Luang Prabang.

Getting There: Centrally located, it is typically within walking distance from most main areas.

2. Khaiphaen by Friends Kitchen

Cuisine: Creative Lao Cuisine

Khaiphaen provides creative Lao dishes in an attractive setting. A must-try is their signature dish, 'khaiphaen,' a deep-fried river weed served with homemade silken tofu in a fruit sauce. This establishment also operates as a non-profit, training marginalized youth in culinary and service skills, making it a meal with a purpose.

Price: Meals are generally extremely affordable, with a good selection of dishes available.

Getting There: Located on Sisavang Vatana Road, Ban Wat Nong, within the old town area. Easily accessible by walking or a short tuk-tuk ride.

3. Manda de Laos

Cuisine: Upscale Laotian

Set amidst historic lotus ponds, Manda de Laos offers an upscale dining experience with delicate and refined Laotian cuisine. The immersive tropical setting, particularly at sunset, creates a magical ambiance. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity as a top fine-dining spot.

Price: Higher end, estimated around 200,000 - 400,000 LAK ($10 - $20 USD) per dish or more.

Getting There: Located in a beautiful garden setting, it is generally accessible by tuk-tuk from the main town center.

4. Dyen Sabai Restaurant and Bar

Cuisine: Lao BBQ (Hot Pot)

For a unique hands-on dining experience, Dyen Sabai specializes in Lao-style BBQ, or hot pot. Guests cook their own fresh meats and vegetables, with juices adding flavor to a communal soup. The restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere with reclining seating and scenic views overlooking the Nam Khan River, especially charming when the bridge is lit at night.

Price: Mid-range, typically around 80,000 - 150,000 LAK ($4 - $8 USD) per person for the BBQ experience. There is a small bridge fee of approximately 20,000 LAK ($1 USD) to access.

Getting There: Requires crossing a wobbly wooden bridge over the Nam Khan River, which can be reached by walking or a short tuk-tuk ride to the bridge entrance.

5. Le Banneton Café

Cuisine: French Bakery & Cafe

Reflecting Laos' French colonial past, Le Banneton offers some of the best croissants and pastries outside of France. It is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch, providing a relaxed atmosphere where one can enjoy quality coffee and traditional French baked goods.

Price: Coffee and pastries generally range from 20,000 - 60,000 LAK ($1 - $3 USD).

Getting There: Conveniently located in the heart of the historic district, making it easily accessible by walking.

Check out our other pages on Luang Prabang

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